The Pioneer Express

LOOKED LIKE AN UMBRELLA
But It Was a Second-Story Sneak-Thief's Step Ladder

Maj. Moore's office in the District building is a curiosity shop. He has there a collection of articles used by the criminals who have been run down by the metropolitan police; but there is one particular article among them that is probably the center of interest.

In appearance it resembles an umbrella that has seen much service, or it might be taken for a stage umbrella, such as is used by Marks in "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

This imitation umbrella was formerly the property of a burglar, and it was by its means that he was able to enter the second story of a building. Removing the cover, a stick wound with rope is revealed. The stick opens like a telescope, or a jointed fishpole. Wound around it is a rope ladder made of strong material and about thirteen feet in length. The ladder is only wide enough for one foot to be placed in on the rounds.

The extending stick was used to raise one end of the ladder to the window through which the operator wished to enter, and on one end of the ladder are two hooks to be fastened to the sill. The contrivance was taken from a colored burglar named James Moore, who is now serving out a twenty years sentence in the Albany penitentiary for house-breaking.

Moore was first arrested about ten years ago. It was then that he made use of the ladder to gain admittance to the houses that tempted him. He was an old sailor, and while on board ship he learned the art of making and splicing rope. Entering the field of crime, he conceived the idea of the rope ladders. It is regarded as one of the most ingenious affairs ever made use of by a thief. He carried no other tools, as he was what is known in police circles as a "summer thief," one who works when windows are left open. Moore operated alone, as he was afraid to trust a "pal."—Washington Post.