Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 37, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 September 1895 — Tramps Stole the Air. [ARTICLE]

Tramps Stole the Air.

“Say, officer, I wish you’d drive those hoboes away or run them to," requested the manager of a Market street cycle ry. “They’re hanging around the door trying to steal our air all day long.” “Trying to steal what?" “Our air. What we use to Most up pneumatic tires with." “Do you fellows own the air here? Do you rent It with the premises? You’ll be accusing somebody of running off with your sunbeams next. I suppose these hoboes grab a handful of air when you ain't looking, Joan It In their pockets, and run, eh?” "Well, if you don’t believe It, Just come back here and watch." The clerk led the way to the back part of the establishment, where he and the oflleer concealed themselves behind a curtain. In & moment a big tramp peered In at the dor, mopped tlie perspiration from his face, slipped up to the little rubber hose attached to the air compressor In the basement, thrust the nozzle Into his steam tog collar and turned the stopcock. The wind whistled through his clothes, and for a moment he was the picture at contentment. Before he could got cooled off two more were anxiously waiting their turn at the nossln The officer took him to the city prison and wanted to charge him with petty larceny for stealing air, but had to moke It disturbing the peace.— San Francisco Post