Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 133, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 June 1913 — Turns in fire Alarm and Races Cop on Wheel [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Turns in fire Alarm and Races Cop on Wheel

DETROIT, MlCH.—Francis Sheahan, four-year-old son of Col. P. J. Sheahan, attorney, merely wanted, to see the engines dash up the street when he turned in a false alarm the other afternoon from Second avenue and High street. Pedaling up the street oh velocipede, Francis came to a halt in front of a red-painted post surmounted by a small box of the same bright hue. The box presented possibilities to his young mind and he set about devising ways and means for calling the fire department to the scene. He could not reach the glass. Obtaining a small stick, be smote the pane and shattered it. This done, he mounted to the saddle

of his velocipede and hooked his forefinger in the iron ring. The rest happened automatically. The wheels of the velocipede started in motion and Francis’ whole weight Was thrown on the chain attached to the alarm.

Frightened at what he had done, Francis again mounted his trusty iron steed and started to run for it, going down the street as fast as his little legs could woitk the pedals. He had not gone half a block; however, before the fire engines, a motorcycle patrolman and the motor car patrol rushed into the street with a roar, and he was pointed out as the culprit by a crowd of boys which had collected and witnessed the proceedings.

Francis’ puny efforts to put a distance between himself and the scene of his little escapade were as naught compared to the power of gasoline in a motorcycle. He was quickly captured and taken home to his father.

History does not relate what haj> pened before the Interview concluded, but it is said the family slipper was used in the traditional manner.