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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

Miss Corrine Warner was playing the piano in her home on South Arthur Street when she suddenly heard a chilling noise.

It was a footstep, on the floor above. Corrine was alone in the house with her sister, Dottie, who was right there with her.

Corrine grabbed a gun and she and Dottie slipped up the stairs. They saw a “big man in a slouch hat and a long black coat” opening a door. He turned around to see the barrel of the gun pointed straight at him.

“Don’t shoot, lady, don’t shoot,” he pleaded, shielding the side of his face.

Dottie went down to call the police station, while Corrine kept the gun on the man, who was beside himself with fear.

“Be careful, lady, be careful, don’t pull the trigger!”

Then he begged, “Don’t call the police, don’t. I’ll go away.”

“I guess you will,” said the dauntless Miss Corrine.

She backed him down the stairs and ordered him out the door.

“I made a mistake,” he bleated, as he ran off.

When police arrived, they asked Corrine why she didn’t hold the man until they arrived.

“I was not taking any more chances,” Corrine said. “The gun was not loaded. But it will be next time.”