Tall, Brawny Crimed Foils Masked Robbers

The second in a series of daring nighttime robberies at the CRIMSON failed early yesterday morning when two masked teen-agers field at the sight of Stephen F. Ells '56, a photo editor. Ells is six feet, three inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds.

The robbers entered the building about 3 a.m. and escaped with a $75 camera. Frightened by Ells, they abandoned it in the parking lot next to the CRIMSON.

Alone at Desk

Ells was alone at his desk in the office when the robbers, wearing handkerchiefs over their faces, surprised him and announced that it was a hold-up. At first Ells though it was a joke, and remained seated at his desk.

The leader of the robbers, about five feet, six inches, drew a knife and demanded Ells' wallet which contained $15. The leader told his shorter companion, "Go in and got him." Then Ells got up from his desk. The boys took one look at him and fied from the building.

As Ells was notifying Cambridge Police, Thomas H. Stearns '53 came out of the photo darkroom. Stearns, unaware of what had happened, discovered that his camera and bag had been stolen. The janitor of the building next door found the camera in the parking lot. It was in good condition.

Upon arriving at the scene, the police asked Ells whether the bandits were Yale or Radcliffe students, or perhaps Communists.

Second in Three Days

This was the second robbery in three days. Robbers also entered the CRIMSON building last Friday morning between 2 and 4 a.m. They broke into a cigarette machine and took the cigarettes and money, and stold a tweed jacket belonging to Michael J. Halberstam '53.

The police, baffled by both cases, have discovered no leads. However, they are continuing to work on them.