months -- and won.

The 62-year-old told yesterday how he was confronted by a would-be robber on Monday night.

He believed the crook may have been shielding a gun in his pocket.

The youth coolly walked into Belvin's Grocery store and demanded: "Give me all your money, I mean it!'' "He then started reaching for something in his back pocket, as if he could be carrying a gun,'' Mr. Pearman recalled. "I immediately set off the alarm.'' The man, wearing a black crash helmet, walked out of the Vesey Street, Devonshire store, escaping empty-handed on a motor cycle.

It is the second time in the last 12 months the store has been targeted.

Last October Mr. Pearman, a heart attack victim, was viciously pummeled by two hooded robbers brandishing a three-foot machete.

One of the men screamed out repeated death threats, before bludgeoning Mr.

Pearman about both arms with the machete's blunt edge.

The thugs escaped with $2,000 in cash and cheques from the till.

Mr. Pearman, who ran to his neighbours, was treated at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

He underwent heart tests following the assault.

The latest incident at the Vesey Street store occurred shortly after 9 p.m.

Mr. Pearman said he was on his guard because the youth had been in the store minutes before, and had asked for a telephone.

"I think he may have been casing the joint. I thought he was up to some tricks when he returned. He just walked through the door and demanded money from the till.

"He said `Give me all your money, I mean it!'. He then started reaching for something in his back pocket as if he was carrying a gun.'' Mr. Pearman, who was by himself, said he set off the alarm, which sounded a siren.

"The man didn't run. He just walked out the door as if he did not want to attract attention.'' The would-be robber jumped on the back of a bike and was driven off west along Middle Road, then left on to Hermitage Road.

Mr. Pearman, who has been at the store 34 years, said Police were on the scene extremely quickly.

"They had been here just five minutes before the incident for a routine check,'' he said. "There have been a number of break-ins in the area recently.'' Mr. Pearman, who was unhurt and did not need hospital treatment, said he had been flooded with phone calls from concerned customers and friends since the incident.

"They were shocked that something like this could happen again,'' he said.

"But as you can see I am back at work, and am all right. I'm not considering giving up work.'' Mr. Pearman said extra security measures may be brought in.

He said he would consult with his security company about installing a camera.

The crook was six feet tall, weighed 190 pounds and was of dark brown complexion. He was wearing dark clothing.

The bike rider was wearing a red crash helmet.

The Police investigation is headed by Det. Insp. Jonathan Smith, who appealed for witnesses.

He said he particularly wanted to speak to a lady in a green car stopped at the junction of Vesey Street and Middle Road around the time of the incident.

Witnesses should contact Det. Insp. Smith on 295-0011.

Mr. William Pearman.