American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1858-03-18
CITYOF LANCASTER
TRNTsdny Morn'g. Mnrc1 Is, ,Is5
(From the True Fiag.)
MY GOLD WATCH.
BY JOHN BAwL1N, POLICEMAN.

I never got sold. professionally, but
once, and that was by Bill Saftou, the for
gcr, pickpocket, member of the London
swell mob, &c, &c. He was an adroit
rogue, and the period Of the transaction
am about to narrate, had more confidence
in human nature than have been able to
retain in long experience with knaves
and rascals since that time.
Tho signature of a prominent mercan-
tile firm had been affixed to check for
fourteen hundred and fifty dollars, and
odd cents; the latter item probably annex
cd to max it look like regular business
: transaction.
& The forgery was fortunately discovered
"A few hours after the bank had paid the
check, the teller having an alter-suspicion
that all was not right. The check was
placed in my hands by member Of the
firm, 10 whose counting room had been
summoned. 1t was not very good imi-
raation, and wonder that the teller had
not suspected the mischief before, But
the chance OF catching the rascal was ex-
cellent, for the paper had been forged at
their desk, and before their own eyes.
"He vas TIE mos! impudent scoundrel
I met" said Mr.. Love. "You see the
desk there?"
,.lj 1t was large understanding desk.
Upon the inner side was was a writing
table at which Mr.. Lowe usually sat.
'.He presented me letter tf introduc-
tion from our London correspondent"
continued Mr.. Lowe, 1 gave him cordial
greeting, and he's down by my side, and
Se cbatted familliarly for half an hour
He then asked me several questions con
cerning various localities in the city, and
seemed very particular in regard to the
name Of firm with whom he declared he
had business. He rose from his chair anc
went to the desk on the other side, an!
wrote down the directions | gave him, al
Il 1 supposed. Our check book was oper
upon the desk, and instead of writing thu
directions, he must have filed out the
check. The signature Of the firm was at
@ tached to several papers near him, SO tina
he had a copy to write from. Still talk
ing to me he tore of what now belev
was the check, and put it into his pocket.
How do you know he did this?'
4 a.Because missed check, and this on
Sust fits where the lost one was torn out
sGThe number is all right
!. zsWill you let me see the cheok-book|
= Mr.. Lowe complied, and l carefull
scrutinized the page. On on Of the check
: I found a peculiar impression, which mus
have been made by the sharp corner of
ring, worn upon the little finger. Th
mark extended across the page, and haV
ing by trial assured myself that it wa
made by the person who had written tn
forged check, took my leave. after enter
ing into my memorandum book particu
iar description of the rogue.
I satisfied myself as to what manner Il
must have held his pen to make so stron
an impression with the ring. The han
must have been turned over 20 the righ
and the scratchy appearance CT the writin
confirmed my view.
II was now four o'clock in the afternoon
Knowing he must be magnificent rasca
/ went directly to the fremont Hous
and examined the register. To my sati
faction, found that sharp scratch mark
the ring upon the book. Taking the PEI
/ measured the distance in order that
might determine which name had bet
written by him, and fixed upon that
iG. Donaldson
L inquired for the gentleman and learnt
that he was about starting for New Yor
He was very much engaged. and the Gle
had orders to deny him to his friends
But such friend as l was could not
denied. Went up to his room and knoc
!, ed. He came to the door himself, and
was satisfied that he was the forger.
q You are my prisoner remarked,
King the bracelets out Of my pocket.
s 'Eh?' said he ooolly, as he stepped o
Of the room, and closed the. door behil
him.
! again stated my business and he laug