Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-05-18
A Precious Set Of seoundreIs- s-DIsmoad

ffecious Set Of sooundrels-Dlamond
Cut Diamond. r.
Robert Houdin in his last work relates
this story; ..
Three Greeks who had formed partner
ship to work their trade, went forth in diff-r
dittctions in search of dupes. One of them,
a young Italian, surnamed Candor, prob
ably on account of his astute skill, one day
informed his colleagues that be had dscot-
cred young man of good family, recently
arrived in the capital. He was rich, fond Of
gambling, and prodigal to an excess-qual-
tiles highly appreciated by the Athenians.
They also learned from the Italian that the
provincial was going to the opera that very
pight. -a I-G
prey; the plan of attack was straightway
formed, and, when all the combinations
were arranged, they proceed together 10 the
opera, where they soon came across the
young capitalist. The Italian addressed
him, and introduced his two friends under
titles borrowed from the peerage. They
walked about, and talked until the eonversa-
ton became 50 interesting that they did not
separate again. The young gentleman, in
fact was SO ENCHANTED with his new ac-
quAintances that he invited them to sup with
him at the Maison Doree. The meal was
worthy of the Amphitryon, and nothing
was begrudged to treat such agreeable guests
properly. -
In order to prolong the pleasure of the
meeting play was proposed, and they agreed
TO have game of bouLlohe. While the
table was being prepared, our three scamps
managed to get together, and, on Candor's
proposition, they arranged that the provin-
cial must be allowed to win at the outset
three thousand francs, after which he would
be plundered without mercy. The game
began under most favorable condition for
The Greeks for the young gentleman laid on
the table o pocket-book apparently we'll.
lined, from which be produced five hun
dTed. franc note. Fortune, Influenced by the
rogues, SO favored the provincial that in
short time he was in possession of the sum
intended to act as bait. He proposed, of bis
own accord, doubling the stakes, but at this
moment he drew his handkerchief from his
pocket and it was seen that he was attacked
by a bleeding at the nose.
Excuse me, he ssids as he rose; ~ shall
be with you again very shortly-I only ask
for five minutes, as it very rare for this in
trinity, to which l am subject, to last
longer'-and he at once quilted the room,
leaving the pocket. book on the table. Can
dor, moved by asJmpathetic soul, followed
his new friend to assist him, or, more cor
rectJy speaking, TO escape with him at full
spted. In truth, the rich provincial was
Partisan scamp, with whom Candor had
made an arrangement to rob his partners;
the handkerchief, previously stained with
blood, was only the conclusion TO the farce,
the first act of which had been played at the
opera. Here, however, the drama did not
end. Candor and his accomplice going off
with the portfolio, determInedio 10 appropriate
it, and share the spoils. On reaching the
street, one said to the other, "You had better
go up. stairs and leave message that we
have gone to the Cafe Riehe, which will
divert suspicion and give US time to escape.n
He innocentiy did so; and no sooner was
his back turned than his friend bolted, to
stick to the whole contents of the pocket.
book-wbich were forged bank-notes, the
rascal who went back with the message
having adroitly removed the real money
and substituted the false.