The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1866-07-14
WHOLE NO. so.
The Honest Thief.

aged man, who though poor, had always
been noted for strict honor and integrity,
and whose whole course Of life was regular
as clock.work. Each morning he left bis
modest dwelling At precisely the same hour,
! passed through the old.clothes market 10
his Bureau. and after six hours labor was
accomplished returned home by the self.
same route. His garmets were shabby from
long service, aud the covering on his cap
was worn 10 shreds. The urgent solicite.
tions OF his daughters finally induced him
to replace the latter article I; aud seeing
some Of u green color one day in q shop
window. he went in and inquired the price.
The shOpman. however, refused 10 sell
them, on the plea that they were already
bespoke. aud offered to show him others Of
different hue but the old man had set
bis heart on green.
WE'LL then. said the man. il you must
absolutely have II, take IL. aud IL needs
must ] can finish another by tomorrow to
take It's place.
The bargain was accordingly concluded.
aud the next day no small excitement
was created by the appearance Of the cap,
which elected from his colleagues smiling
congratulations upon his successful pur
chase.
Two days ailerward. the heat being in
tense IN the bureau. he felt in his pocket
for his handkerchief. in order To wipe the
perspiration from his face. aud he drew forth
to hl- great establishment, one of fne India
fOulard silk. lie showed il TO his colleagues
and inquired IL he had not by mistake ap.
propriHted another persons property; hot
one and all disclaimed all kn"wlpdRe Of IL,
aud agreed unanimously that II must be a
surprise from one OF bis daughters.
Children, said he. upon his return TO
his house, who has done this Do you
wish TO make me vain in my old age 2
His daughters also declared their igno.
rance OF the matter, and. after many ran.
dom guesses. finally made up their minds
that IL must have been put in his pocket by
their cousin. who spent the last sunday
with them and the handkerchi hief was care.
fully put aside by their father.
On the following day. as he was carefully
spreading his coat.tails in order TO seat
himself at his desk. he felt something hard
in both his pockets. and putting in his hand
brought out from one n gold watch and
from the other q well.furnished purse
This time his reason was overwhelmed !;
but after long reflection be formed a sud.
den resolution. lie had been more pune.
tual than the other officials. and was alone
in the room he therefore determined 90
say nothing 10 them of his discovery, and
as soon as the Office hours were over he
went directly 10 the Chief of the Police
aud solicited u private audience lie then
produced the watch and purse. and related
the history Of the handkerchief. After the
Chief had fully possessed himself Of all the
particulars he said
II Is very singular Has nothing Of the
kind ever happened 10 you before !!
Neser before last week
Have YOU made any change in your
dress within that time ?
No
Recolleci {"
Oh yes. certainly bought new cap
Tell me how and where YOU bought IT,
The old man told him everything con.
neeted with his purchase, upon which the
chief laughed heartily and exclaimed
Poor. honest man tia, y0n are. you
have become member OF n band
of thieves . DO you not perceive. Tho
twenty caps of the same shape and color
were TO serve them as a mark for recOgni-
ton and as every pickpocket seeks TO di-
vest himself as quickly as possible Of his
stolen goods, they have taken YOU for an
accomplice. and transferred these articles
to your pockets. We are greatly indebted
TO accident and 10 you. Take this money
and buy another cap from one Of the prin.
cipai magazines then bring this one back
immediately for as | hope TO have the
whole gang IN my power TO morrow you
must not run the risk Of being arrested a So
The old man wen; into q shop and pur-
chased another covering for his head but
as be was about TO tie up the cap in his
l.. -
the police-oflice. he found in the crown. to
his no small surprise. q costly piece Of lace.
lie fastened TO deliver tbs fresh booty in
10 the hands OF the Chief who again burst
into peal OF laughter when he h"hrld the
despalring couhtenance Of the honest thief.
The necessary measures were Immediate
ly taken. Two dozen detectives were made
acquainted with the form Of the cap and
simultaneously. at precisely the same hour.
every possessOr Of the sign was placed ia
dnrance vile.