The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-07-20
From the New York sun, July Is.
A Den Of C0uRterfeiters--.Ho nIs
E.nira Gentleman became IL Detee-

N OGh Oh "is
E.lnira Gentleman became Betee-
tive.
About two weeks since the detectives
made descent upon counterfclterS' den
in Mott Haven. They then thought that
they had destroyed one of the great foun-
tains from whence flow the thousands OF
dollars of spurious scrip which inundate
the country, and, as detectives are not at
all shy or modest, they congratulated them
selves upon their unexpected good fortune
But this was only side show. The vast
and boundlesB desert of the far West IL
better suited for this ncfarious business,
and it is there that the work is done. But
the evil-doer is safe nowhere, and although
he might for time thrive and prosper, yet
his time is sure to come sooner or later.
4 PLEASANT TRAVELLING COMPANION
is Il species of trcasure-trove. Many last
ing friendships have first originated in ca
sual meetings on the steamboat or railway
car hundreds of miles from home. Now,
Mr.. Merritt, an old citizen of Elmira, was
coming, about week since, from Cheyenne
TO Omaha. He was sitting alone in the cars,
when young and apparently respectable
gentleman, anxious, no doubt, to relieve
himself and Mr.. Merritt of part of the mo-
nctony and duilness of the journey, APP
preached and engaged him in conversation.
in the course of an hour the strangers win
ming manners had completely gained Mr..
Merritt's goodwill. Their conversation was
at first common place. By-and-bye the I'm
known began the narration Of his history.
from nothing to wealth, riches, opulence.
o,,1 /, ,Drlyc
countless.
THE COUNTERFEIT FlFTY-D0LLAR BILL.
By-thc-way, Mr. Merritt, here is a sta
ton where we will stop to dinner, and l
have no less change than q fifty-dollar bill.
Can YOU accommodate me shall thank
YOU ever SO much," said the stranger.
Certainly, sir, with pleasure, answered
MIR. Merritt, taking out his well-flled purse
and counting out fifty dollars in genuine le-
gal-tender notes of Uncle Sam. Hehanded
the money to the stranger, who in turn gave
him ffty-dollar bill, which MIR. Merritt
put in his pocket-book. 1t was counter
lett, and he knew it, but said nothing.
They dined at the Unknown's expense.
\ princely dinner it was, too. Mr.. Merritt
buried himself in deep thought for some
time. He taxed his brain to guess if he
had ever seen that face before. The voice,
the manner, everything about theman, was
go familiar to him. Mr.. Merritt had been
a merchant before he became farmer, and
while engaged in the former business had
come in contact with all sorts of people
REMEMBRANCE OF TIE PAST.
He kept on thinking, and after straining
his memory as much as he could, a ray of
sunshine shone on him. He looked sharply
AT the gentleman, to satisfy himself. Yes,
it was he; but the rogue was SO much
altered that he could just recognize him
and no more. He had false moustache,
and wore u wig; but in spite of oil these
disguises the treacherous little gray eyes
betrayed him. Ten years before he had tried
TO pass ten-dollar counterfeit bill upon
him, but he was caught, arrested, tried,
convicted, and sentenced to short term of
imprisonment. Certain it was that he had
not been reformed.
w k~TRAP LAID.
Mr.. Merritt, being man of means, has
plenty of leisure on his hands. After due
reflection he determined to follow this per-
sistcnt counterfeiter and ascertain every
thing concerning him and his gang, if he
had one. He was certain that this bust
ness required manufacturers and great
! deal Of capital. He became his bosom friend
ssslhey were inseparable-two brothers.
Y TOUR OF THE wEsT-THE DISCLOSURE
They travelled in company from Omaha
toS st. Louis, thence to st. Joseph, Dubuque,
Prairie du Chen, SC. Between Madison
and GAINESVILLE the Unknown told his secret
to Mr.. Merritt, and proposed that he should
engage in it. He went on to enumerate its
success and prosperity, displayed about
$40, 900 worth Of the stuff, and concluded
by saying that they must get out at James
vile, because his "pals and the house
were near there. Mr.. Merritt had no OBJ
lection to this arrangement. On the con-
trary, lie was rejoiccd at being enabled to