Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1880-10-30
TO THE TUNE OF $500.
How CITIZEN OF THIS COUNTY WAS
FLEECED IN BALTIMORE.

Just prior to the opening OF their
present centennial celebration, the au'
thorites of Baltimore announced that
the police department had taken extra
ordinary precautions towards the pro-
lection of visitors from the swarms OF
sharks and sharpers that ordinarily vex
the, honest citizen on such occasions;
butthat their efforts were not attended
with complete success is the testimony.
of at least one well-known citizen OF
this section of the State.
During last week Mr.. James Elgln,
living near the Washington county line,
near Weaverton, visited the city TO see
the sights. Just before his return home,
while on his way to the depot, he was
met by a gentleman of insinuating ad-
dress, who accosted him as an old &C
oaaintance. "But you have me at
disadvantage, sir; couldn't say that
-" "Oh. don't remember mel inter
rupted the stranger, "why, I've met you
often while l was clerking in the Ha-
gerstown bank. May be it's the way l
wear my beard now. Yes, yes, I've
been lately elected cashier, too. Glad
to see you" and he joined MIR. Elgln,
explaining that he TOO was just on his
way to the depot, and was delighted to
find such pleasant travelling companion.
Before reaching their destination,
however, they stopped, at the strangers
request, and entered what appeared TO
be brokers' office. Here behind rail
ING such as is common in such places,
sat man at desk with papers strewed
about and appeared to be deeply i'm
mersed in business.
Stepping up to this man, Mr.. Eigln $
companion began to explain that he had
come to settle that matter now and
square the thing up by giving his check
'ior the full amount (2O0) and take
receipt"
But" exclaimed the gentleman be
hind the desk, sit is too late now for
me to cash check. The banks are
closed, though I'd as soon have your
check as the cash. There's no Difficult
ty about that of course. But III just
have TO turn this money over and Use it
this afternoon. So Id like the cash if
convenient"
But" said the other, 81 have only
SIS about me-" And turning to MIR.
EIgin, said, Maybe you can accommo-
date me till we get home?"
Mr.. Elgin having the money with
him, very generously proceeded to sac
commodate" his new-made friend. Clos
ing his transaction Mr.. Elgin ard his
companion again started for the train.
When within few squares of the de-
pot the stranger requested Mr.. Elgln to
wait a moment while he got cigar
around the corner Whether he ever
got his cigar or not Mr.. Elgin cannot
say, since from that time to this the late
" elected cashier has not reported. AT
ter waiting half an hour, Mr.. Elgin, his
suspicion being pretty we'll aroused,pro-
cured a policeman and went back TO the
brokers' office to institute an investiga-
ton.
. On entering the house, what was his
amazement to find himself in an elegant
parlor where lady was seated playing
a piano. The whole scene had chang
ed ! The broker had disappeared, and
with him his pens, papers, desk, railing
and all. 1t then became apparent to
Mr.. Elgin's bewildered faculties that he
had become the victim of fraud SO
huge as to leave him with grievance
unutterable. His 5000 are gone and
lis faith in human nature is total
wreck. The police as yet have no clue
to the identity of the rascal who perpe-
tated this fraud.-Frederick (Ud.)