Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1882-02-10
London SWlndlcrS.

bub 49,
fine art. The modes vary with circum'
stances, and with the ingenuity OF the
thieves. Sometimes rich and preten-
tious Americans are chosen as victims.
\ gentleman who returned from Eug-
land lately gives his experience. tie
was looking for apartments one day on
Craven street hich is given up to
lodging houses-and fell in with q
gentleman bent on the same GRAND
They happened to enter two or three
houses together. examining the apart
ments, and finally exchanged smile,
and word or two expressive of disap'
pointment.
/" 1t is Derby week. said the stran-
ger, who proved to be a Dane. The
best lodgings are taken here. Shall
60 to Blank street and try there.
! He bowed and walked on; and the
American followed him.
On Blank street they had no better
! luck. The American continued the
conversation after the sociable habit Of
his people. The Dane was polite but
reserved.
As they passed from one house tt
another fat, jovial old gentleman, the
very ideal of m English squire, walk
ing before them, pullcd out his hand
kerchief from his coat-pocket and witt
it purse.
THAT man dropped his purse" said
the Dane.
Eyes. Halo, my frienl!" cried the
American, picking it up. The country
gentleman stopped, clapped his hands
to his pockets.
"Bless my soul! lam exceedingly
obliged to you. gentlemen!' taking the
purse and ORA wing out piece of gold
with doubtful look. "No, no, can
of er you rewardl But come in and
take glass of wine with me; here is Il
little chop-house.
Oar friends declined, but the old
man WAS hearty and urgent, and they
consented. He seemed to DO very
ingenious simple. minded old man. ard
while they sat drinking the wine, told
them his story.
He was up in town to receive a
legacy left him by an eccentric uncle.
The money was all to be paid over that
week, but attached to it wasa strange
condition that he 1.-THE legatee) before
receiving it should give five thousand
dollars each to an American, Dane, a
German, Frenchman and an Italian
for distribution among thepoor of theil
respective countries.
my uncle had made his ortune in
trading with these nations, and no fell
he owed them debt of gratitude.
said this apparently simple-hearted old
gentleman. II wish the matter was
arranged, for until it is done canno
enter on my own bequest. I know nj
foreigners-Bless mel Why should ]
not give two of the shares to you YOU
are Dane and an American. You art
honest m en- as I have just proved.
will bring the money here tonight and
pay it over to you on your word o.
honor that you will distribute it among
the poor when you return home"
The Dane looked puzzled and doubt
full; the American suspicious. "Wha,
shall you require from us in return
You know nothing of us" he asked.
81! shall require nothing. Excep,
it might be better for you to bring 6
ir h', say twenty pounds or SO, will
J. IL, or q check on your banker-simply
10 ;.rove that you have u bank accoun
and are not a needy man."
The American rose and reached the
street with one or two hasty steps.
The Dane followed him. "What do
you think?" he whispered. "Had we
better accept this trust?"
"Doyo see that policeman yonder ~
said the American. 81 give you two
minutes -
But one was enough. The Dane dis
appeared with his confederate.
Our traveller was told by his English
friends that the trick was an old one,
and had proved effective with many an
unwary traveller, who, bringing his
twenty pounds, had been speedily
gagged and robbed by the Dane and
the benevolent old countryman.
Story of the Tomato.