Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1883-11-08
STREET SWINDLES.
A New York Correspondents Account
Of BOwery Encounter.

No. 1872, with a groggery in the base
ment, q number Of rascals in the gTog-
gerry, and variety of curious wiles in
the rascals. This Is a kind Of head
quarters for operators known as street
fakirs-prize candy pedlars, three-card
monte men and other petty swindlers.
They are usually on vacation while
here, having returned from trips to
horse races, country fairs and other
occasions of concourse. But when
their money runs out before their
play spell does. they sometimes go TO
work close by. Thus circumstanced,no
doubt, was the low-browed, unshaven,
greasy-coated chap who to day opened
a black bag on tripod at the outer
edge of the sidewalk in front Of 1872.
He had about two dozen small cubes
wrapped in white paper like caramels.
lie took several 81 and 81 dollar
bills from his pocket. making as rich
display as possible on a meagre
capital.
81 am going to roll this ere 81 note
round this ere block of wood" he
said, suiting his action TO the words,
land there it is, all done up neat, and
! holds it atwixt my thumb and fin
ger" which he unquestionably did.
"Now keep your eyes on it, for I'm go
ing to fool you. | throws it into the
pile of blocks-so-and yer can't tell
now which it is.
But we could, for he had dropped it
quite separate from the rest, and SC
slowly that there could be no doubt
about its identity. Then he asked a
Observation-Disclosures a stool-pigeon or
not made no difference to the game-to
pick out three of the wrapped blocks.
This was done, and, of course, the Sc
lection included the one containing the
money. He laid these in a row, and
at that point changed the prize for
blank by deft "palming."
"Now, III sell the three for half a
dollar" he said, and ratified along with
nonsensical argument until fool
made the purchase. The crowd laugh
ed at the dupe, when he opened the
parcels and found no bank note; and
yet it soon. provided other purchasers,
and in Is minutes the rascal had taken
in So. A policeman sauntered by, but
did not interfere. A scowling pal, by
driving off all the boys, prevented the
crowd from reaching undesirable pro
portions. The seventh deal was in
progress. 1t was intcntly watched 10y
a fellow who was fully foot taller,
proportionately broader and incompar-
ably brawnier than the gambler. His
character was unmistakable by any,
body in the least familiar with New
York types. He was Bowery slug
ger. If not employed to whip or eject
disturbers in some concert hall, it was
simply because he had temporarily
given up business to go out on a
spree. His condition was palpably
that Of an inebriety which, by long
duration rather than present intensity
filled him from the tousled hair that
stuck through his broken hat to his
toes, that threatened similar escape
from his muddy shoes His trousers
pockets were empty, except for his
hands, judging by the size of those
maulers when he pulled them out, but
an exploration of his vest resulted in
the discovery of so cents, He tender
ed the coin and reached for the three
cubes that the swindler had tempting
ly displayed, but there was sudden
tendency on the part of that individ-
ual to reform.
Mind, don't say there's 81 in this
lot" he said in a forced, even ghastly
vein of pleasantly; "Ill guarantee you
that there amt" and he winked elab
orately at the slugger, as much as to
say confdentially, between themselves,
that of course it was only sucker
that would fool his money away.
The slugger was not to be repelled.
He had made up his mind to play that
game to win. He held his half-dollar
for a second aloft, with gesture that
made his biceps distend his coat sleeve
significantly, and then made the silver
ring among the little packets. "You
lie" and here some of his personally
descriptive words are not quotable;
there's a 81 rag in one of 'em, and
don't you make no mistake. I'm
buying 'em, and the moneys right in
side" He waved his big forefnger
close under the swindler's nose.
This game is for greenies," and the
wolf-turned-lamb bleated very mildly.
"This games for me-right now
and I'm awaiting" was the uncom-
promising growl in response; Three for
hellef a dollar. Toss 'em over"
The swindler parted rather with the