Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-09-02
nLn MAN rnnnnnn.
EHow Some strangers Robbed an
.rs..f fyl9Nwa..

Aged Citizen.
One Of the boldest and most neatly ex-
acuted confidence games which has yet
been perpetrated ~ the light fingered
gentry in this city, occurred Friday,
the victim being one of Wilmington's
leading citizens.
Thomas ID. was formerly a we'll
known hotel proprietor, but advancing
| age forced him to retire. He yesterday
celebrated his seventy eighth birthday
and was leisurely walking up Market
street shortly before noon, when he was
aecosted opposite the city hall by we'll
dressed, intelligent young man, who adj
| dressed him Familiarity. The two were
soon entered into mn interesting CONVEX
sation.
The young man represented himself as
a hook-agent,. and in remembrance of
their friendship, the young man desired
to give his elderly friend copy of u G
| Encyclopedia of Delaware, but he did not
have il with him. EIe then took him to a
house near Eighth and Poplar streets,
whore the hooks were stored, and here
the Wilmingtonian was introduced to an
other gentleman who was represented
Us n fellow bOok-agent. Tho younger
1 Aiib AltAN fAtWNtl llltlhGAt bDhN tuN NbDltn
furnished them by the publication house
were not to be used, but as he had prom
ised 10 give him gift, he handed the
aged dupe ticket in some lottery scheme,
which was now cautiously unfolded and
which the confederate explained he
was going to play in this city,
hut only among the better class
of people. Tho victim pulled
the cork under water and captured $40
on his first venture. The new operators
produced several thousand dollars, prob
ably counterfeit money, with which they
| spurred their victem on. Game aftoI
game Was played until the Wilmingtonihr
and one of the confidence men who was
feigning to be a mere patron of the game
had each won S. 900.
The man who ostensibly conducted
the scheme than made out as though he
desired to pay over the amount, only that
he wanted 50, 500 security before he
could pay it. The victim WINS so blinded
by excitement that he won't mp town, goi
note for $4,000, Endorsed by d
leading business man and discounted
at one of our leading bank.
ana returned with the money, which
he handed over. The man made O
plausible excuse to leave the room and
did not return. II was some time before
the victim realized that no had beer
swindled, but it was fully four hours
afterward before he made complaint al
the police station. The birds had ther
flown.
The police of New York, Philadelphia
Baltimore and other large cities were at
once notified to keep a lookout for thu
sharpers, whose description as far 81
possible, was also forwarded
The aged victim was seen Friday after
noon by GAZETTE reporter, ant
although he would give none of the par
ticulars, he said the amount involved wal
81, 500. 'Its done and can't help it,
he added, with faint attempt at smile
He is making efforts to have the maj
captured, when he says he willgiyea a full
statement of the affair. Great sympath,
is extended to him from all sides, as tn
loss will be keenly felt.
The police are making all efforts I,
catch the two men. The victim says h
has engaged n Pinkerton detective h
/ track the sharpers. In few days, Ii
says, that he will give full account q
the swindle.