Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-09-02
a SHARP TRICK.
How a Boston Youth Kept Himself Supplied
with Money.

Boston Post.
young marlin dark suit and wear
ing felt hat rushed up to an excursion
ist at Revere beach yesterday, and, as
fast as his tongue could articulate, said:
''See here, am expecting some friends
down on the next train whom | wish to
entertain, but, being little short. wont
you be so kind as to lend me 81 on this
gold pen and case?" at the same time
taking from his pocket a beautifully
chased holder, with a little black wooden
projection at each end. By gentle pull
at one of them a glisteuing gold pen
shot out, making very pretty es-
Enlistment to have in ones pocket.
Without question the party drew forth
81 bill, handed it to the stranger, and
received the pen and holder as secur-
ity.
L only want this for an hour" said the
man in the dark suit, as he rolled up the
bill and tucked it away in his vest pocket.
Money lending isn't just the thing on
Sunday, said the conscience-stricken ex-
cursionist, as heloyingly fondled the glis-
tening collateral for his 81. II hope
that fellow can't find me when he wants
to redeem his pledge. / have been want
ing a pen of this kind for a long time.
Isn't it beauty? I'll tuck it away in my
pocket and go up to the hotel and keep
shady for an hour, and then scoot for
Boston," and, with hurried strides, he
reached the big piazza and mixed IN with
the moving throng. Meeting two of his
friends a short time afterward he was
tempted to inform them of his transac-
ton with the stranger; SO, when oppor-
tun1ty afforded, he pulled out the hypO-
thecated pen and holder, and related the
circumstances by which he became its
possessor.
Lets look at it little Closer" said
both his companions in a breath, as each
one stretched forth hand.
"Why, it's the exact image of one I
just loaned a stranger 81 on said one,
and the perfect type of one on which |
gave a stranger ST." said the other.
Silence lestedsupon the trio for an in
slant, when all exclaimed:
''We have been swindled; these things
amt worth 3 cents.''
But it was a clever trick" remarked
one of the purchasers of old brass, 'Ill
keep mine as a reminder that all is not
gold that glitters."
and so will l." chimed in the sec
ond.
''Well, I may keep mine," said the
third. ''But intend to get even with
this man"
Going to the depot he told his story to
the ticket agent, and requested him to
hold the fellow if he attempted to play
his game at the office; and that he would
stand nearby with an officer, and cage the
bird and put an end to his little game.
They didn't have long to wait, for in a
few minutes young man hurridly ap
preached the ticket Office, and began
fumbling in his pockets for the price of
fare to Boston. Suddenly out came one
of those holders which he offered the
railroad man for a ticket. The sign was
given and the ambushed officer bounced
upon the fraudulent stationer and march
ed him off 80 the Revere lookup, and he
will be arranged in the Chelsea court to-
day.
No one will ever know the number of
persons who carried away light hearts
from the beach yesterday in the belief
that they possessed a nice gold pen and
holder that cost but 81.