The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-06-03
WOMEN WHO STEAL.
q Floor-Walker Tells of His Ex-
per1ence With Them.

Wasn't it rather strange, the arrest
of those respectable ladies the other
day, for stealing in State street store?"
was asked of an old floor walker in the
retail dry goods trade.
Yes, it was strange that they were
arrested and put through was the re-
ply. 1T is nothing uncommon, though,
for women presumably respectable to
be caught slowing away on their per-
sons goods they have not paid for he
went on to say. How they get off de-
ponds on the store where they are
picked up. You know all don't have
the same classes of customers. nor do
al have the same ideas about the effect
publicity of such affairs would have on
their trade. tell yOu it is pretty hard
sometimes to refrain from prosecution.
considering the number of cases we
have, and no one will hesitate in
fragrant eases, even if it is only for
making IN example of the parties -
''Do you really have many eases of
shop-lifting?' inquired the reporter.
''Not SO many seem to get into print"
That is nothing to 90 by at all.
Some stores have half dozen Il day.
1t is mOnotOnOuS. not to say worse. to
go into court with them. and see the
firm ) name in print daily in such
connection. Who wants that? Not
any Gne, know. The loss bv stealage
is enough, Lord knows. but eyes have
to be closed to il. What temptation
there can be to most of the offender
passes my Imagination. We have good
reason to know it is seldom for want of
money to make the purchase. Perhaps
they think they have not got their
moneys worth i'm previous trade. and
will run all the risks TO get even by
stealing. Now look there, for in
stance" pointing TO the glove counter
a por:!v lady. Hastily clad in plush
cloak, silk dress, and fashionable hat,
see med leisurely engaged in making a
selection from several boxes before her.
She had stool there some time, and
called for one style after another. The
reporter and his associate careleSsly
drew closer, avoiding the appearance
of attention. and overheard the various
running comments on cOlorS, seams,
and the other features of the stock ex-
posed. The boxes all seemed drawn
pretty close TO the front Of the counter.
The salesgirl looked rather annoyed.
but expressed herself, and with a yawn,
and a light remark to a clerk over the
aisle, turned her back to the customer,
picked up a mirror and proceeded to
touch up her frizzes. Almost directly
nf tho hnwoS of rrlnunS
the counter and under the plush cloak.
There was no sign of discovery. appar-
emily, and, after moments further
handling. the woman started to 90,
with the intimation that she would call
sgain.
But that mirror had not been held
up for frizzes alone. Over her
shoulder the salesgirl had seen the GUS
TONER'S actions reflected. and she
turned at once to say, I'VE general
~ have all purchases wrapped up.
ma am. with a significant look
"What do YOU mean. YOU hussy?"
said the stout lady. flushing up.
The remark was repeated and MIR.
Jones to the fioor-walker.
Mr.. Jones was not far off. In fact
he was SO near that he caught the box
and gloves half down the lady's dress
as she loosened her pressure on them.
and sought to let them fall on the
floor. There was no getting out for
the shoplifter. Her bushes were pro-
fuse. and great drops of perspiration
stood on her forehead. She seemed
glad enough to get off with the paw
ment of an extra price for the stock,
which was arranged with as much ex-
pedic$on and quietneSS as possible, and
she left the store.
Now said the floor-walker. re-
turning to the reporter, "what do you
think Of that?'
Its too bad, How her husband
would feel to hear of this! l know
her
'.You think you do, perhaps, but l
hope YOU are not very intimately ac-
.euainted. Her husband? Ha! ha.
Why, he's doing time now. If he
hears of ii at all it will be by letter
from her, telling how easy she got Off.
If we hadn't been in court within a
month l believe I'd put her through,
for she deserves it. She's an old hand,
and pretty well known in the stores,
But TO take her up. Ever been at the
-Armory Police Court? Of course YOU
have. Well, once i month is often
enough for me there. l wonder how
she came in to play that when there
were so few in the house. Why. three
or four were watching her noting the
fun. Thought you knew her, did you?
How's that2''
''She's the image of the wife of a
well-known architect" explained the
reporter.
Suppose she is; know she is no
architects wife. She's stone-cutter's,
by the way" laughing at the idea.
-.Now, whatever there is in it, I've
a theory that such resemblances are
designed by some professionals, and
they study their prototypes most care