Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-09-24
Adventure ofThree yirginians.

Il
. We have the following account of how
three young Virginians were taken in by
some green goods men in New York. One
of the party received letter from firm of
sharpers Offering 81 800 in counterfeit mon
ey which would readily pass as coed money,
experts heing unable to detect defect in
it. The letter WAS replied to and informa-
ton requested. An answer was coon re-
ceived, giving cipher alphabet with key
by means OF this they were to keep up the
correspondence. Two partners were taken
ia by this young man, ore noted for his
smartness, who was to outwit the sharpers.
According to agreement they got off at Gull
pepper, and telegrspbed that they were on
their way they were asked TO get off at
Washington and wait further orders This
they did. When they arrived in jersey
City they were met by nicely dressed,
smart looking fellow, end were told negoti.
atoms must ne carried on in New York.
The party went to New York under the
guidance of their newly-formed acquaint-
ance. When they arrived at certain
house lhe green goods man Informed bis
dupes hat only one of them could accom-
pany him to where the goods were. This
was finally agreed upon and the smart
young man was selected. They pass
ed through a back alley, the pass
word and the grip were demanded
OF the young man. be gave the
sign, word and grip as directed in the
CIPHER communication, and was informed
that it was correct add he could pas. En-
teripg another building he was informed
that what had been done was for the mutual
protection of all, aud was told that when
be assembled the stairs TO give one sharp rap
at the first door to the left that it would be
opened and man would rush at him, but
he must be composed, as his conductor
would rebuke the man on guard and order
him out and the two would transact the
business alone. This was done, and the man
on guard disappeared through the side OF
the wall, which closed Immediately behind
him. Being alone, the green goods man ask
ed the smart young man to count out aud
show bis Sc 90. This was done. The green
goods man lhen opened package con aiming
50 600 of apparently good money and allow
cd it to be examined. He then told the young
man that he lacked Sl5 OF having the 5000,
aod that he must give him his mole for
be balance. After some words the
young man consented, but insisted he
must examine the other packages, which
still remained wrapped up. This was re-
fused. and the sharp way he was spoken to
| somewhat frightened and confused him, and
he felt rs if he would like to be ct home.
The green goods were placed in a hand bag,
which the vender provided for his customer,
and set upon The desk. When the lid was
opened the satchel Was pushed back against
the wall. The note was signed, the young
man hustled out of the room, assisted some.
what by kick as he flew ont of door,
which was Immediately shut and locked.
So soon as be recovered his senses enough
to open the handbag and break the pack
ages be found they contained sawdust The
g 900 he had been shown was doubtless
good money. When the handbag was
forced back against the wall it was taken by
the partner, who had disappeared through
nicely oontrived spring door in the false
wall aud replaced by the bag containing
say dust, through another concealed door
back ofthe desk Charlottesville Jefferson
ian