Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-09-16
A PREY TO SHARPERS.
To Carry Money in a Pocket Book is
to Invite Robbery.

From the Atlanta Constitution.
All those handsome, fashionably- stamped
leather portemonnaies, firmly strapped and
clssped beyond the peradventure of mishap,
as well az the long, cunningly-knitted silken
purses, carefully linked to defy light and honest
fingers alike, are made exclusively for feminine
use. No one ever hears Of q man keeping his
money in anything of the sort. II he owns a
pocket book at all it is a shabby affair, worn
slick as glass and stuffed with memoranda,
promissory notes, a couple of bills, possibly a
receipt, some business cards and ten
to one complimentary personal cut
from the newspaper; all manner Of
odds and ends in the way Of lottery tickets. a
silky curl registration papers, anything and
everything, in fact, except ready cash. The
prudent individual knows great deal better
than to put precious currency in his purse,
Crumpled out Of shape the bills are rammed
down in his vest pocket, while along with keys
and a knife the loose silver jingles in the
pockets of his trousers. And thus disposed of
he never loses a cent Indeed, 1t requires a
burglar to carry of the garments bodily before
the seemingly reckless man is dispossessed Of
his treasure.
Now those who have taken the trouble to
observe q woman's tactics when shopping are
familiar with the stereotyped rules she fol-
lows and the poorest rogue has shrewdness
enough to avoid them when first entering an
establishment. Get shop girl to describe
how loftily Indifferent, langufdly disdainfui or
coldly neglectful ninety-nine women out of a
hundred look when they first step in from the
street. They then have themselves well in
hand, firm purchase on parasol and purse
and Q green clerk would wonder what on earth
ever brought such dilettanti in to be bored
before ten steps have been taken, however
those wary glances are ensnared BARGAINS
boldly set forth on the center counter fetche
glow OF animation into istless faces, and
every dignined muscle is relaxed as the light
OF trade shines like lamp in every eye.
Here the fray begins. The thrifty shopuer
goes hard to work to see how much stuff she
can get for the smallest amount of MONEY!
Bangs slowly dampen and uncurl; powder
fades, as though 1t never had been; collars
melt; mitts creep stealthily down the arm
wells moisten and part asunder, and vet never
does the ardent buyers attention relax for an
instant. Inspired by devotion to the business
in hand, she works faithfully and well: every-
thing Is forgotten save that ten cents difference
case. patience and perseverance CONQUER ali
difhcuities. Flushed with triumph, reveling in
the victory that will create even in the bosom
Of every woman friend. she proudly turns 10
count out the necessary nickels. Abomination Of
desolation! Where in heavens name IL her
pocket book? With feverish anxiety every article
up ana down the counter 10 overturned, tossed
ruthlessly about or pushed hastily aside In one
vain effort to catch . glimpse Of its beaded
fringe or oxidized clasp. During this bro
ionsed hunt every man, woman and child in
the vicinity IL suspiciously eyed No one
knows or has seen anything OF the mislaid
purse, but suddenly The light Of conviction
makes the whole thing clear. The robbed vo-
man sunk. helplessly on the nearest stool and
tells o. thoee two well-drewed blondes Who
sanowicneo her between them ct the embroid-
cry counter. Too absorbed 70 notice sught
beyond their sympetAetic enthusiasm 0vsr the
xoods, abe vas jostlsd end jannsd about With