Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-07-31
A STRANGE STORY
Told OF a Confidence Game Played
In Ohio.

In Ohio.
Yesterday afternoon q Norwegian.
about 80 years of age, respectfully
dressed, and having every appearance of
honesty, called upon Chief of Police
Glass and introduced himself as 7. G.
Ring, of New York, at the same time
presenting letter Of introduction from
@. L. Guernsey, Chief of Police at Fos-
tor1a, Ohio. This document informed
the reader that the bearer, T. G. Ring,
had been swindled out of $145, on the
night of the 23d inst, at Fostoria, and
suggested that something be done to-
wards assisting him on his arrival here,
as he was without means.
Mr.. Ring then proceeded to enlighten
the Chief on the subject, and in
substance gave the following &C
count of his misadventure He
left New York for California via
Chicago, and on reaching Fostoria, Ohio,
where the train stopped for some time.
he disembarked and crossed over from
the depot to a small restaurant to get
supper. On demanding something hot
he was informed that the gasoline stove
was out of order and that it was impos-
sible to cook anything. At that moment
well.dressed man stepped up to him
and told him that he knew where he
could be accommodated, and with very
little persuasion he was induced TO
accompany the stranger to house
near by where they sat together and en-
joyed very pleasant meal. On conclud-
ing their repast, the stranger, who had
made himself remarkably agreeable, said
that he was q drummer for large
wholesale house in Chicago, and was
about to start for headquarters on the
very train which Ring was going out
upon. and they agreed to travel together
to that place. They then started for The
depot, chatting socially until within o
few feet of the platform the stranger was
accosted by an expressman, who said
in loud voice that he had lust
loaded the trunks and packages on the
baggage car. The stranger then asked
him how much he owed him for the con-
veyance of his property to the train,
and the expressman replied that his bill
was $3.50, of which the bulk was for ex-
press charges. The stranger appeared to
be amazed at this, and swore roundly at
the carrier for not having shipped the
goods @. o. D., but after q few words
turned to Ring and asked him to lend
him $l45, as he had only $5 in cash in
his pockets, and it was then utterly i'm
possible to cash check. Supposing
that his new friend would refund
the loan in Chicago, Ring gave
him the required amount, leaving him
self but 80 cents, and turned into the
depot. On looking back, however, he
saw the flying forms of his gentlemanly
acquaintance and the expressman hurry
ing in the direction of the town, and,
hampered as he was by an overcoat and
two grips, he started after them, divin-
ing instantly that something was wrcng.
In few moments, however, he heard
the warning bell of the locomotive at
tached to his train, and while stopping
to consider the advisability of continuing
his journey or the chase, both train and
thieves disappeared in opposite directions
leaving him stranded in strange town,
with ninety cents in cash and ticket to
| California as the sum total of his wealth.
He at once notified Chief Guernsey of his
loss, and came on by the next train. His
object in calling upon Chief Glass was to
obtain introductions from that gentleman
| to the various benevolent societies with
a view to obtaining temporary relief from
| them; but the Chief advised him to make
bis wants and troubles known to them
personally.