Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-04-03
TRICKS OF THIEVES.
INSTANCES OF CONFINED IN
GENUITY AND GOODNESS.

A Judge Loses His Watch-A Dia-
mond Ring Adroitly Abstracted-
Extraordinary Hoax upon Watch
man.
It has not been many years since a
well-known jurist CHANGED to ask a
friend the time of day as he entersd the
temple Of justice, remarking at the same
time that he had forgotten his watch at
home. At the conclusion of his days
duties he returned home, and when he
asked his wife for his chronometer was
not little surprised to hear that she
had given it to young man who had
come for it, representing that the jurist
had sent him. The young man was a
thief. He had heard the Judge remark
that he had forgotten his watch. With
out moments delay the cunning rogue
ran to the Judges home and told the
good lady Of the house that her husband
had sent him for the watch. Itewas a
clever story, plausibly told, and it won
the watch.
The proprietor of large jewelry house
in Cincinnati can scarcely have forgotten
his experience with an expert knave. 1t
was along toward noon one very hot day
in the summer of 1875 when ministerial
appearing fellow in black suit, with
white tie, entered the store. He leisurely
walked to the showcase and asked to see
some diamond studs. After some hesita-
ton he bought small stone, for which
he paid $35. He then wished to look at
some rings thought of making his wife
present. AS he followed the clerk to
the showcase containing the diamond
rings he began to eat an apple. Several
valuable gems were looked at with dis
satisfaction. One valued at $500 pleased
him, but was not just what he wanted.
At length he saw one in the case he
thought was just the thing. As the clerk
reached to get it the parson-like customer
pressed the $500 ring deep into the apple
he was eating and cleverly tossed it out
Of the door. The clerk didn't notice the
move, but fellow who was standing on
the outside did, and hastily picked up
the apple and departed. The diamond
pirchaserdccided not to get his wife q
present till another Cay. He was on the
pcins of leaving, when the clerk missed
the ring.
s'Wait a minute, please called the
clerk, who was ncrvously looking ovel
the tray; 81 cannot find that large dia,
mond ring you were looking att
The sanctimonlous gentleman in black
at once returned aud remarked that thu
clerk must be mistaken. The search
continued, but it was frrlitless. The
proprietor was called, and in very aus
tere and blunt way insinuated that i
might be found in the folds of the ring
buyers garments.
II am the Rev. DIR. G-n," said tn
customer, in tones Of excited wrath, nam
ing Clergyman who lived in villag
about thirty miles distant, land I'll Civ
you to understand that did not com
here to be insulted.n
Well, the proprietor became angry an'
called policeman, and the alleges
clergyman was removed to back room
protesting Indignantly at the treatment
a short consultation was held, and
telegram was sent to the address give
by the prisoner, making inquiry as to h
character and whereabouts. The repl
was slow in coming, and it was decide
to search the prisoner. He was forced t
strip, and every fold and crease in hi
clothes was searched. 1t is needless t
say the ring was not found. The tell
gram to the village, thirty miles away
came, saying that the Rev. DR.. G.
was one Of the most reliable men in th
town, and that he was visiting friends
Cincinnati. Up to this time the propri'
tor had been of the opinion that the Gu
toner was pious fraud, but the tell
gram changed his tune He wanted
make amends right away. The parse
talked heavy damages and law, but WI
at length soothed to silence by four cris
y $100 bills. In some way the story OF Il
minister's insult leaked out. His frlent
heard it and asked him about it. In Il
end he called at the jewelry store to s.
about it, and the proprietor was not
little amazed to find he had been dupe'
Detectives were at once put on the cas-
and in few days arrested the bog
Clergyman and his confederate trying
pawn the ring. They were the notorio
sFrenchyp La Mountain and Cal Dunca
"a night watchman who was employt
to protect jewelry store in DENY
against the ravages of thieves, was neat
outwitted by the notorious Billy Ft
rester some years before his death. L!
firm carried an immense stock of gen
and kept them in a large old-fashion'
safe. Forester had, by long years g
perience, become so familiar with sal
Of that pattern that he could tell VIII
to reverse and when tc turn the KIN
forward, by placing his ear close to t
door above the combination, and In tl
way could open the safe in q short tin
By taking a wax impression Of the kt
hole he made d key for the front do
Having previously located the safe In
store, he was now ready to begin.
was d cold, snowy, stormy night, abe
10 o'clock, and Forester walked up
the store with an air of ownership a
unlocked the door. He carried q SIN
sample case in his hand. Going in,
turned up the gas in the rear Of the ST.
and then shook down the stove.
leisurely worked the combination Of
safe, and in less than half an hour he b
before him thousands of dollars worth
costly jewels and watches. AT this y
interesting point the night watchn
came in.
sGood evening" said the cord
burglar, as he continued 70 rem'
valuables from the safe to his sam
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