The Logan County banner. [volume] (Logan, W. Va.) 1889-1903, 1890-01-16
THE cHLoRoFoRMISTs.
How They victlmizc and Drug Unsuspcct-
ing Railroad Travellers,

ing IkuilrOau 1ThVeIoEBe
The chloroformist is generally an old
hand. having freanented- the schools
of medicine where he learned the
efficacy of narcotics, says the chief of
the Paris detectives. A man of the
world, intelligent and good company,
his conversation IS captivating
speaks several languages and claims to
belong to the nobility. He has an
agreeable presence. An excellent
dancer and somewhat Of musician,
the young ladies are delighted with him.
This is the way he operates on a rail
way train: He stations himself in the
depot and watches the purchasers of
tickets. Having chosen as. his victim
the man with the best-tilled pocket-book
he buys ticket and gets into the same
compartment. In his travelling bag he
carries reserve Of provisions, good
wines, extra cigars. playing cards and
every thing such as an experienced trav--
cler would have.
He adroitly engages his victim in
conversation, speaks Of the incon-
venience of railway station restaurants,
the crowd, the long wait to be served
and the small time allowed to passen-
gers. In winning manner he then
offers to share his 5bi11=of=fare with his
companion. A friend was going with
him to Switzerland, but at the last mo-.
ment wired him that he could not go,
and that is why he is so amply provided
with provisions. If necessary he shows
the dispatch. Should the victim refuse
to partake he proceeds with his repast
and afterwards offers him cigars, pre-
pared as was his wine. They chat, time
flies, and the monetonous noise of the
train, added to the cigar smoke, plunges
the victim into a torpor which he can not
conquer, and by which he is finally over
come.
Fhe chforoformist then opens his vial
meath the slceper's nostrils. AT the
same time he gently puts over the
mouth sheet of very fine parchment to
prevent the breathing ofeexternal air.
This parchment is called the stiflcr. 1t
is shaped like the lower part of car
nival mask. The man is in sound
sleep-almost corpse--the chloroform
vapor has done it's work Then the thief
leisurely rifles the victim pocket-book,
taking care to leave one or two bank
notes in it. after which he restores it to
the owners pocket He does not APP
<propriate any Of the sleeper's jowelry.
The robbery committed, the thief quits
the train at the next station. Two rea-
sons actuate the chloroformist in not
absolutely depriving his victim Of
money. Having enough to- pay his ex-
penses. the latter is IN less haste to
make his complaint. Tho second rea-
son is that should the man die under
the influence of chloroform, being in
possession of his jewelry and money
his death will be attributed to natural
pect that crime has been committed. r
On steamboat the chlorotormist
brings all his articles into play. He
usually claims to be physician, and
forms the acquaintance of some rich
family whose sufferings from seasick-
ness he adroitly relieves. This gives
him standing and enables him to select
his victim, generally wealthy Ameri-
can merchant or planter. On -disem-
barking he follows up the American and
becomes his. friend. The robbery ordi-
nari1y takes place in private room or
cafe. While the coffee is being drank,
after the repast, the chloroformist draws
the attention of mis- victim to some lady
who is passing in the street and quietly
peurs the pernicious liquid into his cup.
He then relieves his victims pocket
book OF the major portion of its CON
tents and lcases. the cafe. OF course
nothing is more natural than for man
to fall asleep after a hearty meal
EInhaa