Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1891-01-29
A PIcKPocKET AT WORK.

The Futile Efforts of an Old Woman to
Make Haul.
Watching a piclzpocket at work is a
fascinating occupation, as reporter
learned recently while attending, in his
professional capacity, a funeral which
had drawn thousands of people to the
largest house OF worship in the city.
A police inspector quietly gave him a
sign to approach, and whispered in
his ear: Don't look suddenly now.
The man standing a few feet in
front of Us. holding a fur cap
up to his face, is standing guard
for an old woman who is trying to
touch up the people at the head of
the aisle. l am afraid to move, for they
may know me. Try to get near her and
see her hands work. If she gets any
thing raise your hat"
In moment the reporter moved
away to a point where he could study
this man; an old fellow, shabbily
dressed, but keen-eyed, and constantly
watching every body near the pick
pocket. Next, after working passage
through the throng, the woman herself
was AAAoBNNICo. ADLCs w. W ctS OlOg BIC
wore a circular, which completely COW
cred her body, and kept her hands
from view, except occasionally. Di-
rectly in front of her were two women;
she stood up close to them: her eyes
were continually cast down, but she
seemed to be unable to get at the dress
pockets of the women. The newspaper
man pretended to be straining to hear
the eulogy which could not be distinct
ly heard; but, now and then, as if quite
naturally, his eyes rested on the
woman by his side. At no time did he
look long, for he remembered that
there was an accomplice watching every
body near the thief. In a short time
the two women became annoyed by the
movements of the pickpocllct and moved
a short distance up the aisle. Then the
pickpOcket looked for other prey and
she shifted her ground in order to run
her hand up and down the reporters
coat. She was trying to locate pocket
that had money. but as she cunningly
kept her hand under her circular and
had to feel through that as well as
through the reporters coat, her task
was fruitless one. 1t was noticeable
that all the while she kept up peculiar
smacking of her lips.
When the last song was being sung,
and the people stood hushed, she took
out her handkerchief and sobbed; but
while sobbing she moved out of her
position and closed up to a small
group of women whose faces
were turned on the choir gallery. Her
accomplish stood near by her now. She
was impatient and appeared to be MAX
ing last effort, for her lips kept smack |
ing, and her eyes were riveted on the |
dresses of the women. When the solo |
ended, the crowd moved into the vesti- !
bule. She went, too, and the man fol-
lowed.
Later in the day the detectives said
that when the pickpoclet and her &C
complete left the church they separat-
ed. A short distance from the church |
the detective approached the woman,
led her into a doorway, searched her
pockets, found nothing of consequence,
and then had to let her go her way.
Had he found any thing of value he |
would have arrested her.-Boston Tran
script.
-PrinclpaI Lee, OF Edinburgh Uni
versity, was frequently complaining of
his health, and seemed to take a pleas
ure in expatiating on his ailments. He
was met one morning by Prof. Robert
son, who expressed hope that he was
well. Far from we'll" said the prin-
cipal,' I've had no sleep for fort
night" Then, principal replied the
professor, you're getting better; when
we last met you had not slept for six
weeks!''