Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1893-06-16
miscellaneous.
CAUGHT!

Years ago the bill clerk of ono of the
Liverpool banks was going from one
business house to another in that busy
commercial city collecting bills of OK
change which had been previously left
for acceptance according to custom.
These he placed In one or other of
the sections of long pooketbook made
for the purpose, which he carried in
the tail pocket of his coat.
About noon he called at Hoywood's
bank and received some bills, and hav-
ing put them in their proper places in
his book he slipped it into his tail pocket
as usual, and keeping his hand upon il
fastened to the outer door.
He put up his umbrella, placed his
hand upon his book, as was his habit,
and kept it there till he reached the
door of a merchants Office at the ex-
change. There he drew out his hand
and closed the umbrella.
Only few seconds were occupied in
doing this, and not soul was visible
anywhere, as the rain was still descend
ing in torrents, yet when no put his
hand into his pocket the book was gone
as if by magic.
lie had seen no one and neither felt
nor heard anything, and yet the book
with all its contents was gone-full
CO, 900 worth Of bills, all duly accepted
and practically almost as good as gold.
What should he doY Indeed what could
no doY
Quick as his feot could carry HIN he
made for the central police Office hard
by and reported his great loss, but with
little hope that any good could come
of it
They proved, however, equal to the
occasion. They telegrapbed to London,
and found that that very morning one
Of the most skllful Of London sharpers
had taken train for Liverpool, and soe-
ing that the theft had been so oeverly
done they concluded he was probably
the thief.
Without, therefore, n moments delay
they wired to London a request that an
officer who knew him might be sent
down Immediately. No time was lost
in Scotland Yard and soon after o'clock
keen eyed, intelligent detective arrived
in Liverpool.
With an instinct that rarely failed 10
guide him Alright he made at once for
the general postofce, hoping TO see the
man he sought some time or other be-
fore the night mail closed.
He was right A little before o'clock
to bis great joy he saw tho man he
wanted.
To common eyes he certainly looked
wholly unlike thief, and few people
would have thought for moment he
could possibly be one
He was handsomely dressed and driv-
ing splendid dogcart, with high
stepping, mcttlesome horse. and going
in the direction Of tho general postofiico
A few minutes and tho dogcart pulled
up at the postofiicc registration depart
meDt. and it's gentlemanly looking
driver, handing the reins TO the boy in
buttons at his side, dismounted and
took his place by the counter 10 await
bis turn among the many who like him
self had letters 10 be registered.
Another minute and the detective also
entered, and placing himself 80 as to 500
without being seen he calmly watched
bis man.
He had not long to wait. Tho turn
Of the city thief being come no handed
in for registration a large and evidently
important letter, took the receipt and
moved 10 the door. Quick as lightning
the officer made for him, and touching
him on the shoulder quietly said, ~
want you"
Turning instantly and recognizing an
old acquaintance tho thief said, Soon
found your but made no effort to
escape.
He was handed over TO an ordinary
man in blue, who stood hard by the
door, and duly lodged in Jail for The
night. The detective then returned 10
the counter, and producing bis card 10
prove his official character asked for tho
address on the letter, and il was ac.
cordingly given.
Confident that he had now done. all
that could be done for the present, be
reported progress to the Liverpool police,
went somewhere 10 dine, and then re-
turned TO London by the night train.
Having snatched few hourS sleep at
home, he was early on the move to com
pete the business.