Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-09-02
LONDON's DOG THIEVES,
The Headquarters at Which These
Gentry Nightly COngregate.

The Headquarters mt Which These
Gentry Nightly ConEregate.
From Donahoe's Magazine.
Once in my life I consorted with profess
sional dog thieves. 1 wish it to be distinct
ly understood that / never stole a dog, al
though I am free to confess that 1 have
been tempted, and have told the story Of
how on one occasion a dog stole ne. But
to return to my thieves. In the northern
part of London. which you will reach by
passing through Fetter and Leather lares
continuing past the quaint Italian quarter
with Its cathedral. the interior Of which is
beautiful. although, the building is but
crude externally, you will find yourself in
close proximity to the rendezvous Of the
London dog thieves. Near by is a place
called Hockings-in-the-Hole 1t is well
IN one or the worst quarters of the great
city. Those In search OF a fine creepy feel
ing should visit 1t after nightfall. as did.
tnen round myself in the bar Of "A small,
old style public house OF very doubtful
character, or perhaps I shall express my
SELF better II say that its character was not
AT all doubted. was eyed curiously by the
ioungers as / took some refreshment at the
bar. | then quietly gave the countersign in
accordanee with the Instructions with
which l had armed myself. The powerful
ana heavy necked publican changed his de-
meanor at once and ushered me through a
SIDE door and up creaky,. tortuous and
dark staircase. At this period the creepy
feeling was at its best-or worst A door
opened ana we entered long ROOM the
ceiling Of which was very low. Yellow gas
Jets fiickered here and there.
A curious sight met my gaze. The room
was full of men, three-fourths of whom
held dogs OF every degree. The men were
mostly or an uncouth description, clothed
In great part in corduroy surmounted with
the conventional caps that are worn by the
London costermonger. They resemble in
general appearance the touts and welchers
OF the English race tracks. Most Of them
smoked short pipes. The dogs yelped and
whined amid the general hum OF conversa-
ton that came through the amber haze
My appearance excited no comment and
for this reason: 1t rs quite a common thing
for "swells with sporting blood in them 10
drop In upon these gentry and pick ID
good dog at a nominal price. The morality of
the proceeding is very questionable, hut the
fact remains. Gin. the favorite drink with
the low class of London, was brought In a
jug and served in mall wine glasses, 1 ac-
cepted the hospitality of my friends The
thieves, as 1 saw at once that 1t was ex-
pected. Then 1 conversed with various
members OF the party concerning the points
Of the CANNES in their possession They took
my presence there as a matter of course
and talked with perfect candor Had
been able to forget the company I was in
1 might truthfully record that I soent a
pleasant half hour at Hocking in the Hole
These men are not all thieves Some of
them are dog brokers, who sell dogs for
others or pick up bargain to sell :gain.
None Of them openly admit that they are
professional thieves. although. of course. ii
Is understood perfectly. They '.fni' lost
dogs or else they are commissioned to sell a
a as an thas at belongs /. s to friend" Not a
through receiving rewards offered for lost
dogs which they have been fortunate
enough to find" During my VISIT ID them
their demeanor was perfect They might
cattle show