The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-09-28
LoNpoN,s DOG THIEVES.
me Headquarters at which These Cent
Mighty Concrcrate.


Nightly congregate.
Once In my Life oonsorted with PROBES
sional dog Thieves wish 1t to be distinct
ly understood that never stole dog, al
though I am free to confess that have
been tempted, and have told the story Of
how on one occasion "A dog stole me. But to
return to my thieves In the northern part
of London, which you will reach by pass.
ing through Fetter and Leather lanes, con
tinuing 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 place called Hockings-in-the
Hole It Is well named, being situated in
q decided hollow in one Of the worst quar-
tiers of the great city. Those in search of u
fine, creepy feeling should visit it after
nightfall as l did. then found myself in
the bar Of n small, old style public house
of very doubtful character, or perhaps ]
shall express myself better IL say that it,
character was not at all doubtful. wa.
eyed curiously by the loungers as took
some refreshment Mt the bar. Then quiet
ly gave the countersign In accordance witt
the instructions with which had armed
n
publican changed Ia q cmeanor at onct
and ushered me through a side door and NJ
creaky, tortuous and dark staircase. Al
this period this creepy feeling was at 1t,
best-or worst. A door opened, and we en-
tered long room, the ceiling Of which wa,
very low. Yellow gas Jets fickered herr
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 wert
mostly of an uncouth description, clothed
in great part in corduroy, surmounted Will
the conventional caps that are worn by th,
London costermonger. They resembled IL
\ general appearance the touts and welshers
of the English race tracks Most of then
smoked short pip, a. The dogs yelled anG
\ whined amid the general hum of converse
ton that came through the amber haze
i My appearance excited no comment, ant
for this reason: 1t is quite common thint
for "swells with sporting blood in them
! to drop in upon these gentry and pick up
dog Mt u nominal price. The morality o
the proceeding Is very questionable, bu'
/ the fact remains.
Gin, the favorite drink with the low elias,
/ In London, was brought in jug and served
In small wine glasses. accepted the hos
pitality of my friends, the thieves, as saw
at once that it was expected. Then con
versed with various members of the party
concerning the points Of the CANNES il
their possession. They took my presenc,
I there as a matter of course and talked
with perfect candor Had been able t.
forget the company was in might truth
! fully record that l spent a pleasant hal
hour Mt Hockiugs-i
mi n n
them are dog brokers, who sell dogs fo
others or pick up bargain to sell again
None of them openly admit that they ar,
professional thieves, although of course
is understood perfectly. They find" los
dogs, or else they arc commissioned to sell
! dog that belongs to friend" Not
small part of their income is obtained
through receiving rewards offered for los
dogs which they have been fortunate enough
to find" During my visit to them thei
dencunor was perfect. They might hav,
been an assemblage of farmers at cattl
Overwhelmingly Magazine.