The sun., 1897-08-29
WOES OF A PICKPOCEET.
"HOOTD DoNEGAN's STORY OF BIs
MOST RECENT AFFLICTIOH.

Ran Aner n Hanson ana wasted Nearly a D,y
In Pursuit. or n Pearl That Was No PEARL
LonE Chances nt the Free-Lunch Counter
NO Prosperity or Certainty for Him Nova,
The pickpocket stood on the corner LOOKING
very disconsolate His coat collar was turned
up. his hands were thrust down into his pocseta.
and his hat was tilted forward until the rim We,
almost level with his eyes Silverstein, the
pullerin at the clothing store two doors from
the corner. having held up in vain two sailors and
a one. armed soldier. left his post to inquire the
cause Of the pickpocket's woe.
What's the matter. Hoot r. he asked.
Donegan, tho pickpockct, known on the row
as Hoot," glanced up at Silverstein. gruntcd
ont an oath, and then letting his head fall on his
breast again relapsed into silence.
"what is 1t, Hooti"
Silverstein was growing curious. Ho had done
light fingered work for time himself and knew
something OF the changing conditions OF mans
life when he made himself an offensive enemy
Of society. 1t didn't seem natural even to
silvcrsten, TO see Hoot Donegan so cast
down. however. and his second inquiry was tho
result Of an idea that something interesting had
happened TO Donegan.
See that, Jew T. said the pick pocket, hauling
a scarf pin from his vest pocket.
1t was n short, gold pin. topped with a hugo
pearl OF that rare virgin pink. 1t seemed to bo
a valuable bit, and Silverstein's eyes glistened
as he looked at 1t.
"Take it to Cooney." he said In a whisper.
Hes safe"
The pickpocket laughed In hollow fashion.
'' Too safe" he said. Then he straig up,
threw his hat back on his head and said:
"Silverstein, in these days q man like mo
amt got no license to live What's the skill OF
my hand. that can take most anything from
screw stud to scarf pin from man without
his knowing 1t, against the brain Of a man that
can make them thingsf'
Are yer nutty, Hootf' inquired the puller-in,
edging away.
NO Jew. no; but listen to me- You know tho
hotels are my graft and this region down hero
my, market. Well, was out spotting to-day.
fer my meat. He WAS dressy guy, with ali.
color ribbons on his hat and them spready soles
in it this here pin was stuck. From the size OF
MS MS chain; n said 70 myself that the Punkin on
pink pearl l decided to let the watch 90 and
Well, he was a nervous cuss. and couldn't
get chance at him fer a long time followed
RESTAURANT while he took lunch. Then he met a
he came out the two took q hanson. and hear
him say TO the driver. Around the Park'
seein which entrance it goes in. lay around Tho
circle for it to come out again. Two hours
and of two pounds @ s' @oown eS it 9IhS@ do%n.
town. Ny man, he leaves the lady AZ house
.tsTt. hsH dTsss to dnsn the snsx of
myself. I've. got him. But didn't get him
He meets friend and they go an play billiards.
30 mad. but made up my ind to stick. l see
I'D dozen juicy CHANCES go BY. but COULDN'T ieeve
OF 1t and my fingers itched for 1t. BY and by
my man comes out an be and his friend GO in a
one o6sss sH s'"ns Hss
bush ps my Ssains hts III, friend glass bs drink
against him aud he turns around. I wSs
waitng OF course and next minute the pearl
know mine s,ba 0pE sha1Gs but
When the, guy turns around was chewin'
sandwich from the counter and bawlin' TO tho
Good; good" murmured the puller-in. rub
bing M his hands together and showing his interest
Well the guy misses the pin Damn me il 7
snoT oS IN hat .hp put him on hon know don't mess
Jew. but I almost fails over when I see him put
ais hang az up po to The tic feel around and then in
friend, some sucker got a gold brick. k' - N''
readT io SIop e m Win h the Pin in palm all
When he don't make holler. though, snakes
he her ,S back in & my pocket and in two minutes am
Il saw easy times and no chances fer a couple
Of weeks on the strength OF that pearl: Jew. and
me $3.50. quarter value Cooney whistles at
the pin and picks it up. Then he begin to look
queer Finally he dips the pearl in a glass of
peelin' Off that pink color. .Cooney.' / yell,
what are you doin' : Fish glue says Cooney,
and he throw the pin back.
=" Well. it was one Of them fish glue pearls.
You We seen em. Just a bit OF glass painted
over with fish glue. Just ringers for the real
Cooney's in a trance. l comes over here. and
amt moved fer an hour Think Of 1t, Jew,
think Of 1t! All day and long chance fer that
thing. Take 1t and give 1t 10 yer gal the next
time you go up TO Joness Woods- Shelp me-
II ever find that guy touched fer that IN pick
hght with him and lick him. Good-by. I'm
goin home and get some rest; Chasn' hansoms
is hard work. and the pickpocket strolled
down side street the picture OF melancholy.
GTPTS nv THE nrxo~n