New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-24
A THIEF WITH A CONSCIENCE.
HOW DIR. PECK's COAT WAS STOLEN AND
FINALLY GOT BACK TO IT'S OWNER.

HOW DIR. PECKs COAT WAS STOLEN AND
FINALLY GOT BACK TO IT'S OWNER.
This is the tale Of thief with a conscience.
That u.s. It ls presumed that he has one. The IN
cidents here recorded would probably never have
occurred. 1t is true story, and one without
moral-two things which should commend It. The
story opens in the vestbule OF the First Baptist
Church in Mount Vernon, the occasion being a
Christian Endeavor mass meeting for the purpose
of a crusade against the violators Of the Sunday
liquor and gambling laws The time last Friday
night. Incidentally, It may be added that It was
a cold night, with black clouds overhead threaten
ing rain. To the church came some thousand odd
good citizens OF Mount Vernon. Likewise several
ministers. among whom was the Rev. DR.. e. G.
Peck There were also in the assemblage the
Chief Of Police and the Police Commissioners, at
tracted thither by announcement that snapshot
pictures would be exhibited. showing certain folk
in the act OF breaking the law. Thither also came
the thief who for long time has made 1t a
habit TO attend revival and other church meet
ings not for conscience sake. but with an aim TO
secure such booty as IS there afforded. Now this
thief ike Robin Hood OF DID, who was dignhed
with another title well known in the predatory
profession disdained to rob those who were poor.
SO he stood In a shadowy corner and waited I'M
III DR.. Peck arrived in nice new brown overcoat,
looking the prosperous and contented man. Tho
minister removed his coat and hung 1t up, where
upon the thief Immediately took it and started
away He was not discovered by the Chief Of
Police or the Commissioners. but after going a
short distance that conscience, which is most
inconvenient adjunct in the theving profession, be-
gan TO trouble him. lie felt the biting air, and
looked up at the lowering sky. Then he began 10
question himself TO whether he had not per
haps walked away with poor mans coat That
feeling grew upon him, and as he was sym
pathetic thief he decided TO convince himself He
cd 70
ment and returning to the church awaited the
breaking up Of the meeting in order 10 see what
manner OF man made outcry upon discovering the
loss OF his coat.
He stood by the side OF the minister when the
latter found out his loss and gave voice TO
his feelings on the subject. Being thus treasured
that the loser not one in need Ike himself he
once more departed. lie did not know that in his
stay OF less than a year in Mount Vernon DR. Peck
had been twice before robbed-once Of another nice
overcoat and again OF a bcyce-or he might have
been more charitable.
The next scene in the story shifts to the home
OF the Rev J. Wilbur Chapman. No. s3l West End
eve 70 Dr. Chapman comes a Borrowing woman.
who tells him that she IS wife 10 a rohber. She
| asks him 10 use his influence on the man TO in-
| duce him 10 mend his ways, and the minister bids
her send the errng one TO him .,,-...
The thief comes lie says that Tor thrty years
he has taken from those whom he thought had
than himself the b w4 S he aFs bs seN
ments of men who are not thieves. and yet hold
! 10 similar beliefs. lie informs inc minister thal
| his chief income IS derived from REVEALS and
church meetings, and 10 prove that he is an adept
in that line Of work he tells OF the coat he pur-
Joined in Mount Vernon. and offers 10 sell 1t TO DR.
! Chapman for the small sum OF s..
! The bargain. however. is not consummated and
the thief goes on his way. a seed Of repentance
| has been Gown. however, and that which he can
not use he is willing 10 have others enjoy. SO
after obtaining 81 for the coat. he mails DIT Chap
man the pawn ticket Perhaps he also wishes the
minister 10 now that the coat was cheap at tins
price and that he had made a better bargain
| Professional pride again!
/ gr,1s uqN
/ bards ~ Or Peck the owner OF the coat, who
after consultation discovers that he must elthel
! Dav tho DaWubrOker or sue on rcplevn TO se
! fJsS nronertv hack He decides on the former az
| The simplest and quickest. for cold weather Is com
! ing And now DR.. Peck Is once again wearing hii
DR.. Chapman said yesterday that he did not car
| 60 saw anything on the subject as the man hat
! come 10 see him his invitation ana he did no
! Seei Justified In talking about tho analr