The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1900-04-27

II didn't think you'd care for that
but l calculate you're lookin into
crime as KIND or study. Am l rightW
"You are" said Mr.. Mitchell, admir-
ing the fellows astuteness.
"Good!' said the crook. "Then I've
got you. What do you say to attendin
a lecture on crime to an audience of
crooksY
"And who is to deliver the lccturc?'
"Why, Preacher Jim, we call him.
He's the longest headed, smartcSt,
bravest. an squarest crook in New
York city" He spoke with evident adj
miration. "I tell you. it makes nc fec,
mean offerin to sneak YOU into this
lecture, but If l wasn't sure you
wouldn't make use of what you'll see
to git some OF the boys IN Quod ia
cut my heart out first or yours" For
n moment he looked vicious enough TO
carry out his threat upon the spot, but
lin moment he had resumed his suave
tone and continued: "But what's Il man
to do when he aint got Il nickci 10 his
name an he meets gent as easy to
get money out Of as you are? tell
you the temptations too much for Slip.
perry SAM"
Mr.. Mitchell laughed heartily at this
estimate of himself and tLCn said:
eyes, my man, you have Iow offered
me something for which am willing
to pay literally. Where is this lecture
to be delivered and wEcn?"
"You won't have long to wait. cause
it's tonight. The place IS the steam
boat l spoke of, the Goatin samblin
palace. The Il. S. US have chartered
the boat for tonight"
"And who are the 3. S. U.'s?'
"Thc Burglars Social union. Sound;
like queer society to you. don't IL?
Well. it's Quccrer than you think Oh,
you'll have Il good time for your
money!
81 suppose shall need some special
dress In order not to excite suspicion.
Shall not?'
"Not bit of 1t. Say. mister, you
never made n bigger mistake In your
life. Why, If you was to so to mas
qucradin in clothes you amt accus-
toned to you'd give yourself away in
ten minutes ! tell you. the crowd on
that boat tonight'll have brains. an you
want to keep cool. No. sir: dress nat.
ural. an you'll feel natural, an as you'll
feel you'll act. Say. do you know it's
the funniest notion folks has-them rs
don't know, l mean--that thief
dresses different from other people? ?
Why should he, now? Tell me that
Why, II he did. wouldn't everybody be
on to him. in second? Well, guess!.
VERY true. But would it not be best
not to wear such expensive clothing?
And then nay diamonds. They attract
ed your attention, you know"
"Oh, therell be just rs good clothes
there an just as good diamonds! But,
then. as you amt a regular c-ook-no
offense meant-why, l guess you'd bet
ter leave your best stones at home.
There's some men 80 mean they'd rob
the dead, much less n brother crook.
or course you've got to pass for thief
You don't mind that?"
mo; not at ALL" replied Mr.. Mitchell,
laughing. "And now where shall we
meetT"
Seven sharp. foot Of Jay street.
Good place for q crowd like ours, eh?"
He laughed 1T his own feeble wit, and
his hand Closed eagerly over a ten dol
lar Dill which Mr.. Mitchell banded to
him. "A tenncr. Pretty good for 4
start. Tanks. knew you was the
genuine article the minute spotted
you. We'll. so long! Jay street. :
sharp" And Slippery Sam disapncar
Ell into a byway so quickly that Mr.
Mitchell wondered rs he walked on
now the police ever caught him at all