Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1900-11-17
WERE PlCKPOCKeTS FOR FUN.
Two Newport Women's Lark May Lead to
Something Serious.

something Serious.
New York Telegraph: Twomembers
Of the 400 who became pickpockets in
fun are now in fear and trembling lest
they be accused OF robbery in reality.
The story comes from Newport, and
was being told in whispers yesterday
in the exclusive clubs of his city.
h Newport season just ending has
been one constant struggle after origi-
nality In the matter of amusement by
the women IN delight in the title OF
society leaders. 1t was this desire to
do something different from anything
which had yet been attempted, and, at
the same time, TO play n practical joke
on their friends which induced the
ladies In question to commit grand lar
ceny.
The story fails to specify which of
the two conceived the idea Of becoming
pickpockets. Suffice it to say that both
entered the plot with willingness and q
determination to let no jewel escape
which would have lone credit to a
Bowery dodger.
The plan, as agreed on, was that both
ladies should operate at q ball to which
they were invited. each was to go her
W way about winning the ornaments
and legal tender of her friends. They
were TO max careful note OF the own
VI 'lllp VI NdNll dllltlt CiDlCil, oO lIldl IL
could be returned at the proper time.
After the dance the ladies were to
compare prizes, and the one making
the poorer showing was to give a din
ner. At this affair the victims OF the
joke were to be present and the stolen
articles returned to the rightful owners
as dime favors.
The plan worked excellently 80 far
as the larceny part of it was concerned.
The amateur thieves met with greater
success thar they had anticipated, and
before the evening was over had quite
a valuable collection of plumber.
The thief of so many articles could
hardly go undiscovered, and before the
dance closed a man announced the loss
Of q wallet containing a considerable
sum in currency. While the wallet was
being searched for one OF the ladies
present discovered that she vas minus
a diamond pin. Almost at the same
moment another pin was missed.
These numerous losses SET each guest
to taking inventory, and one after an
other the thefts were discovered. To
avoid attention the plotters themselves
joined the throng of victims and de-
plored the loss Of jewelry.
Owing to the unpleasant turn mat
ters had taken the dance broke up
rather early, and the women had abun-
dant opportunity for comparing prizes.
The affair had taken such a serious
turn, however, that they decided 1t
would be better to return the stolen ar
ticles without delay. While talking
over the plan it occurred to one of
them that, even should they make res
titution, suspicion might still rest on
their shoulders.
1t was therefore agreed that the
ctnIao A rticlaC no cant unIr aonh M
companied by a note explaining the
joke, but making no mention Of the
identity of it's perpetrators. This was
done, and those who recovered their
missing goods were disposed to look
with leniency upon the robbers.
Unfortunately for the latter, how
ever, several articles of value are still
missing. These were the property of
various persons whom the jokers had
not robbed. AS the goods are still miss
ing 1t is taken for granted by many
that a genuine thief was operating
among them on the same evening on
which the joke was played.
Others who were present at the
dance are less charitable in their view
of the matter, and suggest that posi-
bly, there was no joke at all about the
affair, m that the alleged jokers were
simply frightened into returning part
OF the plumber, and have pawned or
otherwise disposed Of the balance.
The identity Of the two women is
now pretty well established, although
no one has had the hardihood to OPEN
ly accuse either.
A feature which adds seriousness to
the charge that the plan was not a joke
is the fact that one of the women has
been losing heavily at bridge whist.
h Is, as a rule, an excellent player,
but for some time past luck has been
running the other way. 1t is estimated
that her losses have amounted to at
$40, 900.
While the woman could no doubt pay
a sum without difficulty by draw
ing In a little on her other expendi-
lures, she has shown no disposition to
economize. 1t Is no secret, therefore.
that she has been hard pressed for
ready money, and has been In great
fear lest her husband hear Of her
plight.