Evening journal., 1900-03-01
TWO SLICK GIRLS
ROB NEW WORKERS
Enticed Them to a Local Hotel
and Relieved Them of
Their Money.
WOMEN HELD FOR UPPER COURT

CAN BEFORE JUDGE BALL THIS
MORNING ON A CHARGE OF
LARcENY-DENN HELD FOR
COURT
There are at least two residents of
Greater New York who landed in Will
mington yesterday who will depart
from the city sadder but wiser men.
AT this mornings session of City
Court Mabel Curtis, of Chester, and
Grace Duncan, Of Philadelphia, faced
Judge Bali on a charge Of larceny. The
complaining witnesses were Edward
Byrne. of No. 6S West One Hundred
and Thirty-frst street, and Orlando F.
Wright. of No. IS West One Hundred
and Thirty-fourth street, New York
city, They claimed that they had been
"bilked'' out OF S37 by the two women.
WANTED A DRINK.
The case of Mabel Curtis was the
first heard. Mr.. Byrne testified that he
and his companion, Wright, had met
the two women in question on a street
off Market street last evening, as they
were taking a stroll. They accosted |
Grace and Mabel whom they did not
know but who were not averse to their
advances. After a few moments con-
versation the women suggested that
they should ''buy a beer" Byrne and
Wright jumped at the opportunity of /
treating the fair damsels, but stated /
that as they were strangers they were
not familiar with any place where they
could obtain liquid refreshments in
company with ladies.
THE GIRLS KNEW.
Grace and Mabel, however, were not
so unfamiliar with Wilmington as
their male companions, and informed |
them that although they, too, were
strangers a friend had informed them |
that they could be accommodated at
the Hotel Western.
Thither the quartet proceeded, and
entering a side room drank to their |
hearts content Later they registered
and proceeded to apartments above. |
After remaining upstairs for some half
hour or so, during which time drinks
we're served, the women engaged in a
quarrel between themselves. OF pre-
tended to, and declared that they must
go home. Picking up their wraps they
took hurried departure despite the
protestations Of their companions.
MISSED HIS MONEY.
Shortly after they had left Byrne
stated that he felt in his overcoat
pocket for his wallet, which contained
$27 in money. It was gone. He in
formed his companion Of the fact and
he at once commenced to guy him for
being such an easy victim, not think
ing at the time to look for his own
money, amounting to $40. Byrne was
under the impression that he had been
relieved OF his money by Grace Dun
can, who picked up his overcoat and
tossed it from the room all four were
occupying to one across the hallway.
WOMEN ARRESTED.
After discovering his loss Byrne re-
ported the matter to Officer Lyons.
who in turn notified Police Captain
Black. He and Officer Lyons went to
the p, W. 4 B. railroad station to pre-
vent the escape of the women, as they
were supposed to be strangers.
Captain Black testified that he had
received Information of the robbery
about 1 o'clock, and had gene to the
railroad station to make inquiries re-
garding the women. He found that no
Philadelphia train left before 1.57
O'Clock, and then notified Patrol Ser
geant McDermOtt and Officer Collins
to watch the station in company with
Byrne and Wright, who could identity
the women. The latter were arrested
by the officers about train time. In
the meantime, however, Captain Black
searched all saloons that are open all
night, and where women frequent.
lIDnn bpinU
station Byrnes wallet containing a por-
tiOn Of the stolen money was found
upon the Curtis woman. and more
money amounting to SIT in all, was
found concealed in her stocking by
Matron Wogan. She admitted that il
belonged to Byrne.
When the Duncan woman was
searched SIS was also found upon her
part OF which was also in her stock
ing She stated that $40 Of the money
was Wright's.
HELD FOR COURT.
When Grace Duncan was arraigned
charged with the larceny OF SIS tn,
property of Orlando F. Wright the lat,
ter took the stand and corroborates
his companions story He stated ina
he did not miss his money until he ar
rived at the station. Then he founs
that all the money he had. $40. hat
been abstracted from his purse. but TN,
purse left Neither women denied III,
charge, and each was held in 5000 70
upper court.
The police believe the women to b.
professionals. 1t is said that they cam
to Wilmington early in the evenin,
and stopped at Browns Hotel. Grac
Duncan claims to be % years old AM
Mabel Curtis 90 The work of the DO
lice in capturing the women is espe
cially commended
HELD IN HEAVY BAIL.
Benjamin DEM, of East Wilmington
was arraigned on a charge OF usin
a female child under the age of l
years for immoral purposes. The com
planning witness was Maggie Morris
whose mother testified that she woul
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