New-York tribune., 1901-04-06
BUNCOED IN YONKERS.
JOHN SMITH. A RETIRED MERCHANT,
LOSES 1.5oO To CARD SHARPS.

John Smith a retired merchant at Yonkers,
was fieeced out of $1,000 yesterday through
cleVerly conceived ruse. Last night nearly half
the ponce force of Yonkers was at work on the
case put after several hours of investigation
10 crew or any value was obtained It was
shortly after o'clock when Mr. Smith who was
taxing MS usual morning walk. met a well
dressed young man in North Broadway who
greeted him warmly. He introduced himself as
son of Charles Waring vice-presidAnt of the
Citizens National Bank. an old friend of Mr.
smith He related so many interesting incidents
III the history of Yonkers that Mr. Smith became
quite interested in him Finally the stranger
remarked that he interested in the publi-
caton OF history Of Yonkers, which had given
Mr. Smith liberal write up and that he
would be pleased to have Mr. Smith accept one
as a gift. The young man suggested that Smith
accompany him to the distributing office. They
walked along lesurely and according to Smiths
statements, the first thing he knew he was walk
ing upstairs and shown into a comfortably
furnished room, where elderly man, extreme
ly we'll dressed and refined looking, sat behind
a table writing.
The man stood up on the entrance of Smith
and his friend and. extending his hand to the
young man, said: Good morning. Mr.. Waring."
Proceeding to a chest, the man drew forth sew
eral books, all of which were more or less dam
them, declaring that they unfit to be pre-
sented to Mr.. Smith. Finally he said he would
wait for new consignment from New-York
City.
The elderly at length remarked that he
owed 'Waring" a balance of So 90 for sales. He
handed the young a So bill and said that he
had change
'Waring" replied that he never accepted
change. The elderly man proposed that they
NTar ro''
by the turn of card. Mr.. Smith, who had
never gambled. and is a strict church member.
became interested in the game. 1t soon re-
quired little effort to make him try his luck for
big stakes. and he quickly won no less than
$500. The money promptly paid over to
him by the elderly in what appeared to
Mr.. Smith good bills However. before you
CO." he said. you will have to prove TO me
that you of standing. I shall have to
see real estate deeds equal to S1,5O0 in value
or cash TO that amount. 1 have to he pro
tected you know"
The young man who assumed an amazed ex-
preston. interposed by saying. Why. this gen
tleman is worth plenty OF money and as to ms
standing, if that's " hat you want TO ascertain
l viii vouch for that"
Mr. Smith remark ID that he had 1880 in the
bank, but that he did not like to break the IN
terest on it. The elderly man quickly dspelled
all misgVings by declaring that 81, 400 was at
stake. Mr.. Smith then set out with the young
man. who left him corner and proceeded 10
the NOnkerS Savings BANK ana secured Hl,'"'.
He met "Warng' again and returned with him
to the house The elderly man suggested that
Mr.. Smith try his luck again and see II he couid
not double his winnings Smith produced his
81 500 in addition TO the $3.50 he had won, and
by the turning OF a blank card he lost the entire
amount, which was quietly drawn in by the
elderly man.
"Waring'' then played and lost the 81 800 he
had won. He tore his hair in apparent despair.
and Smith equally a frantic Finally the
Young suggested that he would see his
father. the banker with Mr.. Smith, and have
him discount note for the latter for Slaoo so
that he could keep his account straight in the
Yonkers Savings Bank.
Smith readily agreed and the two went out
together. They had not gone far when the young
man excused himself at corner, promising 10
return. Smith remained there from II to
O'Clock He then went to search for the house,
hut could not find it. He reported the facts to
the police last night They remembered that
about year ago a similar effort 70 fleece Judge
Van Court. OF Mount Vernon. had been made
through the same ruse Smith ie we'll connected.
His son is the owner Of big carpet factory in
PHILADELPHIA,