The Washington times., 1902-04-28
STARCH TAKEN OUT OF
FRESH NEW YORKER
Story of an Old Police De-
tective Off Duty.
Thought He Had Struck a Jay Town
But the Trick Was Turned
Against Him.

Detectives are generally a close mouth
ed set. concerning their dealings profess
sionally, but now and then even the most
reticent OF them will open UP his talking
machinery. and when he does he nearly
! always says something TO interest his
audience.
This was the case when coterie of
sleuths sat around Police Headquarters
recently. The races at Benning, Just
closed, had brought n number of the
members of the light-f fingered fra
ternity TO the city, but they were
keenly watched, and had little if any
chance to ply their nefarious trade. So
there was nothing of note 10 discuss on
that line. and tricks turned in the past
were reverted to, and one of the older
men told an amusing story of how a
ohesty New Yorker, who prided himself
that the smartest of crooks was too dull
to work him, was taught a thing OF two.
I'VE used TO have n Western pickpocket
visit Washington he commenced. He
was known as Windy Dick as well as
by numerous other titles Of that sort. He
had new name for about every town he
struck. Dick was about as smooth a man
in his line as ever hit these parts. He
was a good dresser. good locker. good
talker, and polished in manner. He made
the best hotels his headquarters; that is,
he was in and out in busy sort Of way
every day. rarely intruding for more than
few minutes at time. Hotel clerks all
knew him, and he never attempted 10
work in their houses. He was in and out
TO get his lines.
zone day the New Yorker referred 20
turned up at one of the big hotels. He
was loaded with money and valuable
jewelry, of which he made such reckless
display that the clerk warned him that he
might find it to his welfare TO be more
careful. for there were many evil-disposed
persons in the city who would rob him.
The kindly admonishment was met by
the New Yorker with contempt; even
anger. He haughtily told the clerk he
could take care OF himself in a Jim Crow
town like Washington, and strutted on
thrusting a big bunch of bills carelessly
into his vest pocket.
Windy Dick entered the door Just as
the indignant all-wise Gotharnite went out
Ibid you notice that fellow inquired
the clerk as the crook approached the desk
81 did replied Dick.
- i want you TO do something for me-
said the clerk. i want YOU TO follow that
geeser, get next to him, and take every |
thing he's got-money. diamonds. hand |
kerchief, his shoes. and hat, If you can get |
away with them, and bring them back 10
Inc. He. thinks he's about the cutest thing ]
that ever came down the pike, and i want |
you to help me teach him lesson
"I'll be back shortly Dick remarked |
quietly, and out be went.
"In less than an hour Dick was back /
and turned over TO the clerk wad of |
money as big as your leg, a watch and |
chain, a couple of diamond studs, and |
several pocket trinkets.
You got him, did you? queried the !
clerk.
Sure replied Dick. He's easy
Gust then the New York appeared. |
Perspiration was pouring off of him in
drops as big as peas.
What the matter" asked the clerk, !
Are you sick?'
- feel awful was the answer. i think |
I'll 20 to bed ! ought to have doctor
"'Fll send you the house physician
said the clerk. Help this gentleman to
his ROOM he added TO a porter. BE very |
careful with him He's very i'll
Fifteen minutes afterward the hotel |
doctor and the clerk went TO the New
Workers. room. The doctor felt the |
patients pulse and listened to the beat
ing of his heart Then he opened his med |
icine case, and taking cut the mans money |
and jewelry. handed them 10 him.
Take these he said. They'll cure |
you
THE guy left Washington that night. |
and don't think he ever has or ever viii |
come back.
How Dick turned that trick nobody but
he ever knew. but he turned it 10 GER
ta.nty.'