New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-13

THE DEPUTY POLICE COMMISSIONER
PROFITS BY WHAT HE LEARNED OF
PINOCHLE PLAYING cop"

TEL you police story?" Deputy Commissioner
Ihurston leaned back in his chair and blew a cloud
OF fragrant smoke from his Manila about hin,
" n.y. yes, III tell yo1 a police story. I notice
that some of the policemen are surprised to find
that don't believe all they tell me as implicitly
as might The truth is have lived in this eity
good many years, and downtown at that wbv
for years l used to drop into FIRE station everv
AlSh' ana Play round Of pinochie The fire sta
ton was next door 70 the police station ana
learned a great many valuable things then Won
know that the policeman has not CHANGED srcs a.
awful lot since then
whenever I sit at a police trial always think
OF the case Of Phoebe Dan He was at once fhA
pride and the desperation Of the -- Precinct STA
non livery night when the O'Clock SQUAD vent
on duty Dan who was attached 70 this Uor11
come out with the line. and they came down
the steps he would leave the line and come into
the IRE station He never took the trouble 10 walk
DOWN TO the end Of the beat with them: no b1p4s
Tor him Walking into the fire station he wouI5
pull of his hang il up. roll up his sleeves and
say dehantly. Now, if any here thinks he
can do me two of three at pinOchIe WHY he can
Just get ready for the worst beating he ever got
with that the game would begin, and from that
time until midnight when he had to report back
for relief, he never lett the fire station
For years this went on. and Dan was never
caught His record was clear Time and time
again there would be shout for 'Danr from the
station. but invariably he would say with A grin
But trouble came at last in the shape of A nsw
administration 'Shoofys' were sent out everv
where. and one night 2 fireman came into the STA
ton where Dan was playing and whispered that
'shooffy was watching on the other side of the
street.
Let him stay there said Dan as he n1elded
hundred and fifty eoolly- Not another thought
did Dan give the 'shoofy.' But as it grew close
TO the time when he would have to report we all
began to be anxious. for knew that it meant
Dan yRJIId he fbroI.
post in that shape
AT last it got TO be ten minutes Of r. and We
were all in a cold sweat. for the 'shoofy' hadn't
b budgedf and in ten minutes it would be all over
What shall | dor said he nervousiy to the leu
- Dan" said that officer severely. you're
blame fool, but I suppose I'll have to pull you
with that he walked back to the alarm and
turned in a call from place couple of blocks on
before they pulled out Dan was dumped on the
Then the truck went tearing out into the street.
The 'shooiy,' who was a bit anxious. came rushing
fetched him a not very gentle kick with his rubber
boot ana the spotter upset in the street receiving
past: Around the corner went the truck; and in
more ana tS WAS f b 2e Is ITo 9loeS
came 1Ff slowly 10 the house. ..,.. 49,.
the wagon passed he inquired anxiousy:
Where was it?
False alarm. said the driver with grin.
Somebody saw some steam and got scared-peope
never have anyway getting out ar
this time With this he pulled his truck into the
sta ton. grumbling all the way.
AT TIVE minutes af u the tshoofy' getting
excited He knew Dan had got 10 come out, and
he was wondering how he would dc it. He was
standing right in front OF the door nab him.
Suddenly he heard a yell behind him, and turn
ing round, he Dan sailing toward him from
the side street. Staring him with open eyed
amazement. the 'shoofy' sings out:
a. Say where you been?'
- Where have L beenP says Dan swinging his
night stick in a jaunty fashion. Where have
been? I've been walking my post, O. course. What
do yer spose 1 been a-dong? Now. just look
ahere. What you hanging round here for? Just
take sneak With this Danny put a fierce
look and the 'shoohy' moved
"A pretty close shave. said Dan the next night
he hung his coat the old peg. But
l can do any three games OF pinoehle.'
Yes said the Deputy Commissioner, ne
reached for cigar. II learned some things in
those days that in handy now"