The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-03-29
-Tich Vine-Grower From California
Flattered by Confidence Of
Bogus Nobleman.
GAVE MONEY FOR "NoTEs."
Detectives Know the Stranger,
and Senior Ruvoiles Says He
Has Learned Some
80 thing.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL
New York. March 2S.-Senor Antonio Ru-
vofles and his son, Antonio. Jr., who have
Sarse vineyards near Los Angeles and grow
grapes for the wine trade. left for an all
water trip to their California home, after
Adisastrous week Of seeing New York"
They are reputed to be immensely wealthy.
Che came here over the West Shore Rail-
road to establish the younger man In some
business here.
2 Father and son were met at the ferry OH
their arrival by a public porter, known as
SPork Chops" and he piloted them to the
West Shore Hotel. There they encountered
8 tall and dgnifled Frenchman OF dis
Sunguished appearance. He wore a coat OF
Partisan cut. and his carefully groomed,
gray, pointed beard was the admiration of
the younger Antonio, who is IS and respects
whiskers.
THE Count" as this polished stranger
was called by all who addressed him in the
presence OF the Seniors Ruvoiles. made a
profound impression on the grape growers,
and soon they found themselves being
guided about town Under his courteous aus
pices. They were delighted. They both
talked to him in French. and his replies
were given In pure Partisan.
HIS TROUBLESOME WEALTH.
AT last he conhded TO the young Antonio
that he was in some tribulation over a
package Of money-thousands OF dollars
which he was In constant dread of losing.
He had no place TO leave IT, Antonio suG.
sested placing it In the safe at the hotel.
Alas! the Count did not stop there. nor at
any hotel. but at quiet little retreat
Hush! with a dear friend
Why not LET father put it away ror
70, you suggested the unsuspecting child of
the vineyards
Ali the very thing, How stupid not to
H naHe thought OF II befcre.'. The elder Ru-
voiies was approached and was happy to
pnnge his good friend. who had been so
Klnd. The package. bulky one. daintily
TAPPED IN several thicknesses of white
tissue paper and tied with business-ike red
heavy red seals was mysteriously handed
over to the senior n dark corner.
give you receipt" VIA
But the Count was up in arms in mo-
mot for the world!' he exclaimed .gt
YOU'D be to DOUBT your integrity" The
package was not opened. 1t had about it
notes. The Senior placed it in the safe.
This was on Friday afternoon. The Count
turned laughingly to him.
HE WOULDN'T TAKE PLEDGES.
proof Of his honesty" he said, which. uno
oerstand. ] do not doubt. let me take that
pe ny watch OF yours and that small roll
moment ago. and when our ship sails flor
nave made up my mind to take the trip
VIII , eseb m9rn With you for
This was indeed a huge Joke, and the
sm roared as he handed over his bank
able watch Later he told his story to the
noss, clerk who insisted on opening the
hnvoiles to commit such a breach of CON.
ndence and impossible to convince him that
ne mad been duped until the package Law
open before him and the 'thousands Of dol.
ias worthless pile Of cut-up newspapers,
Inen he FASTENED to police headquarters
cnq told bis troubles to Detective-Sergeant
Gun HIS description of the Count answered
70 that Of well-known confidence man
knoHn 70 the police a. "Frenchy," and De
sent out to ind him.