Evening star., 1905-10-29
"RaffIes'' in Real Life
Who Kept a Valet
al Correspondence OF The Star.

Special Correspondence Of The Star.
LONDON, October 81, 1905.
or all the gentlemanly professors OF
burglary who have been compared with
"RsfHes." none bears a closer resemblance
20 Hornungs fascinating creation than
James Marsh. who made voluntary ap-
pearance at the Clerkenwell sessions, Lon
don, the other day. He possesses another
claim to distinction which renders him al
most unique among the eNponents OF arts
tic misappropriation. He maintains-or
rather did maintaln-a valet. And ii was
to save this servant. William Lawson, from
suffering the consequences of some of his
masters crimes that Mr.. Marsh. escorted
by two stalwart warders, had come from
Norwood Scrubbs, where he is serving d
five years sentence.
The police said the two men had lived
together and had been associated in ma
rauding expeditions. In the house whore
they arrested Lawson they found Il box
containing lot OF plundered property,
which they charged Lawson with stealing.
Lawson declared that he didn't know the
property had been stolen. and didn't know
that his master was a burglar. He always
seemed to have plenty of money, Lawson
said and he understood that he was gem
tleman of private means. MarSh's frequent
absence from his chambers at night, Law
son said, he had been led to believe was
due to the attention which his master was
paying to wealthy young lady.
Despite his close-cropped hair and
shabby clothing there unmistak-
able air of distinction about Marsh's clean
ShaVen features. He spoke in we'll
modulated voice. and the manner in which
he gave his testimony showed that he had
received good educt tion. He entered the
witness box with the utmost sangfroid.
There was touch of Ratfies in the way
he began his evidence.
X X
81 must apologize for my appearance" he
said casting quzzical glance at his d.
lapidated outfit. II gave away my best
garments when l was convicted. That is
why ! have had to come before you IN
these rags"
"And were those best garments-er--all
lcquired-er-on the straight?" queried the
Judge in more deferertial tones than he
usually assumes toward criminals.
NO" replied Marsh, with the flicker of
L smile. and a suspicion of mimickry In
his voice they We're most of them-er-
stolen. The receipts for the little clothing
had occasion to-er-purchase were found
by the police. Everything in there"-indi-
eating big wooden box which the police
had brought into the court room-'was-er
stolen"
How came you to possess such rags as
those you have on?'
with your profound experience Of the
ways OF burglars" replied Marsh with a
bow. you must be aware that there are
occasions when. In order to evade the OBJ
servation of such astute emissaries of the
law as l see before me. 1t is necessary to
assume a disguise. Though l have felt
constrained to apologize for them these
rags. l assure you, ere this have served
me we'll"
''Yet the police succeeded in catching
you?"
"UInfortunately-or fortunately as you
would call 1t. Sir, the element of luck can
I.n 1ir,1fYN tod fFnT
profession The best laid plans of'-but
pardon me. the quotation. l am aware, Is
somewhat hackneyed"
1t was through an accident, Marsh said
that he became acquainted with Lawson.
One of the dodgers. by way of a joke,
threw some cold water through the sky
light into the'bath room, where Marsh was
bathing. Marsh did not treat it as joke;
a fracas followed and he received severa!
cuts In the right arm.
lone OF the cuts was on the pulse, he
said "and i was in danger of bleeding TO
death until Lawson came to my aid.
THAT was our Introduction, and / liked
the fellow / knew he had seen better
days, and in return for his help-cleaning
my boots. brushing my clothes, shaving
me. cooking my food, etc.-I kept him"
He was questioned about an incident in
his professional career connected with
raid on grocer's shop.
"Ah. yes, now you speak of it recall the
circumstances" said Marsh. THAT sort
of thing was not much In my line, but sup
plies were getting low and had not found
it easy to convert into cash certain articles
which l d--er-misappropriated. We had
a liberal dish of eggs and bacon for break
fast next morning..
"Did not Lawson comment on your bring
ing the things homer" asked one of the
council.
let me see. Yes. he did ask a ques
ton" replied Marsh, in a reminiscent mood,
but as | ignored it, he did not ask again.
The fellow. you see, had good manners;