New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-08-10
HONG KONG MAN ROBBED
SWINDLED OUT OF $4,000.
Merchant Drascn Into CleUer Game
by T5co Strangers an TO1cn.

Arthur F. WEIGH. Hong Kong merchant.
made preparations to sail on the Campanla on
Thursday and no doubt would have been on his
way home had he not met a Mr.. Davis a
stranger in New York. whose friendship event
a1ally introduced him TO a coterie of bunco
men that cleverly mulcted him Of $1,000
Mr. WEIGH has postponed his trip home, IN the
hope of getting back his money
The merchant said that he left Hong Kong
two months ago on a business and pleasure trip.
When he arrived here he went to the Waldorf
Astoria and had engaged suite Of rooms He
left the hotel TO go to tourist agency 10 ai-
range for his return passage AT the holel en-
trance in 34th street. well dressed stranger ap-
rDraacted him and asked where the nearest SUD
wav station was. WEIGH said he did not klo"
as he was a stranger in the city
THAT is queer that two strangers shouio
meet" said the newcomer. in surprise
Both started TO find the station. as WEIGH Of
fered TO help the well dressed man. When the
two were opposite the Cafe Martin WEIGH was
invited TO have a drink. There at the table ne
met another stranger" friend or Davis
who said he from Cleveland you Know
When the waiter appeared with the biu Tor lne
drinks an argument arose as to VINO should
nav for the drinks The dispute was finally
settled by a suggestion from Daviss friend
s.aTr wilson that they settle il by tossing a
coin WEIGH lost and paid the bill A game OIL
tossing" was proposed as a result OF TINS IN
IL.
WEIGH came out ahead in this game, wlnnlns
$500 When they came TO Settle Davis
thought il strange that the color OF NelSH :
money had not been seen. A DOUBT was Elk
messed as to whether he could SHOW thal
a,,,ornt if he had lost. He could not do so
then. ard before all the bets were paid Melch
agreed tc produce that amount OF money on the
following day as proof of his good intentions
The three met by agreement the next Gay al
the Cafe Martin. and then went TO the ChiililleS
o.1rh street and Sixth avenue
When they were seated in a back room ana
before the drinks had heen served. three big men
hurst into the room without ceremony and
seemed surprised at seeing Davis and VIII
SON.
-.Ah, got you at last have WEI" said one. VINO
seemed TO be the leader Didn't know t ne
were three in the gang. did you. Charley rms
one looks like a Western crook WE'LL ltS d
new mug for the gallery
The men said they were headquarters detec-
4ives and after making Davis and wilson
enptv their pockets, showing rolls OF bills whlch
the detectives called counterfeit all right
Davis" and Wilson We're ordered TO come
along. and so was WEIGH. who protested, declar-
ing that he was not OF the men wanted
The detectives searched Welch and took $1,000
which he had drawn from the bank that day anu
declared the money counterfeit Melch SUP
,nirted TO arrest, knowing that he could clear
himself.
On the wav to the station house one OF the
detectives said that Davis was slick one ana
1bat he would have TO telephone TO headquar-
rers for a wagon The party stopped in front
Of drug store. One Of the detectives Went
in TO telephone, and then later the rest OF the
marty went in to look after me hrst detectlNS.
FINALLY Welch entered the store TO look for all
Of them and the clerk there laughed at him
,.ben told Of the situation. Welch went at once
90 the nearest police station and related his ex-
Ilerience.