The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-24
HOW A $60,O0O BEER STAMP STEAL
 WAS FIXED" BY NEW YORK SLEUTH

looked at the paper as if he'd seen a ghost He was certainly astonished
 Well. I presume you wish to see me about these stamps?" Jones questioned as soon as he had recovered from his surprise And as that is the matter which is at present occupying most of my time, I am at your disposal. Client ,t yours?" he added, referring to the sheet Well, not exactly" said Wiley, in tone which implied "by no manner of , means"
 Privileged communication, suppose?" , ''Yes, in so far as I myself do not care to be brought into the case. I have been retained after fashion. and 1 am au- thorized to treat with you "The government won't compromise" the inspector said fatly.
 "Oh very well. How many stamps were stolen, inspector?'
 Fourteen thousand eight hundred dol lars worth.'
 You said the government would not compromise, I believe Now, what would you say if I were to tell you that it was s60. 900 worth, and not $14,S00 and that I am in a position to put you next to the people who have the goods?"
 ''I'd say you were wrong. Why should Washington give out false report of the amount?"
 For the very simple reason, my dear sir, that the theft occurred in the main or head office and not in transit from Washington to Chicago"
 Inspector Jones considered Here was a chance to put a feather in his own cap. He was an ambitious man, and cold, hard proposition His eye rested on the inspectorship. He cared not a whit about breaking his word to ganP of crooks if he could get the stolen stamps thereby. He could see the surprise of Inspector Thomas, when he would be able to say, sir, not $15O00, but the colossal sum of s60000 was stolen. I have recovered them"
 Therefore, he decided to treat with Wiley.
 What do you propose?" he asked.
 Made Inspector Proposition.
 T have one proposition to make" said the lawyer. 'I am like a stock broker in this deal When I offer to sell for 30 I don't mean 5014, or 491z I mean 50 I of- fer to produce the men who will them selves return the stamps to you in pay ment in gold of s30,0o9; they, at least my clients, are to have immunity, and are to be given clean bill of health in this case; this guarantee is to be given to me to be held in escrow, and to become inop- erative the minute any one of those ras-
 
 to do so; I am to receive $500 for my services, which you will pay now, em- ploying and empowering me in writing to act for you and to deal with these peo- pie. That's about all, I think. "I will have to consult my chief" said the inspector, after pondering Wiley's of fer. q will go to Washington and will be able to act when I return, which will be the day after tomorrow" ssJrbap will rnaef voiI at my offica Fri day morning at 11?' Wiley suggested.
 That will suit me very well' Jones agreed
 When the lawyer had returned to his office he telephoned Gordon to meet him with those interested in the deal at the Imperial Hotel cafe that night. Wiley explained the situation to them over some cold bottles, but one of them. heavy set man about 50 years old. would have none of it.
 How're yer goin' to be sure that thes' Jones are on the level?'
 You'll have to depend on that" the lawyer argued. Here you've got a lot of stuff that's no more use to you than so many corn shucl1s. You can never sell it. There isn't brewer in the coun- try who would take a chance of putting those stamps on his kegs. The office would mighty soon finN out who was us- ing 120000 quarter barrel stamps without buying em.'
 "wiley's right" Gordon chimed in
 "Go ahead if you want to- the big man snapped "but I don't go to any meeting with MT. Jones. See!' Then" the lawyer continued, "I have another reason which am keeping to myself. You can take my guarantee that Jones will keep his word. Did it ever occur to you that those stamps are drug on the market since this prohibition mania struck the country?'
 Finally they agreed to do as Wiley ad- vised. Gordon was to take the stamps l in two suit cases and they were to be at