The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1920-11-26

continue TO bite, we must sting him
and take his wad," said Silver Ed
Gray. alias Sprankling Eddie. alias
John Lintner, alias C. H. Ward and
fourteen other ccgnomens which made
him known to the police of several
large cities as one of the smoothest
con men that ever trimmed boob. as
the bunch split up their dough in
savannah after a recent visit to Flor
IDA, picking Savannah because good
red liquor could be freely had at six
dollars the quart.
The story had its beginning in At
lantic City on the Board Walk away
last June when Silver Ed picked the
acquaintance of William Martin of St.
Cloud, Mimi, who from his locks.
general demeanor and dress appeared
like he might be a retired small town
mrchant OF 65 or Whereabouts, not
overburdened with great wealth, but
having ample for his needs. Both
about the same age they found their
tastes and company congenial during
the long pleasant summer days, and
when Martin mentioned that lie al
ways spent the winter months in Or
iando, Fla, Mr.. Gray remarked that
he had spent several winters past in
Florida also, in fact had some orange
groves there and other property in
the neighbOrhood of Ocala.
They kept in touch with each ctL er
after leaving Atlantic City and met in
Chicago some three or four weeks ago.
Martin agreeing TO accompany Gray
90 Ocala if Gray would come along
with him to Orlando, and they arrived
IN Ocala a few days ago.
They formed the morning hab4 of
dlgesting their breakfasts and taking
: their sunshine cocktails together daily
IN one Of Ocala's parks. and about the
third day Of their stay, while discuss
inr., the. recent election on their Gus
tomary bench and listening 10 the
birds. both gentlemen at the same
time spied a long wallet. apparently
well filled with papers of busy bus
iress man. lying on bench just cut
az reach. Each made a dive for it, but
az course, Martins hand clasped it
first
They explored the contents of the
elegant wallet together, discovered
tao bills Of si0O each. perfectly good
currency 81 Uncle Sam. and quite a
number Of apparently important bust
ness papers belonging To one Hawkins.
They decided Il must be a pretty seri-
Gus loss 20 Mr. Hawkins and anxious
"a restore the lost property TO its
owner they made inquiries. first start
ing in AZ the hotels, under the skillful
guidance 81 silver Ed. and sure enough
they found a Mr.. Hankins registered
a one ~ the principal Ocala hotels.
nath proceeding Co Mr.. Hankinsroom
IA an earnest discussion that they be
snre ne was the lawful own c~
Sound q gentleman OF az
ENGAGED IN going over p'
weiehty aud of large @
they cautiously asked b Y 20
lost anything They
"a hts reply that be eve
had silver ia tFrt
might possibly ; ST oket
hook which can Fea &C make
3 frenzied dive coat hansmS
ou convenient n.ok. Quickly search
lag hls coat Hankins CALCULATED WITT
4 look az deep and dark despair; NY
cod. men. / am ruined. Sure enough
my wallet a gone and papers were IN
a thaf n they should chance 70 faii
~ any hut the right hands would Ut
terlv ruin me and my position would
a. gone. my family without support
and / don't know now where cou''
rei another job"
they chlded SIR. Hankins gently
and finally produced the lost wallet
uanklur having mentioned the amount
AZ mrney Il contained and ideniiiiea
several important documents IN It's
contents. Much 10 Iiankins JOY nc
recovered ire enc particular letter
that would ruin IFS life, this being
ffnm business associate 70 whom hs
had given inside information as 70 va
rfous sfook deals and this knowledge
rad come 20 his employers. Who were
me owners aud operators 81 the lats'
go slrlng 81 bucket shops IN the
aaufh Hanklns holding the position
a. aaflior ~ these branch houses