The New York herald., 1921-07-18
NEGRO PREACHER
USES GOLD BRICKS
After Solemn IncantatiOns He
Digs Up Twelve Bars OF
Metal.
VICTIM PARTS WITH $24O
Church Treasurer Persuaded to
Give Up Funds, Then the
Sorcerer Disappears.

SDecfuI DeSpdtCh TO iHE NEW iOHk IlkfALp'
Rock HILL. S. c.. July IA gold
brick agent recently visited this COM
munity and after inducing Peter Jones'
negro. to separate himself from $240 of
church funds, which he held as treasurer,
departed and Is now sought by officers.
Several days ago dignifeo looking
negro wearing the garb OF an up to date
negro preacher called at the home of
Peter Jones. who is tenant farmer
near the city. After introducuons the
minister made himself at home. Peter
was treasurer OF local church and the
piety of his host as we'll as with the
liberalty of his table.
Sunday came and Peter harnessed his
mule and preparations were made to
go to church. The Rev. George Moore.
for such the stranger had christened
himself, pleaded a headache. and re-
mained at home.
Upon the return Of the family Mr..
Moore mentioned that he had taken a
walk during the afternoon and that an
instrument in his pocket had acted in
such a manner that he was convinced
there was buried treasure on the farm
He suggested that the party immedi-
ately repair to the spot and dig up the
gold, as his instrument would unfail-
sngly point them to the spot, even in the
dark.
However,, Peter did not fancy digging
In the dark. even accompanied by a
preacher, SO he said morning would be
time enough. Accordingly, early the
next morning breakfast was eaten and
Moore told Peter to get a Bible. four
glasses, some vinegar, pick and shovel
and wad of cotton. Thus equipped,
the entire family sauntered forth to a
spot some distance from the house and
after zigzagging about Moore's instru-
ment. in reality a compass, began to
change directions.
Here absolute silence was demanded
and only the minister was to speak. Dt-
recting the woman to turn a leaf Of the
Bible every time the wind changed, the
four glasses were set down. forming
square of about two feet. The vinegar
was poured into the glasses and each
person was told to stuff cotton in his
or her nose. Cotton was placed In each
glass and something with a mysterious
odor was poured thereon, following which
a match was applied. Dense smoke is
sued from the glasses and here the min
lister directed Peter to use his shovel.
reaching down the leader pulled up a
shining bar. apparently solid gold. An
other and another was drawn forth from
the excavation, until twelve shimmering
pieces of the metal were revealed. After
allowing each one to feel the gold,
each was sworn to secrecy until disposal
could be made of the bars and the money
received therefor properly divided.
The Rev. Mr.. Moore did some calculat-
ing upon the return to the house and
estimated that the worth Of the find was
about $4,000, informing each or the
persons as to the amount of his or her
share He was to ship the gold ingots
to the Treasury Department at Washing-
ton, and showed a letter he had written
TO Secretary Mellon informing him that
the bars had been shipped. He was to
mail this letter and express the box con-
tanning the bars.
Nothing. developed until the following
Thursday. when letter arrived by mail
for Peter Jones. This purported to be
from washington and was to the effect
that each person Interested would re-
ceive in cash the amount opposite tneir
names. This was the same as had
previously been estimated by Moore.
Upon learning the contents OF the let
ter Moore expressed the opinion tnat II
was time they were going to Columbia
or sending sum of money there. tnat
the details incident to the forwarding
of the pay for the gold bars might be
speedily pushed through. When Peter
ayerred that he had no money Moore
reminded him of the fact that as treas
rrer of the church he had $240 In the
bank and he could borrow this and re-
turn 1t after receipt of his share from
the sale. He finally persuaded Peter
there would be no harm In this transac-
ton. so the two came to town and drew
out the money in greenbacks. Going TO
the post Office Peter was instructed TO
get stamp while Moore put the money
In the envelope and sealed 1t. address
ing IL to some one in Columbia. 5. Z.
While Peter was getting the stamp
Moore deftly inserted leaves from an
old catalogue in the envelope and the
money in his pocket, and Peter, never
suspecting. placed the stamp on the
envelope and speeded the letter on its
way.
Moore then suggested festival In the
form of an extra supper, announcing
his intention of going to Charlotte and
bringing his wife down to participate.
Peter went home. Moore went some
where, and a few days later the letter
came back and was opened by officers.
who found the catalogue leaves. Peter
sought advice when the preacher did
not turn up, and now he Is contemplating
half rations until he can repay the $240
church funds he used without authority.
IL. indeed. the organization does not
prosecute him for malfeasance in office
- vxxrc,c NHF~ m % Ay%