The Dallas express. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1893-1970, 1921-08-27
CHURCH TREASURER IS
PERSUADED TO GIVE UP
FUNDS, THEN SORCERER
DISAPPEARS.

VADfAA LfAAADs
Rockhill, S. c., Aug. 25.--A 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 q dignifled-look-
ing Negro wearing the garb of an
up-todate Negro preacher called at
the home of Peter Jones, who is a
tenant farmer near the city After
introductions, the minister made him
self at home. Peter was treasurer
of a local church and the minister
was much impressed with the piety of
his host as well as with the liber.
atty 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 head
ache, and remained at home.
Upon the return Of the family Mr..
Moore mentioned that he had taken
walk during the afternoon and that
an instrument in his pocket had act
ed in such a manner that he was
convinced there was buried treasurer
on the farm.
He suggested that the party inn
mediately repair to the spot and dig
up the gold, as his instrument would
unfailing point them to the spot, even
in the dark.
However, Peter did not fancy dig
ging 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,
Dick and shovel and wad of cotton.
Thus equipped, the entire family
sauntered forth to spot some dis
lance from the house. and after
zigzagging about Moor's instrument,
in reality compass, began to change
directions.
Here absolute silence was demand
I'd and only the minister was to
speak. Directing the woman to turn
leaf of the Bible every time the
wind changed, the four glasses were
set down, forming a 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 mysteri-
Gus odOr was poured thereon, follow
ing which match was applied
Dense smoke issued from the glasses
and here the minister directed Peter
to use his shovel.
Soon something hard was struck
and reaching down the leader pulled
IN a shining bar. apparently solid
gold. Another 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
rould he made of the bars and the
money received therefor properly di-
-. y
The Rev. Mr.. Moore did some cal
culatirg upon the return to the
house and estimated that the worth
~ the find was about $4,000, in
forming each of the persons as TO
the amount of his or her share. He
nc IN shin the gold ingots to the
Treasury Department at Washington
and showed letter he had written
to Secretary N"llon informing him
~ the bars had been 81
He was to mail this letter and ex-
press the box containing the bars
Nothing developed until the fol-
lowing Thursday, when letter ar
rived nv mail for Peter Jones This
purported to be from Washington
and was to the effect that each per-
son interested would receive in cash
the amount opposite their names.
This was the same as had been pre-
viously estimated by Moore.
Upon learning the contents of the
letter Moore expressed the opinion
that it was time they were going to
Columbia or sending a sum of mon
ey there, that the details incident TO
the forwarding of the pay for the
gold bars might be speedily pushed
through When Peter averred that
he had no money Moore reminded
him of the fact that as treasurer 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 transaction, so the two came to
town and drew out the money in
greenbacks. Going to the postoffice
Peter was instructed to get stamp
while Moore put the money in the
and sealed it, addressing 1t
to some one in Columbia. s. G. While
Peter was getting the stamp Moore
deftly inserted leaves from an old
catalogue in the envelope and the
money in his pockets, and Peter sps-
pecting, placed the stamp on the EN-
velope and speeded the letter on its
way.
Moe then suggested a festival
in the form of an extra supper, an
his intention of going to
Charlotte and bringing his wife down
to participate. Peter went home.
Moore went somewhere. and few
DAYS alter a letter came back and
was opened by officers. who found
the catalogue leaves. leter sought
advice when the preacher did not
turn up, and now ne is contemplate
ing half rations until he can repay
the S240 church funds he used with
out authority, if indeed, the organ
'zaron does not prosecute him for
in Office
cry CuADCC nCED