Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1881 — A DETECTIVE’S STORY. [ARTICLE]

A DETECTIVE’S STORY.

The annexed narrative was related by James Oldfield,, the English detective : ‘‘ I was on very intimate terms with Mr. Edwin Boncliffe, residing in Manchester. He was foreman in the large cotton mills, for which Manchester is so famous. He came to me one day in such deep disguise that I would not nave ■ recognized him had he not made himself known. Then I asked what his masquerading meant, whereupon he made this statement : “ ‘ Some six weeks ago, during a political meeting, I was relieved of my pocket-book. I felt the thief’s hand, and grasped it as it was withdrawn from my pocket, but the exp 'rt owner of it wrenched it from my grasp before I could turn around to who he was. “ ‘A tall, handsome and well-dressed young man stood behind me, on the side where the robbery hail been perpetrated. I asked him if he had seen the man who had just robbed me. He said ho lmd not.. “ * “But I had hold of his hand. Did you see that ? ” asked I, and again he replied negatively. “‘I became vexed, and remarked: “You must be oither very stupid or blind not to notice such a thing under your very nose ! ” He replied by a mocking laugh, and added : “ Perhaps you are the thief ? ” “ ‘ “Perhaps I am,” was the cool rejoinder. “ 4 His insolence aroused my ire, and I had him arrested on suspicion. A policeman took him away, and next day I appeared against him. The pocketbook was not found on his person at the time of his arrest, and, as I could not swear that he was the thief, he was acquitted. The Magistrate said that nothing wrong had been proven against him, and his name hail never been on the Magistrate’s docket, or he might have been remanded as a suspicious character. Ir. fact, he was a stranger in town, which was proved to the Magistrate’s entire satisfaction.

“‘Since that occurrence,’continued Boncliffe, 4 1 have met this man on the streets on several occasions, and he always greets me with a mocking bow and a sneer. I believe he is the follow who robbed me, and the money not being found on his person I can explain it only in ono way. He had a confederate with him to whom he doubtless passed it the moment he had abstracted it. “ ‘ Now, being impressed with this belief, I haven’t the least doubt that he is a regular member of the “swell mob,” and intends to ply his trade in town. I want you to see him. I will point him out to you ; I know his haunts. This disguise I have adopted, so that he would not know mo if we should meet. After you have seen him, I want you to watch his movements, and if you catch him at his tricks I shall consider myself your debtor to any reasonable amount you may name. Is it a go? ’ “ 4 It is,’ I said. 4 1 shall willingly do this for your sake and for the benefit of society.’ “We met the man, and Boncliffe pointed him out to me. He was about twenty-seven years of age, intellectual in appearance and strikingly handsome, with a profusion of glossy black and curly hair, and dark melancholy eyes. “I was thinking to myself it would be a difficult matter to adjudge him a criminal by his personal appearance, for that bore the impress of a refined gentleman. “I loitered in the vicinity next day and again saw him. Before noon I had managed to learn his name—Alfred Rapin* —and ascertained that he lodged at a highly respectable place. “I dogged his footsteps for several hours iu the afternoon, and never saw him accosting any one, or being accosted ; hence I concluded that he wai indeed a stranger in Manchester. “He followed no apparent business, and dressed like a gentleman, and I concluded that he was either a man of means or truly one of the ‘ swell mob,’ as mv friend Bonclifl'e had observed.

' “ That evening I followed him to a tap-ioom where the mill hands resorted after their evening meals. He drank his ale quietly, and, while sipping it, glanced over a paper he had taken from his pocket. ‘ ‘ But I could see that his mind was not on the paper. He was covertly watching every one that came to the bar to drink, and his eyes would rest eagerly on the wallets of the men as they paid their score, and he always watched them after they replaced their wallets or purses, as if noting their location for a purpose. “I at once pronounced him a ‘ lightfingered gentleman,’ and watched his every movement thenceforth. “Although he mixed freely with the men in the tap-room and in the adjoining apartment, where seats were provided for the patrons of the house, I did not perceive, a single suspicious movement on his part. Suddenly some one cried out: “ ‘l’ve been robbed 1 ’ “ A great commotion ensued. The landlord, under my instructions, at once locked the front door and put the key in his pocket, unperceived by any one, and I secured the only door in the rear in the same manner. “By making inquiries I learned that a man had his pocket picked, and had already pitched upon the supposed rogue, one of his own kind, as I judged, by his appeayrace and dress. “ But on investigation it proved that no one in the house knew the man, though he represented himself as a sjlnner in one of the mills, and wore the ordinary clothes of a mill-haud. “ The stranger was searched, but the money was not found on him. The victim looked surprised, but stoutly declared that the fellow had been quite near him when he was robbed, and no one else cpuld have done it. “‘Let every one be searched,’said the landloi'd, coming into fheir midst. ‘ The innocent need not fear. It is only the guilty who will object to this.’ “ There was an almost unanimous response in favor of this measure, and the novel prooess began, the landlord being named as the proper person to perform the examination. “ ‘I suppose I oan leave, since I have

already been searched, ’ asked the suspected man. “ * You shall remain to witness the exposure of the thief,’ was the gruff response. . , “The man looked disappointed, and walked away, grumbling to himself in an nndertone. “He came up to the man I still had mv eye upon (Alfred Rapine), and that person remarked, smilingly: “ 4 We must all submit to be searched, I see. There is no remedy for it.’ So it appears,’ rejoined the other, and then they stood and witnessed the unique operation in progress. “ Presently I noticed some suspicious movements- on their part, and kept a keen eye on them. I saw their fingers moving in a rapid manner, and knew at once they were conversing in the mute language—a langusge that I understood perfectly—and the whole transaction was at once revealed to me. “This seeming mill-hand and Rapine were confederates. The former had robbed the man and immediately transferred the proceeds of that robbery to Rapine, who now had it in his possession. “ Their conversation was of the feasibility of the mill-hand taking the ‘dummies’ (wallets) back again, since he had already been searched, and it was not likely that the process would be repeated. “They decided on this, and in a very dexterous manner the transfer was made, and not one, but four purses, or wallets, changed hands in a moment. “ Then they drifted apart, as if they really were not acquaintances. “i quickly wrote on a slip of paper what I had witnessed, and managed to slip it into the hand of the landlord, with the whispered instruction to read it at once. “ He did so, and exchanged a knowing wink. Presently he turned to the disguised pickpocket nnd said: “ ‘Come on, my friend, your turn next.’ “ 4 But I have already been searched,’ cried the man, with a startled look on his face. _ . “‘Not by me, my dear sir,’ rejoined the landlord, with a benevolent smile. 4 4 4 But the gentleman that has been robbed is satisfied that I haven’t his purse,’persisted the rogue. 4 4 4 You may not have had it then, but may have it now; - so come along,’was the landlord’s response to his appeal. 44 Rapine now stepped up with a smiling countenance and remarked ; 4 4 4 My dear sir, this man has been already examined, as he says. Surely, if he did not have the stolen property on his person then, how can it be supposed that lie is likely to have it now ? ’

“ ‘ By a very simple process,’ said I, looking the unblushing rascal in the face. 4 Fellows of his stamp usually operate with a confederate. After he had stolen the money he at once passed it to his confederate, or “pal,” if that term is more familiar to you. Thus, when he was searched it was not found upon him, do you see ? ’ “‘Then his “pal,” as you call him, should be searched if be can be found,’ was the smiling remark. 44 1 replied: 444 He can be found, and would have been searched, only for the fact that, fearing such an event, he transferred the stolen property back again to the original holder.’ 44 He glanced curiously at me as ho quietly remarked: “ 4 You appear to jump at conclusions without a great deal of judgment it strikes me.’ 4 4 4 Wait until this fellow is overhauled once more, and you may change your opinion,’ rejoined I. 44 ‘And while this process is going on this confederate —if not a myth—may escape, if he has not already done so,’ observed he with a slight smile of derision. “ 4 1 have my eye on him ;he will not escape,’rejoined I, quietly. “ Rapine began to exhibit signs of uneasiness ; then, smiling sarcastically at my closing remarks, he sauntered away, while his ‘pal’ was being searched in spite of his protestations. The plunder was recovered and the three other wallets were at once claimed by as many men, who had not discovered their loss until, to their surprise, they saw their property fished out of a secret pocket of the rascal’s coat. 44 1 now approached Rapine, Who was on the point of taking the latch of the front door in his hand, not aware that the door was locked. “‘Mr. Rapine,’ said I, placing my back against the door, 4 the money was found on the rascal’s person, and now I shall take his confederate !’ “By this time he had become suspicious, and seizing the latch he made a sudden attempt to open the door, at the same time violently pushing me aside. 44 He uttered a horrid imprecation when lie found the door locked, but before he could make a move to dash through the window, which I believed be was contemplating by the way he examined it, I neatly tripped him. At the same moment I seized him by the collar, and then handcuffed him just as the smiling landlord came up. “At his subsequent trial and conviction there was quite a scene. Just before the Judge was about to pass sentence upon him, Rapine said : 4 4 4 My Lord, will you permit me to make a few remarks before you doom me ?’

‘“Be brief, then,’ said the Judge,* curtly. “ * While I will not attempt to deny having commit ted the offense, ’ said the prisoner, ‘ uor seek to justify the act, you will nevertheless perceive that there are ameliorating circumstances connected with this unfortunate affair when you hear my story. “‘I am connected with a wealthy and refine! family, the ancestral name of which, for obvious reasons, I shall not mention. A villain—a monster in the guise of the human form divine—by artful insinuations and subtle flattery, only too eagerly received, betrayed my idolized, my only sister. He fled from the scene of his wrong-doing, and I pursued him in vain for six months before I discovered his hiding place. “‘I charged him with his vile work and he mocked me. I grew desperate, and in that mood took Ins dastardly life. “ ‘The hourds of justice were soon upon my track. For a brief period I successfully eluded them, but in an evil moment I fell a prey to their tireless pursuit, and was tried and condemned. “ ‘But while I lay in durance "vile my much-wronged sister ended her career by self-destruction, which so preyed upon the mind of my mother that she sank under the accumulated miseries, and was soon laid beside her unfortunate child. “‘Justice appeared to be satisfied then, and assumed a lenient mood. I was pardoned, and once more breathed the pure air of freedom. I was free to do—what? To fall into still deeper degradation. All hands and hearts were turned against the convicted felon! I was treated with scorn and derision by those who were wont to be proud to be recognized by me. ‘“I was deeply humiliated, and debated the matter in my mind for a fortnight. Then I came to a decision. I resolved tp be revenged on society, since society refused me its countenance. I would make an indiscriminate war upon it, and I have kept my word. “ ‘ This-is the only excuse 1 can offer in defense of my crime,’ said he in conclusion, as he drew forth his pocket handkerchief and buried his face in it. “There was a profound silence, and I saw by the faces around me that his recital had made a deep impression on his auditors; that he had enlisted their deepest end most heartfelt sympathies.

There was one exception, however. “A country-looking fellow, in a smock frock, and smelling of the stable, laughed audibly when Rapine’s head sank upon the railing before him. _ „ “I turned on him with a frown, but he met my gaze with a preceptible giggle, as he remarked: “ ‘That fellow do have the gift o’ gab now wonderful, doant he ? ’ “ • He is an unfortunate victim of circumstances,’ remarked I, in a tone of rebuke for his levity. “ ‘ Yees, he be, sure ; an’ it will go hard wi’ him, I warrant,’ he remarked, as he wended his way to the Judge’s bench and handed that worthy a sealed note; then, with his hat in hand, waited until his Lordship had perused it. “ During all this time the unfortunate Erisoner had not lifted his head, but ept his face hidden in his cambric handkerchief. “jWhen the Judge had read the note handed him by the countryman, he held out his hand to him and shook it warmly, to the intense surprise of jdl present. ‘What did this mean?’ was my mental inquiry. “ They conversed in a low tone for some time, and once both directed their gaze to where I was sitting. 4 More mystery,’ I thought. “At this moment the prisoner raised his head and gazed mournfully around the room, taking in the Judge and countryman in his apparently aimless glance. Tears were actually streaming down, his cheeks, which he brushed away with his handkerchief. A murmur of commiseration went around the room, and all eyes were turned toward the .Judge, as if in one unanimous appeal for mercy for the unhappy prisoner. But the next moment a murmur of reprobation rang around the room. The learned Judge was smiling—actually smiling, as if highly amused at sight of the tearstained face of Rapine, while the low hut distinct chuckle of the countryman was again heard. - 44 His Lordship now beckoned to me to approach. I went up to the bench, when the Judge introduced the man to me as Mr. Edmund Darke, Scotland Yard detective. 44 We shook hands, of course, but l was still dazed, as it were, by the sudden change of scene. Mr.} Darke noticed this, and facetiously asked ; “ 4 Be you still angry wi’ I for laughing at yon knave ? ’ Podding in the direction of the prisoner’s dock. 4 4 4 Knave ! ’ echoed I, more and more mystified, while the worthy Judge enjoyed the joke, and laughed heartily. 4 4 ‘Aye, knave as well as rogue ! ’ rejoined Darke, assuming his natural manner of speech. 4 He is the most adroit thief in the three kingdoms, and Lis talent at humbugging an audience— Judge included,’ added he, mischievously, glancing at his Lordship, ‘is scarcely exceeded by his pilfering exploits. ’ 4 4 4 1 came here to look for him, for he is wanted in London to finish the term he was serving in Newgate for burglary. But, thanks to you, Mr. Oldfield, he is about to serve a term in Manchester jail first. When that expires I’ll be on hand to take him on a pleasure trip—not a mutual one—to Lonfo i.’

44 ‘But the tears that were streaming down his face ! ’ observed I. 4 How do you account for that ? They surely seemed natural.’ “ 4 Yes, natural enough, but produced by artificial means, nevertheless,’ rejoined Mr. Darke. 1 When he wants to do the “ water works ” game he rubs his eyes with a handkerchief he carries about his person for that purpose, said article being prepared beforehand by being soaked with “onion juice” and carefully dried audironed.’ 4 4 4 Then the sad tale he told about the seduction of his beloved sister and her tragic death, and the subsequent sad end of his mother ? ’ asked I. “ 4 All a fabricated tale told for the effect,’ said the Scotland Yard detective with a smile. 4 He never had a s ster, and his mother keeps an assignation house in London, and is living to day. He is the illegitimate son of some profligate nobleman, of whom he has inherited his amiable traits of character.’ 4 4 Mr. Darke then said he would convince us, and wended his way to the prisoner’s dock, and reached out his hand to him, saying: “ 4 Sorry to see you in limbo, Jack.’ 44 * Sir ! ’ exclaimed Rapine, drawing back in evident disgust, as his eyes roamed over the face of the seeming countryman. 4 4 4 I’ve heard your affecting speech, Jack,’ the detective went on, 4 and it was really prime! Only one fault it had—the whole thing was one of your ingenious works of artful dodging.’ 44 4 Who are you ? ’ now asked the amazed prisoner sharply scrutinizing the man behind him. “ 4 Simply Edmund Darke, of Scotland Yard.’ 4 4 Rapine started and turned red and pale by turps, and finally broke out into a laugh and observed: 4 4 4 Yes, Darke; I flatter myself I have “done” the crowd, Judge, detective and all. So you admired it, eh ?’ “ 4 Irn mensely, ’ was the response; and then thief and thief-taker joined in a quiet laugh at the humbugged assemblage, who had heard every word between the two men, and gave vent to their vexation and chagrin by declaring that hanging was too good for such a blarsted humbug. 44 Rapine, or Jack Romaine, his proper name, only laughed in the faces of his dupes, and good naturedly kissed his hand to his Lordship on receiving his sentence. ”