Rensselaer Union, Volume 5, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 March 1873 — An Adroit Swindle. [ARTICLE]

An Adroit Swindle.

The other day, at about twelve m., a carriage, elegant enough in all its appoint mentß to be a private “turn-out,’’ drove up to the door of one of the largest jewelry establishments on Chestnut street, not far from Twelfth, aid from it descended a gentleman, at least to all appearances, attired in the most fashionable manner. Sauntering inside with an easy grace, he requested to see some jewels, stating that he desired to make a large purchase. He carried in his hand a handsome case, or bag, which he deposited on the glass before the clerk who stepped forward to wait upon him. He was very particular in his choice, but at last selected about $2,000 worth of jewelry of various kinds and stylhs. As the clerk was about to put the numerous little boxes into one large receptacle.thestranger said: “Wait a moment; we can do better,” and opening his case, which still remained upon the counter, he took from It and handed to the clerk a neat box with a key, sufficiently large to hold all his purchases. Into this the clerk put the jewelry, and handed it back to his customer, who locked it, leaving the key in the lock, and replaced it in the bag, closing the latter. Then putting his gloved hand into the breast-pocket of his coat, as if to take out his pocket-book, he exclaimed in freat surprise, “Well, how forgetful am. I have left my book and money at the hotel. I must go back and get it. Very careless of me, very. You will, pf courser-want to keep this. It wouldn't do to trust an entire stranger with such valuables,’’ and,opening the bag, he again took out the little box and handed it to the clerk. “It’s very annoying, but I’ll drive right to the Continental, and be back in a few moments. ” With a few common-place remarks the elegant gentleman returned to his carriage, and was seen to drive away in the direction of the Continental, taking with him the nice and innocent little bag he had brought. They waited at the store for him a long time to come back. In fact, he hasn’t come back yet. At last a light dawned upon the terrified clerk and he reached for the beautiful little box with the beautiful little key. “Oh, it’s all right, of course," he hoped in spite of his suspicions. “Something has detained the gentleman, but I may as well make , sure.” He is sure now. The beautiful little box with the beautiful little key contained old worthless iron padlocks. No news of the thief. Every reader will see at once how the swindle was accomplished. The man had two beautiful little boxes, with two beautiful little keys in that innocent" little bag, and, of course, gave the right one (that is for him) to the clerk when he left. —Philadelphia Press.