Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 November 1874 — A Successful Swindling Dodge. [ARTICLE]

A Successful Swindling Dodge.

One of the most daring swindling operations ever executed in this city occurred last Tuesday. A couple of strangers went into the jewelry establishment of C. Hornaday,' on Main street, and asked to see some watches, A number of .time-pieces were placed on the show-case before them. After looking over them one of the parties selected a handsome gold watch and chain, the price of which was s‘2os, and said he would take them. He counted out the money and placed it in an express envelope, stating at the same time that he would deposit the amount with Mr. Hornaday. and, in case he did not return tlig watch by the 20th inst., it might be considered a sale. He proceeded to seal the envelope, bat while liewas in the act of so doing his -< pal*' called his attention to something and he turned around. In an instant he faced about again, threw the envelope down on the show-case, took the watch and walked out. Mr. Hornaday placed the envelope in the dravfer. Before the parties had been gone very long, however, he took oat the package, tore it open, and found, instead of the money, scraps of waste paper. WJiile the sharper's back was turned he had slipped the money out and supplied its place with the'scraps of paper. Mr. H. immediately went in search of the scamps, but they had disappeared out of sight and have not since been heard from. —Keokuk (lowti) Oate City. _ _ > ■ —For the porgy factories in the vicinity of Bremen, Me., it has been the best season ever known, one firm making 300,000 gallons of oil..