OUTWITTING A THIEF.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3847, 15 November 1883, Page 4

OUTWITTING A THIEF.

As a capital illustration of the. '_' biter bit " the following incident, Avhich is vouched for by a correspondent, and Avhich occurred to a." " canny Scot," Avho arrived in London the other day to spend his holidays and see the sights, is worthy of record. Like all provincials, he had been cautioned against the pickpockets of the City avlio, he was told, could abstract even his Avai.steoat without his knowing it. The advice he got he took to heart, and hit upon quite an original method of safeguarding his purse. Before commencing his journey he purchased, a few pcniiy-AVorths of fishhooks, with Avhich ho lined his pockets, planting them hook doAVinvards. Arrived at Ludgatc Circus, he avus gazing Avith interest at the crowded street and the busy multitude, and soon found himself in the centre of the croAvd. Almost instantly he felt a hand in his pocket. Having all" confidence in the elfir-icnej- of Ills pl.-in, ho botr:iye_ no anxiety, but moved leisurely UAvuy. Of course"tho Avould-be thief avus obliged to follow, the country Avug pretending profound unconsciousness as to his proximity. " Hulloa, my man," said a gentleman, "this fellow has his hand in your pocket !" AVith the utmost sangfroid the Scotchman replied, "Ay, ay, but let him get it oot." The sharper implored forgiveness, and begged to be released from the torture, and the Scotchman, being of a generous turn, and like all his country-men, not unwilling to earn an honest saxpeuco, consented, conditional on tho required sum being produced. This avus soon done, and the sharper, once free, avus not long iv vanishing.