THE CONFIDENCE TRICK.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 2 September 1920, Page 4

THE CONFIDENCE TRICK.

« The way in which the unwary may bo "taken down" in this busy, bustling world are many and varied, says the Otogo Times. The latest "take, down" spoken of in Dunedin is really so strikingly simplo that it is a wonder that anyone could be guiled by it. Probably, however, its effectiveness la}- in its simplicity. The story goe's that aj "shepherd" from the country had been having n right royal time at a Dunedin hostelry. Indications began to point to the fact that the landlord was beginning to giow restive under the repeated inI 'junctions to "put it on the slate. I'll square up when I leave," It was then that the landlord was called to the telephone and told that the head of a leading stock and station agency was speaking. The landlord was asked if . the shepherd was, staying at his hotel, and answered in the aih'miativo. Tho landlord was then told that it was time tho shepherd was getting back to his station, and that lie rni^ht do his very best to got him on the express from the north next moruing, and give him a £10 note to see him liome. He, the morchaut would square up everything. The landlord next morning used his utmost persuasion to get the shepherd to tho station, and succeeded, and finally pushed a £10 note into his hand. Concious of duty faithfully [ fulfilled ho later in the morning rang up the merchant to tell him ol his success ia gectiug tho inau away. Itwas a staggered landlord whoa minute or two later hung- up the receiver. The merchant had wantodtc know what he was talking about what shepherd—what £10? Ho knew nothing about it. It was with n savage glint in his eye that the landlord resumed his'work in the bar.