Another " Confidenoe Trick."

Manawatu Herald, 1 May 1894, Page 3

Another " Confidenoe Trick."

A few days ago a resident of -^}hristohnreh decided to take a trip to Wellington. Going down in the train from Christchurch to Lyttelton ht. tat between two well-dressed and respectable-looking strangers. PreMnttjjQna.QJL the latter inquired in the usual way ." Going by boat?' 1 The gentleman replied that he was gdjts4o Wellington, and the stranger j <j£ftitWed' 4 *' That's good, my triend here and 1 are going there, too, and you will bfl pUaiant oompany,

There are so many of those horrid spielers about just now that one wants to be careful !" Conversation went on apace, and the train got into Lyttelton. By this time the gentle man and the two strangers had become fast friends. The steamer was soon boarded, and matters appeared to go all right until the first whistle blew. Then a man was seen to run up the gangway and accost one of the strangers. " Can I speak to you a moment ?" he said, loud enough for the trio to hear. " Yes," was the reply, " but say it otit, whatever it is ; my friends here won't mind." " Oh," said the man, " I would rather not, but it's a little account against you for £9, and you know I must have it settled before you leave." The stranger looked at the account, and, passing his hand through his hair, remarked to his supposed creditor, " Why, I thought my wife had paid that. But my mate here will lend me enough ; it will be all right." He then turned to his mate of the train and asked him for the money, the gentleman from Christchurch looking on all the time. The " mate," however, had no change, but, turning to the Christchurch man, remarked, "Perhaps our friend here will help us." Just then the second .whistle blew. Strange though it may seem, the Christchurch man came to the rescue, and producing a ten-pound note handed it over, the first " gentleman " saying " I have a £50 note here and you can have it as security for your £10 if you like. The offer was, however, good humouredly declined. Then the bogus " creditor " took the £10 and passed back £1. Then the third whistle blew and suddenly the first " gentleman " remembered he had " left his portmanteau at the Canterbury (Hotel and must run for it." Turning to his confederate he carelessly remarked " You might as well come and lend a fellow a hand." Then ithey both disappeared, the boat began to move and the victim's £10 ibegan to trouble him muchly. Needless to say he retired to his bunk a sadder and wiser man. Upon his return from Wellington he reported the matter to the police, in whose hands the affair is now being followed up. — Truth. _____ i