THE BITER BIT

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1102, 22 October 1883, Page 2

THE BITER BIT

As n capital illustration of the “ biter bit” the following incident, which-is vouched for by n correspondent, and which occurred tp a “canny Scot,” who 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, who, he was told, could abstract even his waistcoat without his knowing it. The advice'ho got be took to-heart, and hit-upon quite an original method of safgiiarding his purse. ' Before commencing his . journey he purchased a few pennyworths of ; fishhooks, with which lie carefully lined his pockets, planting them hook downwards. Arrived at LudgateCircus,, he was gazing with interest at , the crowded street and the busy multitude, ..and soon found himself in the centre oLa crotfd. Almost instantly he felt a hand in his pocket. Having all confidence in : the efficiency of his plan, he betrayed no anxiety, but moved'leisurely'away. Of course the would-be thief was obliged to follow, the country wa.g pretending preform 1 unconsciousness as to bis proximity. “ Hulloa, my man,” said a gentleman, “ this fellow has his hand in your pocket !” With the utmost sangJroid the Scotchman replied, “ Ay, ay, but let him git it oot.” The sharper implored forgiveness, and bogged to be released from the torture, and the Scotchman, being of a generous turn, and like all his countrymen, not unwilling.to earn an honest snxpenee, consented, conditional on (he required sura being . produced. This was soon done, and the sharper, once freed, was not long,in vanishing, ...