“ONLY A BALMY COOT."

Shannon News, 12 September 1924, Page 4

“ONLY A BALMY COOT."

CONFIDENCE TRICK AGAIN. Foiled in their original intention two confidence tricksters had to resort to force to part their victim from his roll in Studley Park, Melbourne, last week. An Englishman, who states that he had intended to return to England in a day or two, reported to the police that he was robbed of £4O by two men, whom he met casually. The unsuspecting victim met tha two men and was driven by them in a car to Studley Park. Suddenly an eccentric individual appeared turning handsprings and indulging in other antics. “He is only a balmy coot, who lives round here,” said the confidence man. “He is well known and quite harmless. They say he has a lot of cash, though.” Then the “balmy coot’ sat down on the grass and with great solemnity produced a pack of cards and 25 £1 notes, which he spread upon the grass. Shuffling the cards, he invited the others to join him in a game. The Englishman declined, but the invitation was accepted by his two companions. At first luck favoured the “balmy coot” who speedily won all the single notes of his two opponents. Once more the Englishman was invited to join in the game but again refused. Then on© of the men produced £5 note, and asked the Englishman to change it for him to enable him to win his money back. The Englishman took out a roll containing about £4O, which his two “friends” promptly possessed.themselves of and with the “balmy coot” made off.