THE CONFIDENCE TRICK IN PARIS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2447, 17 March 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE CONFIDENCE TRICK IN PARIS.

O.v Monday tho Scotland Yard (London) police were still engaged in aiding the French authorities to trace the audacious coniidcneo trick sharpers, who recently relieved au aged gentleman of£4ooo. M. L—, 70, years of age whilst strolling in Paris was accosted by another old gentleman, about 60 who in tho course of conversation said that be had come to Paris to place his daughter at school and he wished to buy a house adding that he would take it as a great favour if M. L would assist him in carrying out his project. The stranger stated that ho had just come into a large inheritance. He ended by inviting M. L to go out and dine with him. The invitation wasaooepted, and duringdinner M. L remarked that he was fortunate enough to hold bonds and stock to the value of £4000, The stranger offered to buy the property, and, after some discussion, it was agreed that L should meet his host with the securities at the Palais Royal on tho following day. At tho appointed time L proceeded to the Palais Royal, carrying with him his securities, wrapped in an old pocket handchief. His newly-formed acquaintance kept the appointment, but was accompanied by another man, who carried a bulky black bag, which, it was explained toM'L coutained the inheritance above referred to. On the suggestion of the first stranger the three men adjourned to a restaurant, and while there the same person, remarking that the pocket handkerchief in which L 's securities were enclosed was very dirty, produced a clean one from his pocket and with L——'s permission tied it over the other. This oceured on a Friday, which the sharpers pointed out was unlucky. He proposed an adjournment, and suggested as a proof of his buim-fuloit, that M. L should take home, with him both tho stocks and the black bag with its contents. A move was then made for tho door, M. L carrying the bag and tho stranger taking up the bundle which he put under his arm. M. L asked if it would bs placed inside the. bag. Tho stranger consented and having placed what M. L believed to bo the securities in tho bag, the party separated. Some daysafterwards the duped old gentleman took tho bag to a commissary of police, who opened it and found it contained two time-tables and some newspapers tho remainder of the space in tho bag being occupied with paresis of bullets. It is said that a London money-changer, who lias given every assistance to the polico bought certain of the stolen securities for £1000. The polico think they will be able to arrest tho two confidence trick thieves.