THE "MUG," THE BIRD, AND THE NINE OF SPADES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE "MUG," THE BIRD, AND THE NINE OF SPADES.

Charles Robinson, of Amery's Place, Old Kent Bond, London, seldoms reads the newspapers, and up to April 31 had never heard of the '"bird trick." He knows all about It now.

On the afternoon of that day he was spoken to by a man who asked him to buy a bird he had with him which whistled "Home, Sweet Homo" to the piano. Another man who was present offered the owner of the bird 30/ for It, but said he hnd not got the money with him. Eventually he induced Robinson to hand the first man his watch and chain as security for the bird, while ho (the third man) went home "to get the money." Both men then walked off, leaving Robinson with the wonderful bird, which preserved a stolid silence.

They never enme back, and the victim, after Informing the police, spent the afternoon in looking for the sharpers. The bird, a bullfinch,died tho following morning without uttering n note.

The same evening a letter reached Robinson through tho post onclosiug tho pawnticket for his watch and chain, a playing card (the nine of spades, sometimes known as v "mug"), aud the following laconic note:—"Dour Ted,—Much obliged to you."

Tho day after, however, Robinson mot the bird man In tho Commercial Road, and gave him Into custody. The prisoner, nn ex-couvlct, giving the name of Thomas Harvey, was committed for trial at the Mansion House.