A VARIANT OF THE CONFIDENCE TRICK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 160, 8 July 1899, Page 1 (Supplement)

A VARIANT OF THE CONFIDENCE TRICK.

(From Our London Correspondent.)

LONDON, June 2.

With the assistance of the oft used cloak of religion,'a variant of the old, old confidence trick has just been successfully perpetrated at. the expense of a simple minded-Parisian spinster of ripe age named Mdlle. Mavron. This lady was in the habit of worshipping daily at the St. Roch fchurch, and a few weeks ago became aware of the presence at her side during her daily devotional exercise.'of an ecclesiastic of venerable mien. One day this worthy addressed her thus: — ".Madam, excuse me, but I have noticed the fervour with which you pray, : apd, although I do not know you. T am filled with sympathy for you." "Sir!" exclaimed the lady. "Do not call me sir, but say rather 'Father,' for I am a Jesuit priest, expejled some years ago from this country by the infamous Republican Government. I'have lived respected in America, but had a longing to once more visit niy.dear prance. I have been here'a fortnight, and have looked in vain till now for a sympathising, sister soul." ', . ~ . What followed may be" guessed. The pseudo Jesuit sopir gained the confidence of the simple spinster' and became a regular visitor at her house, arriving' with his blessing usually at meal times. Mdlle. Mavfon confided to the 'Father', ; that she possessed a number of vaßiable securities and was in constant 'fear of being robbed. "Ah!" said he, "therb is one way of preventing that,, you must have your bonds blessed by the Pope. I am going to Rome myself in a few days, and if you like, will' take your securities with me." ,The spinster consented and confided both the bonds and a considerable; sum of money to her 'friend,' who in turn handed her a worthless Escompte Bank bond of 1892, with, the remark: "Take this, it is worth more than, all you have confided, to my care, and if anything happens tq, me you must utilise, it-to your , own profit." Something evidently has happened to the 'Father,' for '■ he has not been..seen or heard of since be started for Rome, and Madame has learned that her Escompte bond is worth at the outside 20 centimes.