GIPSY AND A HERB

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 76, 31 March 1934, Page 5

GIPSY AND A HERB

FORTUNE, TELLER TRAPPED

The following,was. the gipsy's warning to a London policewoman, who, at tho behest of duty, ventured to consult tho; oracle of tho future:—

"Your future is not very bright. You have had a very unhappy life. . You did not marry the man you wanted. Your husband is unfaithful to you. He is friendly with a fair woman who has an evil eye.

"You will have a long life and will outlive your husband. You are going to have another child. After this another man will come into your Jife. Encourage him. He will have a motorcar. Keep, up appearances and get about with him. -

"I seo^three deaths from which you will benefit. One is your mother.'Your husband has something wrong with his head. You will have to be careful with him."

Very terrifying—but, fortunately for the policewoman's peace of mind, says the "Daily Express," she, was still in a stato of unwedded bliss!

The story of how all "this wealth of prophecy concerning the misdeeds of. a hypothetical husband was wasted was told at Hendon, when the seeress, who was described as Mnic. Boswell, aged 46, caravan : dweller, was summoned for pretending to tell fortunes. Mme. Boswell,, it ; was * stated,- was seen by a policewoman-in a- room- at Burnt Oak. She said that she lived in a caravan as a gipsy and told fortunes. When asked'what her fees were she replied: One and sixpence to a guinea. If you wish tho future it will be ten and

The policewoman plumped for the future, and was told to put a crystal in her hand and wish: After- a minute she' heard- the. awful , tidings quoted above.

Mme. Boswell,'. .it was . alleged, then asked the policewoman if she could keep a secret The policewoman said she could and was then.; told: "The woman your husband is friendly with has cast an evil spell on you and your house. You must have this evil spell removed, or you will have a very bad time and be very unlucky." Mme. Boswell, so the prosecution asserted, hastened to. reassure her client that she could remove the "evil spell." Her usual fee for this service was 10 guineas, but in this ease she wpuld charge three guineas. She continued: "I have got a certain herb from India. I have to burn it bit by bit between one and three in the morning."

Then accused inquired .if; the policel woman would like to be a widow. She replied that she was not particular, and Mme. Boswfell is then alleged to have remarked: "You can have .two wishes while X aui burning the herb." You could for the death of your husband and the evil woman, his friend, and I •will be able to tell you the exact day they will die. You must keep it a secret." . . ■ . . ,; •'"

It ,was 'pleaded on behalf of Mine. Boswell that her family had told fortunes for years, and she had done so since she was 14.' She did'not realise the wrong she was doing. She was fined £4, with £3 3s costs.