MADMAN’S TRICK.

Gisborne Times, Volume LII, Issue 5464, 27 April 1920, Page 3

MADMAN’S TRICK.

PLAYED AT QUEENSLAND

CANECUTTER. ROBBED OF £2OO

‘FROZEN HARBOR” AGAIN

BRISBANE. April 7. The "madman act,” similar to that played in a train near Penrith when residents of Parkes were robbed m over £2OO. has been successfully worked in Brisbane. If he is not tne some, man. he employed the same methods, even to describing his scheme tor "freezing the harbor to prevent submarines from coining in. The victim of the swindler and two confederates is George Tomlinson, a cane cutter from Bundaberg, who states that his loss is £2OO. The story that Tomlinson told is that one of the thieves met ..him m Edward street, and, after talking with him for a while, asked him to go tor a walk. They strolled towards the Bomain. On the way the stranger talked a good deal about Bundaberg and its business possibilities, aiul explained that be was likely to take up land and cultivate sugar cane. Tomlinson said the proposition would be a good one. Entering the Domain, the stranger took Tomlinson to a spot where there is a big patch of sugar cane, and discussed the growth at some length. "THE MADMAN.”

The Bundaberg man had become an interested listener to the stranger, and had informed him that he would be willing to put some money into the scheme proposed, when a man rushed from behind the cane, and waving ms arms about, said "1 ve got the seciet, I paid £20,000 for it. We can will. 1 never murdered - anyone. Ive paid an Indian for the trick. My goats are doing well. They are milking splendidly. No. I won't; buy a motor. I'll take Ciss to the theatre, German spy. I'll die happy. 1 know I will. They might take me for a mug. but I look wise. The ocean is to be freezed. Then the Germans won't be able to send out submarines. I know how to win money by a game which an Indian tan-lit me. Here are £IO.OOO in notes. WHAT LOOKED LIKE NOTES. The supposed madman drew what looked like a roll of genuine banknotes from bis pocket, threw them on the ground, and stamping lus, toot, said, "Come on and win them.” "Why, this man is mad.’' said the stranger to Tomlinson. “Let us play him and win his money. I wonder what game lie - knows. "Well try him out.” At this stage, a fourth man appeared on the. scene, and joined in. The "madman” produced a pack oi cards, and the game was the old three-card trick. After winning Tomlinson s money* the ‘‘madman’' and his two confederates, seeing t hat their victim was inclined to make trouble, punched him almost unconscious, and left him.