KLEPTOMANIAC AND THIEF.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 53, 31 December 1892, Page 1295

KLEPTOMANIAC AND THIEF.

RECOLLECTIONS OF A LADY DETECTIVE.

BY

MRS GEORGE CORBETT.

ESSRS WIMPLEY AND CO. wish Messrs Bell aD d White to send one of their Lady KwF’wlr?w)r Detectives to assist them in discovering the perpetrator of many audacious ftJgsk-iaKjj robberies, by which they have lately been victimized.’ 5 As a result of the above note, I was sent to see ' n w^at wa y I could be of assistance to the proprietors of the great general supply establishment in Jermyn Grove. On presenting my card, I was shewn into the manager’s office. The latter was a tall spare man, who looked keen and energetic enough to account for the success of the vast commercial undertaking of which he was the guiding spirit. • Pray sit down, madam,’ he said, * and I will soon explain how matters stand. But first, let me assure you that you have no light task before you. We have kept a keen lookout for the thief, who has baffled us for more than six months now, and are quite sure that she is not to be found among our regular kleptomaniacs.’ ‘ Pray,’ I interposed, ‘ what do you imply, when you speak of “regular kleptomaniacs’’ ’ •Oh, “regulars” as we term them, are well-to-do people, who cannot resist taking any pretty or valuable article which they may fancy, but are in no need of. We have one kleptomaniac who “ lifts ” all the lace she can come across. Another has a weakness for jewellery ; while still another has an odd fancy to appropiate as many silk handkerchiefs and gloves as possible.’ • And in what way do you punish these thieves ?’ ‘ Thieves ? I tell you they are kleptomaniacs. They are well to-do, and do not need the things they appropriate. It is simply a mania with them. We have more than one titled kleptomaniac on our list.’ • But you suiely do not allow them to st , I mean, take things, without punishment of some kind ?’ • My dear madam, business is business, and as all these people are good customers in other departments, it would be very bad policy on our part to offend them. We simply watch them carefully, and enter the appropriated things in their regular bill, which is always paid without comment. If an article is taken which we cannot exactly locate, we charge all our kleptomaniacs with it and they all pay unmurmuringly. ’ ‘So that sometimes it is positively profitable to have things st 1 mean taken ?’ • Just so. ’ • Then I gather that some new development of this special branch of business causes you to require n>y services.’' • Quite right. Our new kleptomaniac’s tastes differ from all the others. He or she (most probably the culprit is a lady) seems to have a great fancy for every sort of knickknack used for domestic decoration. For a time the things missed were charged to all our regulars, as usual. But this plan has seemed a trifle risky, since it became apparent that there was an undetected new regular at work, and we now want you to devote your sole attention to watching our customers, being careful, of course, to pose as a customer yourself, in order to lull those you are watching into fancied security. Our assistants have orders to serve you with anything you may choose to inspect, and order, though of course the sending of the paicels will not follow their ostensible purchase.’ • I presume not. And now, as I have thoroughly grasped your intentions. I will at once go into the store and commence operations.’ ‘lf you please. But you had better pass through here, then through the corridor, whence you can emerge into the street. Then enter the premises through one of the public entrances, so that, if our kleptomaniac happens to be on the spot, she may not at once suspect you to be connected with the firm.’ • One moment. How am I to notify any possible discovery !’ ‘To be sure ! That is well thought of. We have a formula well understood among all our employes. If we wish them to keep a careful watch upon anyone, we remark that the price of something or other is “ two-pun ten,’ meaning, “ Keep your two eyes upon ten fingers.’ If you spot our delinquent, ask for some articles at about two-puu-ten, and our assistant will at once acquaint me with what is going on. Further proceedings will then be taken as may seem advisable to us.’ Ten minutes after this conversation, I was indulging in all the glory of being privileged to do unlimited shopping in an establishment whose resourcesand splendours seem to be limitless. I could look upon any lovely thing I liked, ask its price, and order it to be sent to my address by the very next delivery. True, the fact that neither money or goods were really destined to change hands was a slight drawback to my perfect enjoyment of the situation. Still, I was resolved to make the best of it, and felt quite triumphant when I saw the awe with which a pretty girl of about twenty listened to my order for a costly set of sables. But, of course, I was keeping my two eyes upon other people's ten fingers all the time, and when I had satisfied myself that no kleptomaniac was lurking hereabouts, I moved on to another counter, intent upon satisfying the firm’s confidence in my possible ability to discover the there, I neatly said thiej again, and I am afraid that I shall never learn to discriminate properly between a vulgar thief and a respectable kleptomaniac.

The whole of that morning and the greater part of the afternoon passed away before I made any discovery worth mentioning. About four o’clock I was inspecting some valuable Honiton lace which was displayed on a counter, when I was attracted by the peculiar behaviour of a very sty lishly-dressed lady who stood near me. She asked the assistant to show her some Brussels net, and while his back was turned, she deliberately popped some beautiful ruffles into a little bag that she carried. She then calmly inspected the Brussels, looking as innocent and unconcerned as an unwashed baby, for whom the possible vicinity of soap and water offers no terrors. It was otherwise with me, though. I felt myself glow with the shame of discovering so contemptible a trait in the character of one whose whole appearance bespoke wealth and position. But of course I must do my duty, and lifting my eyebrows and a piece of lace simultaneously, inquired of the assistant if he thought it would cost But my query was anticipated by the dapper assistant, who promptly intercepted ‘ Two-pun-ten, madam. Yes, it is quite right. We have plenty moie at the same price.’ From this reply , and the assistant’s unconcerned demeanour, I conjectured instantly that this was one of the profitable ‘ regulars ’ or whom the manager had spoken, and that it was not my business to watch her further. Nevertheless, I had taken such careful note of her appearance, that I was subsequently enabled to recognize her again, in the person of the wife of a wealthy and prominent M.P. The next day saw me on active duty again, and my work proved sufficiently interesting, though I was terribly afraid

of allowing the individual I was expected to detect to perpetrate another theft, perhaps under my verv nose. I could not well hang about one counter all day. But, acting upon the hint received, I paid more attention to the fancy goods department than any other, and was eventually successful in landing my fish. It was near closing time, and was rapidly becoming dusk. On one counter there was a beautiful collection of fans, photograph frames, card cases, Dresden china ornaments and Bohemian crackle glasses, besides many other dainty devices for luring money out of the pockets of an art-loving clientele. It is a remarkable fact that, though business may have been comparatively slack for hours, customers will often crowd to make their purchases just when the tired shop assistants are wanting to pack their goods out of the dust and go home. So it was on this occasion, ami it was next to impossible to watch all the people who tlnonged this particular department. This made me all the more anxious, but as there was no need for me to pretend to be in a hurry to purchase anything, I was able to concentrate my undivided attention upon the people around me. By-and-bye it seemed to me that one lady displayed a peculiarly secretive method of conducting her business, and upon her my suspicions were promptly centred. She was handsomely dressed, but was so addicted to spreading the wide sleeve-openings of her costly mantle about the counter at which she sat that a less suspicious individual than myself would have given her credit for wishing to conceal something under it. Indeed she lidgetted and spread

herself so much as to seriously inconvenience a tall, distinguished looking man who was patiently waiting his turn to be served, and who politely yielded room to her several times, when, having spied some fresh attraction, she wished to inspect it. She made several purchases, but my anxious eyes could not discover that she concealed anything. Fussy she was, and tiresome withal, to au assistant who longed to get out into the fresh air. But at last she was ready to go, and, having paid cash for her purchases,- was putting the change into her purse when a half crown rolled on to the floor. Instantly the gentlematl of such distinguished appearance stooped to pick it up for her, and, could I believe my eyes ! as he stooped, he dexterously removed a silver paperknife from the counter, slipping it under his coat before he rose and politely tendered the half-crown to the fussy lady who had dropped it. I had evidently discovered the cunning th—l mean Kleptomaniac, whose depredations had baffled Messrs Wimpley and Co. so long. But how to make known my discovery, without making a fuss’ My gentleman seemed to lose the patience he had displayed so long, and began to edge away from the counter, as if tired of waiting his turn to be served. I knew by the whole style of the man that he was not one whom the firm would wish to expose publicly. But all the nearest assistants were too busy to notice me, so 1 turned and quietly followed Mr Kleptomaniac, trusting to the chance of seeing the manager or shop-walker before the outer door was reached.’ It seems, however, that I had myself not been quite so unobserved as I had supposed for I was speedily joined by the manager himself, who hurriedly inquired : Have you discovered anything ?’ ‘ Yes,’ 1 replied, • that tall gentleman, just going out, is cue kleptomaniac. He has a silver paper-knife under his coat.’ The manager gazed for a moment in astonishment at the culprit. Then lie rubbed his hands and smiled, saying : * You have done us great service, madam, and our firm will be pleased to acknowledge your ability substantially. Kindly call at my office to morrow morning. Here, Grey,’ he called, ‘ I want you.’ At this summons a young fellow promptly came forward, while I, feeling that I had no longer any business to remain, took my leave, for the present, of Messrs Wimpley's huge establishment. As I passed down the street on my home, someone brushed hurriedly by, and 1 noted that the young man called Grey was following the purloiner of the paper knife, who was sauntering along quite leisurely, not dreaming that he had been detected. 1 concluded that Grey's mission was simply to discover the name and addiess of the man he was chasing, and it struck me that there was no reason why Messis Bell and White should not procure the same information ; for it is astonishing how much apparently irrelevant matter comes in useful to us at times. I was just about to charter a hansom, when, to my delight, I met Adam Henniker face to face. ‘ Where away, Dora’’ he asked smilingly, being, I verily believe, just as pleased to see me as 1 was to see him. * Do you see that young man in the checked tweed suit!’ I returned hurriedly. * Yes, he answered, * what of him ?’ * Do yon see a tall, gentlemanly man, about ten yards ahead of him, who seems to take great interest in all the shop windows ’ See, he has stopped to look at Messrs Gallon's bric-a brae.’ * Yes, I see him ’ * Then keep him in sight until you discover his name and address, and all about him. The other man is bound on the same errand, but you must not let him suspect your game. Now go, or you will miss him, Adam.’ * Well, now I do call that a shame. Here was I, all duties finished for the day, and expect ng to have your company for awhile, and you actually order me away the minute you see me. I don’t think I’ll go. Il’s too much to expect of human nature.’ * Now don’t be silly, Adam. You do what I have asked you to do, and then come straight to our house. We will wait tea for you, and, if you are very good, we will have ever such a pleasant evening.’ Without another word, Adam raised his hat, and strode up the street, while I retraced my steps in the direction in which my home lay. My widowed mother, my sister Elinor, and I lived very comfortably together, the mother having a small income of her own, winch would always suffice for her personal necessities. Elinor had only lately left school, and bad not quite decided which hue ol livelihood to adopt. We tried to persuade her to stay at home, and take all the housekeeping dunes upon herself, seeing that we could well afford to do without a further augmentation of our income. But to this plan Nellie objected vigorously. " No,’she said, *1 mean to be quite as independent as Dora is. If I cannot be a detective, 1 will try something else, and we will have another servant to lake my place, if more assistance than Barbara’s is needed. 1 should look well, if I were to depend upon Dora’s earnings, and find myself stranded on one of these tine days.’ * Why, Nellie, what do you mean?’ 1 asked in astonishment. "Surely you know that what I earn belongs to us all ?’ ‘ Oh, yes, I know all that. But present arrangements may not last for ever. Mr Adam Henniker may have something to say on the subject by-and-bye.’ * Nonsense I’ I interjected, blushing furiously, first with confu-ion, and then with vexation at the knowledge that I was blushing. ‘ Adam Henniker is nothing to me, except that he is my friend.’ •Oh yes you are very good friends!' laughed tiiesome Nellie, ‘ I’ve felt pretty sure of it for a long while. Let me see, he was here to tea last Monday, then again on Thuisday, then again on Sunday, and last night he took us all to the Drury Laue I’aniouiiue, and to night ' ‘ To night he is coming to tea again, you little tease,’ I admitted reluctantly. * I knew it!’ cried Nellie triumphantly, ‘ and that is why I bought such a lot of mu Hi us, for I have learnt to guage Mr Adam’s appetite by this time.’ I saw it was no use trying to repress a being who was virtually irrepressible, so I went to my own room, to change my dress, and in other ways to make myself look as pleasant as possible. In about an hour Adam came, nor was he at all dismayed at sight of Nellies pile of muilius. 1 always knew my mother and sister to be very discreet, but I hardly gave them credit for the exceedingly retiring

disposition they displayed during the course of that evening. There was hardly a word to be got out of them. They stuck so closely to some sewing they bad on hand, that the task of entertaining Adam fell entirely to me. To be quite honest, I did not find my task a disagreeable one, and, as it turned out, we had a deal to say to each other that was not intended for a third person’s ear. Still we found time to talk a little about extraneous matters, and when Adam told me how he had followed the two men, and discovered that the gen tieman purloiner was the son of a wealthy stock broker, but that he showed no inclination to doanytbingbut follow an idle luxurious life, having an ample allowance from his father, especially since he became affianced to the daughter of a baronet. The baronet was not rich, but his blue blood made up for that, and the handsome fortune which the young gentleman wonld have, no donbt reconciled the baronet to his daughter’s union with the scion of a city house. We learned subsequently that Mr was very generous, and had fairly loaded his bride with beautiful presents. Every day he brought her something fresh, and the baronet’s servants, whom Adam knew how to manage, were quite lost in admiration of his generous devotion. All the preparations were completed for the wedding, which was to take place in three days at a fashionable West End church. I pitied the bride, but if I had gone and told her that her lover was a thief, I should probably have been turned out of the bouse, and my tale would not have been credited, for Messrs Wimpley would not countenance or corroborate an attempted exposure under such circumstances. When, next morning, I went to the great emporium, I had no reason to complain of niggardliness on the part of Messrs Wimpley and Co. As I expected, however, I was not informed as to the name or position of the delinquent whom I had detected, but knew already that no treatment would be meted to him but such as was the rule of the firm with all kleptomaniacs. My business here was finished, and I was leaving the premises when my attention was attracted by a loud scream, which proceeded from a little girl, who, with a white, terrified face, was struggling in the grasp of one of the assistants, 1 naturally, as did others, drew up to see what the troulde was, but there was not much secresy about it. Loud voices proclaimed indignation and vengeance against the miserable little child who vainly implored mercy at the hands of her captors. It appears that she had been caught in the very act of stealing a bun, for which awful offence she was to be consigned to the temporary care of a policeman, who had been promptly called in at the first alarm. * Now, then, you little villain, what have yer been after, eb !’ he demanded, roughly, shaking the child as he spoke. ‘ Oh, please, sir,’ she whimpered, ‘ do let me orf this time, and I'll never do it no more ! Please, sir, I was so hungry; an’ mother, she ain’t ’ad nothink to eat since yesterday, an’ I warn’t to take ’er a bun. Do let me orf !’ ‘What a hardened little wretch she is!’ ejaculated a shopman. * I do believe she has a notion that she has done something respectable. She actually owns to being a thief !’ ‘ Yes, but we’ll soon take that out of her,’ said the policeman. ‘They all talk like that. They are never going to do it any more, and they always have a sick mother at home. I’m up to their games, though. Come along, my chicken.’ ‘ You surely would not take so young a child to the police station?’ exclaimed a lady who was standing near me. ‘ There is nothing else for it, ma’am,’ was the civil reply. ‘ You nave no idea how cunning these tegular thieves are. They would pick your pocket and smile in your face all the time, and if we didn’t keep a sharp hand on the few we do catch, nobody’s property would be safe.’ ‘ But if I pay for the bun, and for any expenses you may have incurred ?’ said the lady, to whom the manager of the establishment made answer : ‘ Your offer is very generous, Mrs Allen, but you do not know human nature as we do. If we were to condone this girl’s offence, we should be trampling morality under foot, and it would be mistaken mercy, for she would only continue her career of crime. It goes to my heart to do it, but we must uphold law and justice, and also do our best to cure these evil propensities, otherwise no one’s property would be safe.’ At the rejoinder the lady turned sadly away, and, seeing how useless interferences would be, I followed her example. But I ascertained what police station the young klepto I mean thief, would be taken to, and took care to be present at her examination. The poor little mite had ceased her vain appeals for mercy and was sobbing in a quiet, exhausted sort of way, that seemed to betoken a very weakly constitution. I did not expect the little creature to be liberated, but somehow my heart ached terribly for her, and I am thankful to remember now that I tried to comfort her by telling her that I would take help and food to her mother. She looked up at me in astonishment, evidently unused to kind words from strangers. Then she whispered back brokenly, ‘ Mother said she was nearly done for. If she ain’t gone to Heaven yet, you’ll tell her I tried to get her a bun ?’ • Indeed I will, my poor child,’ I promised, the tears streaming down my cheeks the while. Thus the girl was somewhat comforted, but I shall never forget her face and voice of agony, when the was told that she would be sent to a reformatory for three years. ‘ What! and never see mother?’ she gasped. ‘ Oh yes, perhaps your mother can pay you a visit soon, and see how beautifully you will be coming on at school,’ she was told. ‘ No, she won’t. I know better. She’ll be dead ! She’s dying now, because she ain’t got enough to eat. When I don't turn up to night, she’ll thing something's happened to me, and she'll break her heart.’ So said the child, with voice and mien of such apathetic despair as would have melted any hearts but these. I caught a few knowing’smiles, and heard a remark to the effect that she was a ‘ “downy one,” and no mistake. As cunning as she was wicked. It was really awful to think how depraved the tenants of the slums could be.' When I left that court, I went straight to the address of the child's mother. But I was too late to be of service, for I found only lifeless clay. The woman had died of slow starvation. The child too, between natural weakness and constant fretting for the only being who had ever loved her, wore her heart away, and escaped from the troubles of this

world twelve months after she was sent to the reformatory. Yet why lament? She was but a vulgar little thief! Still, somehow, my opinion of humanity has not been raised since I learned to distinguish the thief from the kleptomaniac.