RUSSIAN PICKPOCKETS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue XXI, 13 November 1897, Page 670

RUSSIAN PICKPOCKETS.

One day, while dining together, the French amliassador and a Grand Duke of Russia were discussing the cleverness of the pick]sx*kets of their respective countries. The Grand Duke claimed that the Russian pickpocket was the more skilful. Seeing the amliassador incredulous, he told him lie would, without knowing it, Ire relieved of liis watch liefore leaving the table. He then telephoned to the head of the police to send at once the cleverest pickpocket he could lay his hands on. The man came and was put into livery, and was told to wait at table with the other servants. He was to give the Grand Duke a sign directly he had done the trick. But this was not given very soon, for the ambassador was very wary, and always kept on the alert, and held his hand on his fob, even when conversing with the most distinguished guests. At last the Grand Duke received the preconcerted signal. He at once requested the ambassador to tell him the time. The latter triumphantly put liis hand to his pocket, and pulled out a potato instead of his watch. To conceal his feelings he said he would take a pinch of snuff—his snuff-box was gone. Then he missed his ring from his linger, and his gold toothpick, which he had lieen holding in his hand in its little case. Amid the hilarity of the guests the sham lackey was requested to restore the articles; but the Grand Duke’s merriment was changed into alarm and surprise when the thief produced two watches, two rings, two snuff boxes, etc. His Imperial Highness then made the discovery that he himself had lieen robbed at the same time that the French ambassador had been despoiled so craftily.