A Detective Story

Operations of “Sneak Thieves”  

How Merchants Are Robbed

Not very long ago a lady in widow’s weeds, accompanied by a gentleman, said to be her brother, came to New York and engaged a home on Fourth street. Her rich dress and refinement of manner, combined with great personal attractions, rendered her neighbors most desirous of obtaining an introduction to her, and curiosity was rife as to where she came from and who she was. Her brother, for he really stood in that relationship to her, was a young man enjoying the command of ready money to a considerable amount, who easily made acquaintances among others of his own age. His manners were very pleasing, and his demeanor was polished, while his attire, though extremely quiet and unpretending, was always in the best possible taste. So favorable was the impression created in the minds of his new friends, that several of them invited him to their own homes, and in a short time his circle of intimates increased to such a degree that he, in his turn, was enabled to give receptions in Fourth street.

His name was Vaughan, and his sister had been married to a Colonel in the Confederate army, who had been killed in an action during the war. Young Vaughan succeeded to a handsome competency on the death of his father; and Col. Wilson, who had also been a man of property, had left sufficient behind him to support his widow in a manner becoming his position. This tale was supported by the evidence of two or three other young men, frequently to be met in Vaughan’s… Read More