Be on the Lookout for the Sharps! 1911
An old confidence game is being played in this district with considerable success, and 30 victims at least are known in Lanark county. To prevent our readers from being “ roped” we will give a description of the game, taken from the Renfrew Mercury, and if the swindlers give you a call, set your bulldog on them.
A stranger comes along with a story, varying somewhat in different places, but generally something after this fashion:
He is an engineer, who has been running on a steamer to New Zealand, but has come to Canada to see an only sister, who dies, however, before he readies her. He had brought out to her, as a present, a very handsome chain, worth about $30. He is run out of funds at present and he tells the farmer at whose house he stops, that he is on his way to visit a rich uncle at a neighbouring town. If the farmer will only advance him a few dollars on the chain, he will be doing him an everlasting service, which he will not forget when he returns to recover the chain, and pay back the amount which he has borrowed.
Many persons have accommodated him with sums ranging from $1 to $5 and that is the last they have seen of him. A visit generally follows to the town jewellers, who have now become quite accustomed to the peculiar characteristics of a “ long face.” The chains are brass, lightly gilded, of taking appearance, but really worth about 20 cents a piece. Remember to trade with the local dealers exclusively and you will come out ahead in the end.
Come and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place.
Information where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun and Screamin’ Mamas (USA)
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