The Safe Combination Swindle

A sensational story was brought to light yesterday afternoon by the filing of a complaint in Justice McElwain's court in which A. Bernard, a Railroad Avenue merchant, charges D. Colsky, of the firm of A. Colsky Co., South Third Street merchants, with stealing a $200 promissory note. Colsky went to Bernard, who was ill in bed, and told him the Cosh-Murray Company's stock of goods could be bought for 50 cents on the dollar, and that it required $100 to bind the bargain. Bernard gave his wife the combination to his safe on Railroad Avenue. Mrs. Bernard and Colsky went to the store, and when she could not work the combination, she gave the paper to Colsky, who opened the door and took out the money drawer. Mrs. Bernard counted out $1,389 in gold and a certificate of deposit for $1,000. While she was counting, Colsky abstracted a $200 note he owed Bernard. Later, Colsky convinced Bernard to provide over $1,000 more for the deal. When Bernard became suspicious and checked the bank, he found the certificate of deposit had already been cashed. Colsky was arrested for grand larceny and released on $500 bond.