The Clergyman and the Con Men

Probably the bunko steerers who conduct the game in the dwelling in the rear of the Presbyterian church on the corner of 14th street and Second avenue will have concluded by this time that the Reverend, a distinguished clergyman from the western part of New York, is a greater sharp than the smartest member of their own delectable fraternity. By some of the peculiar methods in vogue among bunko men, they had possessed themselves of his name and address. A well-dressed young man approached him and invited him to inspect an elegant edition of Tennyson's works. The minister, while simple-hearted, was familiar with the tricks of the ungodly and agreed to accompany the man, determined to see the matter through. Upon their arrival, a copy of Tennyson was produced, but he was soon invited to join a game of 'the layout' where a huge pile of greenbacks lay. The minister coolly dismantled the con by asking why they were so anxious for a total stranger to win their money, and then proceeded to call their bluff until they allowed him to leave. He later remarked to friends that the entertainment was worth the price of a bottle of wine.