National Affairs: Shrewd

How might a shrewd crook use a dignified manner, well-cut clothes, a gold-headed cane, proper language and a pretended association with a great public character to swindle a famed jeweler? One way might be to take the following steps:

1) Enter the jewelmart. Introduce himself as a member of the great man's household. Explain that he had been sent to select some rings to be sent on approval to the great man's town house before he left the city.

2) Ask the salesman his name and thus secure his business card.

3) Critically...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!