Now and again a victim discovered the trick, and refused to leave the city till he had exposed it. This case was met by the "tailer," who was in waiting at the railway station disguised as a policeman. When he came on the scene he met the complaint made with an immediate threat of arrest, and the victim, knowing his intention had been dishonest, was only too glad to get off. But sometimes the "guy" was swindled in a different way. He paid his money, but got no notes. They were to be sent to his address; when they failed to arrive he would come back to inquire, and probably buy more, which were also to follow, but never did. This trick was often carried out three or four times. At last the parcel would be handed into the "express" or parcel office before his eyes, but to a confederate, who, when the notes were missing, was accused of having stolen them, and was not, of course, to be found. Not only did certain members of the police connive at this nefarious traffic, which flourished exceedingly, but they actually co-operated in it. A police captain provided the "joint" or place of meeting where the thieves beat the victim or swindled him. The proprietor was in the swim, and received his commission, and if superior officials interfered, as sometimes happened, the "joint" was transferred, then and there to a new place. The "green goods" man always had timely notice when any police raid was in contemplation; the police were also most useful in taking charge of the "come-backs," the "guys" or victims who would not submit to extortion, and it was often possible to take them in hand when they applied at the detective bureau so as to nullify their proceedings, or at worst give the hint to the swindlers to make themselves scarce. The police were also kind enough to assist "King McNally" in the discipline of his subjects. Whenever a "writer," who was the medium by which the profits were shared after the first half had been monopolised by the capitalist, was behindhand with his payments, the police were informed, and the defaulter arrested. The profits of this nefarious business were very high. It was said that McNally often took as much as £1,600 in a single day. Some of the capitalists or "backers" made large fortunes, £20,000, £30,000, even £40,000 apiece. Another species of illegitimate revenue was that drawn from the gaming houses, the policy shops and pool rooms which are apparently very numerous in New York. This particular traffic appears to have originated the slang epithet "pantata," which was the familiar title for the police official who gave his [Illustration: EQUIPMENTS OF THE NEW YORK POLICE. 1. Winter Helmet. 2. Summer Hat. 3. Revolver. 4. Shield. 5. Day Stick. 6. Rosewood Baton for Parade. 7. Belt and Frog. 8. Night Stick. 9. Handcuffs (new style). 10. Nippers. ]