Dr. John Saliba of Elizabeth City has traveled over more than half the civilized world, and is familiar with the language and customs of many countries and thinks he is thoroly cosmopolitan and world wise; but he was no match for a trio of card sharps on an Old Dominion Steamship liner from Norfolk to New York.
Three friendly young fellows took $260 in cash off Dr. Saliba on one of those steamers one night last week and then got his signature on a draft for $410 on his account at the First & Citizens National Bank in Elizabeth City. Luckily Dr. Saliba came to his senses in time to wire the bank to stop payment on the draft.
It was a hot night on the steamer and Dr. Saliba, traveling alone, looked hot an dlonesome sitting on the deck all by himself. He was wishing there were a lot of good fellows along to make the trip lively and interesting. The “good fellows” were right there and they had him spotted.
They picked a conversation with him, got him into an innocent game of bridge, then had a few drinks, changed to poker and the doctor doesn’t know what happened after that. Next morning his discovered that he was short $260, all the money he ha on his person the night before and he had a hazy recollection of having signed something. What he signed was a draft for $410, which the sharpers deposited for collection the very next day. But he stopped payment on the draft and is out only $360 in cash.
He says the next time he goes to New York he’ll steer clear of Old Dominion steamers and take a guardian with him.
From the front page of The Independent, Elizabeth City, N.C., Friday, Aug. 6, 1926
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83025812/1926-08-06/ed-1/seq-1/
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