At this time, which was just before the Lexow Committee began its work, there were at least a few honest coppers. I knew one, however, that did not remain honest. It happened this way. The guns had been tearing open the cars so hard that the street car companies, as they had once before, got after the officials, who stirred up Headquarters. The riot act was read to the dips. This meant that, on the second offense, every thief would be settled for his full time and that there would be no squaring it. The guns lay low for a while, but two very venturesome grafters, Mack and Jerry, put their heads together and reasoned thus: "Now that the other guns are alarmed it is a good chance for us to get in our fine work."
Complaints continued to come in. The police grew hot and sent Mr. F----, a flyman, to get the rascals. Mr. F---- had the reputation of being the most honest detective on the force. He often declared that he wanted promotion only on his merits. Whenever he was overheard in making this remark there was a quiet smile on the faces of the other coppers. F---- caught Mack dead to rights, and, not being a diplomat, did not understand when the gun tried to talk reason to him. Even a large piece of dough did not help his intellect, and Mack was taken to the station-house. When a high official heard about it he swore by all the gods that he would make an example of that notorious pickpocket, Mack; but human nature is weak, especially if it wears buttons. Mack sent for F----'s superior, the captain, and the following dialogue took place:
_Captain_: Yes, and you're dead to rights.
_Mack_: I tried to do business with F----. What is the matter with him?
_Captain_: He is a policeman. He wants his promotion by merit. (Even the Captain smiled.)
_Mack_: I'd give five centuries (five hundred dollars) if I could get to my summer residence in Asbury Park.
_Captain_: How long would it take you to get it?
_Mack_: (He, too, was laconic.) I got it on me.
_Captain_: Was I ever known to go back on my word?
Mack handed the money over, and went over to court in the afternoon with F----. The Captain was there, and whispered to F----: "Throw him out." That nearly knocked F---- down, but he and Mack took a car, and he said to the latter: "In the name of everything how did you hypnotize the old man?" Mack replied, with a laugh: "I tried to mesmerize you in the same way; but you are working on your merits."