A GAY DECEIVER.--A man named John Gourley, from near Strabane [Co Tyrone], went to Linlithgow, in Scotland, to obtain work; and after some time scraped an acquaintance with a "bonnie lass" named Isabella M'Beath, to whom he tipped the blarney, wooed and won her.

A day was appointed for their marriage; and he, being aware that her wardrobe was in Glasgow, told her he would go there for it as she might want clothes. She consented, and gave him 5s. for his expenses. Off he started, but the deluding youth never returned to her. He sailed for the Green Isle and arrived in the neighbourhood of Strabane about the beginning of January with his booty--a large chest filled with a variety of dresses and other articles.

Mr. Watson, Procurator Fiscal Linlithgow, having reported the matter to Captain Lynch of the Constabulary, he set on foot an active search and succeeded in recovering nearly all the stolen property. On the 8th ult., head-constable Anderson arrested the lad at Dunamana races ; and, on the 17th, he, chest, and all, were sent to Scotland in charge of a superintendent of police, who come [sic] for him to settle accounts with the disconsolate Isabella. He is a married man, and has a wife and two children living near Lifford.--Derry Sentinel.

This reprint is intended SOLELY for the non-commercial use of family historians, with the sincere hope that a Lister may find the content useful. I am not descended from the person(s) mentioned herein.

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