The Gentle Grafter (short story collection, Henry)
The Octopus Marooned
Two con men monopolized a town's alcohol supply during a flood, but their scheme backfired when one of them, under the influence, delivered a powerful temperance speech, causing the townspeople to pledge sobriety.
Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet
Jeff Peters as a Personal Magnet (Henry)
A con man posing as a doctor used personal magnetism to cure a fake illness in a mayor, only to be arrested by a detective, who turned out to be his future business partner.
Modern Rural Sports
Two swindlers attempted to con a seemingly wealthy farmer, only to find him well-educated and seemingly immune to their tricks, until one of them successfully used an old-fashioned scam.
The Chair of Philanthromathematics
The Chair of Philanthromathematics (Henry)
Two swindlers started a university as an act of philanthropy, but ended up profiting from it by secretly running a gambling operation for the wealthy students.
The Hand That Riles the World
The Hand That Riles the World (Henry)
Two men were hired to secure a political appointment for their friend, but their efforts were thwarted when a beautiful female lobbyist obtained the wrong position for him.
The Exact Science of Matrimony
The Exact Science of Matrimony (Henry)
Two con men ran a fake matrimonial agency using a widow as bait, but their scheme unraveled when the widow fell in love with one of the men, who secretly took her money.
A Midsummer Masquerade
A Midsummer Masquerade (Henry)
Two con men pretended to be famous guests at a summer resort to help the owner attract more customers, but their scheme backfired, causing the women to leave and the men to enjoy a quiet summer.
Shearing the Wolf
A swindler attempts to fleece a wealthy man but finds himself outwitted by his intended victim.
Innocents of Broadway
A tale of naive newcomers to the big city, who find themselves caught up in the schemes of seasoned con artists.
Conscience in Art
An artist struggles with the moral implications of his work, as he is torn between his desire for success and his commitment to his artistic integrity.
The Man Higher Up
A story of political corruption and the lengths people will go to maintain power and control.
A Tempered Wind
A con man's plans are thwarted by an unexpected act of kindness, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities and the direction of his life.
Hostages to Momus
A group of friends find themselves at the mercy of a mischievous trickster, who delights in causing chaos and confusion.
The Ethics of Pig
A tale of greed, deception, and the ultimate price one must pay for their actions.