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
Two con men intervened in a businessman's plan to swindle green goods men in Chicago, ultimately taking his money and teaching him a lesson about the immorality of attempting to get something for nothing.
Innocents of Broadway
Two con men struggled with their conscience when a naive New Yorker entrusted them with his money, eventually finding a way to take it while providing him with something in return.
Conscience in Art
Two swindlers tricked a millionaire into buying an ancient ivory carving, only to reveal later that they had stolen the original from him and sold it back.
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.