“Scotty” Receives Final Instructions
At that saloon they had met a trio of Italian criminals known as the “Three Brigands,” who said they were not to take part in the robbery, but would be on hand to see that it was vigorously put through.
Arrived upon the ground, at Church street and Trinity Place, Splaine and Kinsman waited on the west side of the thoroughfare, while “Dutch” and “Joe the Kid” stood on the opposite side. “Scotty the Lamb” posted himself fifty feet off.
As Montani’s cab came speeding along, “Dutch” raised his hat as a signal. “Scotty the Lamb” did not have time to step in front of the vehicle before it slackened, and the robbers were aboard. “Dutch” opened one door and struck the old bank teller, Wilbur Smith, and “Joe the Kid” boosted Splaine in on the other side, where he assaulted young Wardle. Kinsman mounted the seat beside Montani, and the latter put on full speed, telling Kinsman to point his finger at his side as though he had a revolver. The cab slipped past trucks and dodged pedestrians. Kinsman said he seemed to see policemen everywhere, and was dazed when the vehicle stopped at Park Place and Church street. All the criminals got off there, “Dutch” lugging the brown bag containing the money. Splaine and “Dutch” were both covered with the bank guards’ blood. Taking Kinsman, they jumped aboard a street car. It was crowded. Several passengers noticed the bloody men, but were told that there had been a fight, and the occurrence was not reported to the police. After riding two or three blocks they got off, boarded an elevated train, rode to Bleeker street, and went to a back room in “Jimmie the Push’s” saloon, where the money was to be divided. Here they found Jess and the “Three Brigands,” and the latter now set up a claim for a share in the booty. Matteo, leader of the trio, pulled out a revolver, and there was a discussion. Finally the bag was opened, and found to contain $25,000. There were three packages of $5,000 each and one of $10,000. Matteo grabbed the latter package, saying that his gang was to get $3,000 apiece, and that the odd $1,000 would go for “fall money” to get Molloy out of jail in Brooklyn. The robbers then divided the remainder, Jess taking $3,000 for himself and another $3,000 for Montani, Splaine getting $3,000, Kinsman $2,750, “Joe the Kid” $250 and “Scotty the Lamb” nothing. Kinsman then told how he had called for Swede Annie, and left town in a taxicab, going as far as Peekskill, to avoid the police at the Grand Central Station.
Jess Confesses and Assists
The next prisoner examined was Jess Albrazzo, a dark little Italian, who appeared to be somewhat ignorant.
In this examination the Commissioner had ample outside proof, and he also employed what he calls his “psychological study.” Years ago, in dealing with negro suspects in Southern crime, Dougherty devised a little instrument which he dubbed his “lie watch.” This was a dial with a needle, hung round the suspect’s neck. If the latter told the truth, the needle presumably pointed to “Truth,” and if he didn’t, it pointed to “Lie.” Being out of the suspect’s sight, it had a strong effect.
From that, Dougherty went into studies of the mental states of suspects under examination, and found rough physiological indications which he uses as a guide to the integrity of the suspect. Investigations of European criminal experts like Professor Hans Gross amply demonstrate that there is a real scientific basis for such methods.
Dougherty took it a little easier with Jess. They sat down, and the Commissioner went over the Italian’s movements for the past few months, showing him how thoroughly he was implicated. Jess had worked for Montani, and been intimate with the rest of the taxicab “mob.” He and Montani were confronted with each other, and points brought out in Kinsman’s confession were skillfully used.