Slapping A Lady's Face

Unfortunately the masher is not the only male nuisance in Brooklyn. A distant and much more offensive relative of his is the unknown ruffian. who, a few months ago, made his practices, although not his personality, notorious by maliciously soiling expensive gowns with tobacco juice in the neighborhood of Dr. Talmage's church. A few nights ago an equally offensive and ruffianly, but much more practical and dangerous, individual made his appearance on Fulton street. His victim was a young lady who resides within easy walking distance of the bridge. She had crossed from New York in a bridge car between 7 and 8 o'clock in the evening and was walking up Fulton street alone, not dreaming of insult and still less of violence on that thoroughfare at so early an hour. Less than half a block above Sands street she received a sharp, stinging slap on the face. She turned, surprised and frightened, and saw that her assailant was a well dressed, gentlemanly looking fellow. "I beg your pardon, miss," he said, "it was a mistake," and he darted off without another word.
A dozen men witnessed the assault, but the only one who took apparent notice of it confined his attention to the young lady and not to her assailant. "Oh, that was a terrible blow, miss; did it hurt you?" he said. "Yes," replied the still frightened and confused girl, and wishing to avoid further notice she hurried away, wondering, when she began to collect her senses, if the man who slapped her face really mistook her for an acquaintance, and, if so, why he chose to greet an acquaintance in so startling a fashion. She learned all about it when she reached home, for she then discovered that the fellow had stolen from her ear a valuable earring. "Did I report the occurrence to the police?"' she said to the Rambler, after he had heard her story. "No, of course I didn't. That wouldn't bring back my earring, and besides I don't think you would find many girls of your acquaintance who would care to see their names in the newspapers in connection with such an occurrence. I am glad enough that notoriety hasn't been added to my fright and my loss. but I don't think I shall ever feel safe again when I am out alone after dark." - "Rambler" in Brooklyn Eagle.