Moneymaker

War-Veteran John H. Mayes was taught photo-engraving at the Veterans' Bureau. Studious, quick-learning, he soon was able to start a photo-engraving business of his own, in Murphysboro, 111. On pieces of specially prepared paper, seven and one-eighth inches long, three and one-eighth inches wide, he made minutely detailed engravings, including the arresting words: "This certificate is a legal tender in the amount thereof in payment of all debts and dues public and private. Acts of March 14, 1900, as amended, and Dec. 24, 1919."

Photo-Engraver Mayes was last week visited by federal gentlemen led by Secret Service Chief Stephen A. Connell of the St. Louis district, who found him putting finishing touches on a $250,000 batch of bogus banknotes. Mrs. Mayes and three small Mayeses were present. Hardhearted, the federal men took Mr. Mayes away, locked him up.

No petty criminal, Moneymaker Mayes kept four gangs of bootleggers and counterfeiters busy putting $800,000 of his currency into circulation. Prominent among his outlets were the Birger and Shelton gangs whose activities (TIME, Feb. 21) have heightened the ill-fame of Williamson and Herrin counties, Illinois. Birgers and Sheltons, feuding cutthroats, machine-gunners, hijackers, in their liquor deals, used to dupe each other and be duped by Mr. Mayes's money.