An unexpected introduction to a new profession by Stefan Zweig. Short summary

5 seconds

A writer observes the trade of a pickpocket thief. The thief tries to steal from the author, who catches the criminal by the hand, but does not give him away.

1 minute

On a street in Paris, the writer spots a poorly dressed man. The author began to guess about his profession. At first the writer mistook the man for a detective, but then realized that he was a pickpocket.

The author comes closer to observe the pickpocket’s trade. He sees him trying to steal a purse from a provincial woman laughing at a display case with monkeys.

To prevent the theft, the writer tries to wedge himself between the thief and his victim.

Then the writer follows the pickpocket, watching him eat a meager lunch. The writer feels sorry for the criminal.

Then the thief goes to the auction house, and the writer follows him. While the bidding is going on, the criminal tries to steal the wallet from the author.

He catches the thief by the hand, but lets him go. The criminal realizes that the writer will not give him up.

The pickpocket leaves, the author goes after him. The criminal decides that the writer wants to catch him and runs away.