The Placer herald., 1857-11-14
VidocQ's Last Exploit.


The following in relation to Vidocq,
the celebrated Paris detective, whose death
has been recently announced, we cut from
Paris correspondence of the New York
Daily Times:
Vidocq's period of glory was the Res
toration. He was the creator of the pop
uar Brigade de Surete, of which he was
long time the chief His memoirs which
he published, l believe, in 1929, in four
large Volumes, have been translated into
English, German, Italian and Spanish. For
long time he was the hero, the mys-
terry, the god of the Parisians. Himself
thief, he came out of the chain-gang
to enter the police. If robbery or an
assassination was committed, the first ques-
ton was, as Vidocq after the Malefactor!"
Or if the malefactor escaped, everybody
exclaimed, "That's because Vidocq was
not in the AFFAIR."" Finally Vidocq fell in
to the exclusive business of watching for
hire infdel wives and husbands, highly
lucrative and amusing occupation at Paris,
but certainly not very reputable. Even in
his latter years so great was his renown
in this business that his aid was frequent
ly sought by wealthy people. His last
exploit was the following:
A rich merchant went to him to con-
suit on a deficit of 10000 francs which
he found on his books. Vidocq de
manded-
"What is the age of your casher?"
Twenty-Five. But l am as sure of him
as of myself: he has also been robbed;
he is victim like myself"
"Are you married."
ayes"
"How old is your wife? Is she hand
some! Is she honest?"
"Oh, Sir, my wife is virtue itself-hon-
orable, attached to me, above"
"Never mind all that; your cashier is
twenty-five; is your wife handsome?"
Since you insist upon knowing, SIZE is
handsome, but"
"But. butt no matter about the bu.s!
You wish to find your money, Cont you,
and you have confidence in me.'
"Of course | have, since am here."
"Very well, then; 90 back home, and
make believe that you are going on
journey, aud introduce me into the house."
This was done. The merchant left home,
and Vidocq hid himself in closet near
tie chamber of the lady. Breakfast was
served, a young man was shown in, and
was thus addressed by Madame:
"Very WELL Arthur he is gone, but he
suspects us and we are lost"
The rival of Carpenter went over a long
TRADE Of love and dcsoation, concluding
with these words:
"Only one road is left open for us; let
us take what remains and embark for
Vidocq stepped out of his conceament-
Tableau!
"My children, be calm, or I'll break
both your heads" said Vidocq. awe un-
derstand each other, suppose! Now tell
me, where is the stolen money!"
ave have only 100000 francs left" re-
piled the woman.
"Are you telling the truth!
"Oh, | swear it,"
"Very well! Give it to me-" The money
was given over.
"Now, then, let this affair be forgotten;
never speak of it to your husband, and he
shall know nothing. AS for you, Sir, give
me your delicate little thumbs" lie placed
handouts on the gentleman, conducted him
to Havre, put him on ship bound for
America, and left him with the French
adieu," go and hang yourself elsewhere"
Vidocq came back to Paris, handed the
100000 francs to the merchant, saying,
"Your cashier was the thief, but he had
spent $4,000 francs of the money with
dansuese. embarked him for New York"
Afterward no happier family was ever
known than that of the merchant.