The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1859-08-19
"YOu can't Pas" "

Persons rob one another every day, bat he
must have been clever fellow who robbed the
Prefecture de Police (tbe bead police officer IN
Pars.) And this a man did whose name has
become historical Beaumont. He was the
Jack Sheppard among thieves.
When Beaumont accomplished the immortal
izing feat amongst his breihern) he had juat re-
turned from the Ragne, Che galleysl at Brest.
1t taoi place in the days of the celebrated
Fidocq. He actually robbed the strong boz al
the head police Office, and this box contained,
not only bank notes, but all the jawery which
is found or in any way comes into the hands OF
the police. After his return from the galleys,
he frequently called upon Monsieur Henry,
principal officer of .he second division of police,
and these visits were made under pretence OF
making certain revelations, or giving useful in
formation, in the hopes of becoming attached 10
the police himself
Monsieur Henry's Office was next 10 the CASH
ler's office. In going and coming, Beaumont
had keys made to fit them. This was, doubt
less, great point gained, but il was not all ;
it was necessary TO watch moment when the
cashier would be out, not home, or having left
his Office, and when Monsieur Henry, who new
rything turns well for those who choose 10 wait
patiently. Beaumont found the long watched
for opportunity, and as he never did any thing
hastily. BE- did all at his ease this tune, and as
cIeverIy as quietly. He put on black coat
belonging TO Monsieur Henry, dress then lit
tie worn, except by those high in office he
walked down stairs aud went to the nearest
guard house, asked for the officer, who took
him for some high official, and two soldiers
were sent with him, without the least difficult
ty.
Beaumont, gravely placed them at each end
of the corridor, with strict orders to let no one
pass until further directions. 1t was very da-
ring but equally sure. When be had made his
selection amongst heaps of precious things, and
Oiled his pockets with gold and Jewels, he pas
sed one of the sentInels and said
a1hafs right my friend. am going 10 the
head directors. Everything must remain as I
have left until my return I shall soon be back:
let no one pass"
But the office hours arrived, and all the clerks
too, high and low.
eSYon can't pass I" they were told.
So they all went out and walked up and
down the yard Some, however. went round,
at last, tired of waiting, TO the other en-
trance.
But '.You can't pass - again saIuted their
ears.
Then came the head of the Office, and lastly
Monsieur Henry himsli, who did not take mat
ters quite so quietly. He ran 10 the guard
house. The officer knew nothing Of the rank
or name the functionary who had asked for
guard. To release the soldiers from their duty
the minister ofthe police had to be sent for, and
they cot in. If thnnder5oit had fallen among
them all, they could not have been more dumb
founded. The strong box was rifed, and the
ground slrewn With rejected valuables. Who
could have done it Z To whom attribute the
audacous act 2 AlIthe persons employed were
under examination and suspicion, when Beau
mont was betrayed by comrade, and condem-
ned a second time. He had stolen several hun
dred thousand francs, the greater part Of which
was found upon him.
oThere was wherewitha to have become an
honest man 7 should have turned one,' be
said
oTt is easily done when you are rich yet
how many of the wealthy are rogues y This
is all he uttered. He was sent to Brest, where
he died, leaving an immortal name among the
thieves.