The Shasta courier., 1869-01-23
SHASTA COURIER.
THE FRENCH DETECTIVE.

LII III; cAcrclSe VI HIS procession, Eugene
Laromie had passed through some wonder
full adventures, and been nearer death than
most men cared to be. His success in fer
reting out and bringing to light crimes of
all kinds had won for him the bitter enmity
of all offenders, both political and criminal,
in the city. They had repeatedly vowed
vengeance against him, for they declared
there was no chance for them while he
remained in Paris. Laromie only laughed
at their threats, and kept his wits about
him. He declared his readiness to meet
them whenever they gave him fair play.
This, however, was the last thing that
they intended doing. They had fred at
him frequently, without success, and had
been equally unsuccessful in their attempts
at poison. They had gotten up mock
conspiracies, with the hope of decoying
him into their power; but he saw through
them in an instant, and only laughed at
them for their trouble Still they had not
abandoned the hope of capturing him, and
it was very certain that, if they could sue
ceed in doing so, NJ. Laromies fate was
sealed.
One day he was lounging idly near one
of the most noted shops of the Palais Royal,
when woman passed by. She was very
handsome, and was richly 'and tastefully
dressed. She was evidently lady, and
one of the most beautiful the detective had
ever seen. As she passed, she looked at
him with fixed gaze, and then smiled =
Instantly, Laromie lifted his hat and bowed
profoundly. When he raised his eyes
again, the lady had disappeared. He was
annoyed at this, for he was anxious to
learn more of the beautiful stranger; and
from the smile she had given him, he knew
that she was not averse to such a course on
his part. Eugene was a true Frenchman in
his love of gallantry and this was the only
thing that ever brought him into anv real
danger. Several times he had narrowly
escaped death at the hands of jealous hus-
bands and his friends were confident that
if ever he died by violence woman would
be the cause of it.
During the day he could not help think
ing Of the beautiful unknown who had fas
clnated him. The next morning, about
the same hour, he took his place again
near the Palais Royal to watch her. He
was not kept in waiting long. She soon
appeared; and, this time the smile was ac-
companed by bow Acting upon a
sudden impulse, Laromie started forward
and placed himself at her side
He was about to speak to her, when she
said hurriedly, in low tone:
" Not yet, Monsieur Laromie, we are OBJ
served Tonight, at the opera"
Zone word, Madame" exclaimed Laro-
mie, impulsively. Whom have the hon
or of addressing? ?"
The lady laughed slightly, and then,
handing him card, said impatiently;
Go, now. will see you tonight at the
opera"
Laromie bowed low, and drew back.
while the lady passed on Glancing at the
card that she had given him. he saw written
upon it, in delicate hand, Julie de Noel
but whether it was Madame or Madem-
oiselle Mrs. or Miss the pasteboard did
not state, and the detective did not care.
He only knew that she was a most beauti-
full woman, and that she had consented to
grant him an interview
"Who knows" muttered Laromie.
twitching his moustache absently, what
may come oft? She is superb. But how
the deuce did she find out my name p
Well, it is not strange. Every one has
heard of me"
In Paris, when one wishes to learn any,
thing respecting an inhabitant of the great
city, he can be satisfied by applying to the
Chief of Police. TO the office of the Chief
Laromie now bent his steps upon an errand
OF this kind respecting the lady he had
just parted with. In answer to his en-
quiries, the Chief consulted a ponderous
Ledger, and after brief inspection de-
clared there was no such person in Paris.
"What is it, Laromie ?" he asked "pub-
lie business or an assassination ?"
" Oh, merely little affair OF my own"
said Laromie, laughing.
Take care, my friend" said the Chief,
gravely. You run great risks in those
little affairs OF yours, and we could not af-
ford to lose you just now"
never lear, returned the detective
gaily :" always keep my wits about me. !"
That night the detective was at the opera
at an early hour. He waited impatiently.
as the audience came in, and he thouoht
that they had never been SO slow before
He scanned the boxes and parquette close
ly, but could see the lady nowhere. As
the performance began, his attention was at
tracted by a friend, and he turned to speak
to him. As he looked back to the audience.
when his friend left him, his heart gave a
great bound of delight. There was the
lady, sitting in one of the most retired box
es, radient in her beauty. She saw him,
and nodded, smilingly. In an incredibly
short time he was seated by her side, pour
ing forth his thanks for the happiness she
had given him.