Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1875-05-22

of his own. Madame" had already
long been in the habit of driving to the
Bois in a very handsome turnout, but
that, it was understood, was only hired.
simultaneously an operation of
another kind agitated financial centers
and attracted the undivided attention of
the police. Bills on American account
aggregating over 100000 francs were
sold in London, Paris, Amsterdam, and
Hamburg, which were found to be
forgeries. The police, after long con-
sultation and comparison of data, found
no room to doubt that all these opera
tions were the work of one man, and
that the "style" was that of the once
eminent but now reformed confidence
man, NJ. Raoul Surian.
A couple of the most trustworthy
agents were detailed to "work up" the
case, and, at the end of three weeks,
Surian was arrested and confronted with
the parties in the several cities who had
been victimized by the forger. 1t was
known that Surian had been absent from
Paris, and it was hoped to identify him
beyond mistake. Just here, however, a
most unexpected hitch occurred. The
swindler was said to be something
like" Surian, but he had gray eyes, dark
hair, and light blonde beard. The wit
nesses were unanimous as to the color
and appearance of the eyes, which we're
described as being as different as posi-
BILE from the suspected mans eyes; and
Surian was accordingly discharged.
Not satisfied with this, Surian went to
police headquarters and complained of
the injury done to his character and
business by this arrest upon so slight q
fabric of suspicion. He laid before the
head of the department what pretended
to be O full exhibit of his business affairs,
and which showed that, after all his
debts were paid, he would still have a
surplus of 1000, 900 francs. Gone does
not steal under such circumstances, said
Surian. The delinquent agents were
reprimanded, and Surian went home ap-
parently well contented.
1t is probable, however, that he sus-
pected what was actually the case; that
he was being carefully and assiduously
watched. He contracted his speculative
operations very materially, and million
in gold, which he had on deposit in the
Bank Of France, was drawn out and
shipped to America, to parties unknown
to the authorities. The outbreak of the
Franco Prussian war, however, took
Surian to the Bourse again, and he was
long of Rentes" when the calamity of
Weissenbourg overlook France. Surian
went down with the funds, and compro-
missed with his creditors with deficit of
million and half. Two weeks later
he was again arrested for passing some
20, 900, 900 francs of fraudulent quarter
masters drafts. This time the police
felt sure they had Surian, but the baf-
fling matter of identity again sprang up.
The actual criminal had general re-
semblance to Surian, except that his
hair and moustache were dark and his
eyes as black as jet. The authorities
were dumbfounded. The testimony,
however, was direct and uncontrovertible,
and, after searching raid upon Surian's
house, where, however, nothing was dis.
covered which tended to criminate him,
the ex-convict was again released.
The Germans now rapidly threw theil
tremendous cordons around Paris, and
the memorable seige of the great city
began. Surian joined regiment Of
volunteers and went on duty. The posi-
tion assigned his company was the
charge of a picket post outside the fort
of Vanvres, where the Prussian breach
ing batteries were finally established
One day he and four of his companions
were surprised by some Uhlans riding
in in the gray of the morning. The
other men were speared, and Surian was
reported missing, "killed or captured.
Twenty-four hours later Surian appeared
at his post again and reported for duty
He had fled, he said, under the cellar O.
a house, and could not get out any
sooner. Three days later he was arrested
with show of great solemnity, and car
ried before Gen. Villot, commander O
the division to which he was attached
The colonel of the regiment and man,
other officers were present. els this tn,
manG" asked Gen. Villot, pointing tx
Surian, and accosting a person in Prus
sian uniform.
"That is the man I saw at Versatile
four days ago." said the spy; 81 an
willing to swear to him. He came III
the street escorted by Uhlans, and wen
directly into M. de Bismarck's head
quarters. I saw him myself"
"You are charged with an offense tn
penalty of which is death, Surian," sal,
Gen. Villot. "What have you to sa,
for yourself9 Did you give information
to the enemy9"
"You say yeu saw me /" cried Surian
turning his full face upon the spy; car
you very sure you saw me2"
The spy staggered back, aghast
"Mon Dieu! no! mol I will not swear
The man saw was like you-but it wa
not you The man I saw going int
Count Bismarck's quarters had certainl
brown eyes; and yours are blue"
Surian thus escaped again. He wen
into Paris for the first time since tb