Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1895-02-16
HIS CLEVER RUSE.

Augustine Lafont was the confidential
agent of a large banking house in Paris
Early in the spring of 1899 he set out
from Paris with bills, notes, drafts, etc,
to the amount of 1000, 600 francs, for
q house in Chaumont. Much secrecy
had been observed in the preparations
OF his journey, as the kingdom was at
that time infested by n secret organiza-
ton of thieves. Lafont had the notes
concealed in various parts of his dress,
and taking the heavy diligence rs the
best mode of conveyance he set out on
his mission.
Nothing worthy of note occurred to
arrest Lafont's attention until he had
passed nearly through the department
Of tho Seine-e Marine, when just at
nightfall two well dressed gentlemen
hailed the diligence and claimed pas
sago to Cbaumont. 1t was already too
dark for the agent to distinguish tho
features of the newcomers, but yet from
what littlo he could see he at once made
ND his mind that their countenances
were not unfamiliar to him, and having
COIuG W tlllS
to watch their movements, for Il vague
suspicion that they had by some means
become possessed of his secret business
took possession of his mind.
Tho diligence crossed the Seine at No
gent and there remained for the hi mt.
As soon as Lafont had opportunity to
examine the counterances of the stran
gers at the supper table he became sat
isfied that his first impressions were
correct, for one of the travellers at least
he had seen III Paris on the day before
his departure, and he could not but no.
tice that they both eyed him with mark
ed interest.
After supper the agent lighted his ci-
gar and walked out OH to the bridge,
where he remained nearly half an hour,
at the end of which time he started back
toward the inn, and just rs he arrived
at the door he noticed his two compan-
ions entering the stable door.
Prompted by u feeling of curiosity, he
followed them, and as he came round
by the stable door he could just SEQ the
two men crouching away in an empty
stall
With stoalthy, catliko tread he ap-
preached. and he was fortunate enough
to make ont tho gist of their converse
tion.
When Lafont left the stable, ho knew
that the two men had left Paris for tho
purpose of robbing him, and that they
intended to put their plan il execution
as soon rs the diligence shoC!d have en-
tered the department. of tho Upper
Marne
He returned to tine inn, and after coz
Biderabl. reflection he determined to
procure horse and secretly continue his
Journey. Having come 10 this conc!u-
sion, he went to the driver Of the dill
gence AMI under the plea Of having to
remain III Nogcnt on spccia, business
for day or two lie settled his fare
thus far. Then he went TO the stable
and ordered horse to be i'll readiness
for him by 3 o'clock in the morning, ut
the same time cEioining upon the garcon
the strictesG secrecy with regard to his
movements.
AS soon us these arrangements were
made Lafont retired to his room. He of
course knew that his secret had leaked
ont, and even in his proposed course
was not entirely free from danger. A
million francs was large sum, and if
the two Partisan robbers had set their
hearts upon its possession he had yet
come work to perform ere lie wou!a bo
entirely free from them. Last of all, n
new idea struck him and obtaining .
number Of papers he uaatly folded them
in an envelope, which :.r strongly sealed
and bound With u blue ribb,n.
AT 3 o'clock in tho morning, while it
was yet very dark and before any one
else was stirring, Lafont quietly descend
ed from his room and went to the stable.
The garcon was easily aroused, and in q
few moments the agent was OH his way
to Chaumont.
For two hours he rode OH his way, but
Instead OF pursuing the highroad from
Treyes he again crossed the Seine and
kept along by the banks Of tho Aube.
Daylight was just beginning to streal;
the heavens when Lafont thought he
heard tho sound of horses bchind him,
and 1t was not long ere he knew that he
was being pursued, and in ten ninutof
hewas assured that tho tYo robbers were
after him.
In o moment the agent leaped from
the saddle, and seiZing heavy stont
no inflicted ss.ore bruise upon one OF
his horses fore legs The animal rearot
and plunged, but Lafont managed tc
hold him, again mounted and rode on
but the horse limped and staggered be