Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1902-07-03


panion was witty little man with
half the languages OF Europe on his
tongue, and a knowledge of all the
tricks and lodges of all the criminal
fraternity at his inger-ends. He has
since written a book on his expert
ences, and a stranger volume, or one
more replete with n knowledge Of the
darker side of human nature il would
be difficult to find. He had com
menced his professional career as n
! doctor, and like myself had gradual
~ drifted into the detective profess
sion. Among other things he was an
lnimitable hand at Disgusting him
I self, as many a wretched criminal
now knows to his cost. Even l, who
know him so well, have been taken
In by him. / have given aims TO a
blind beggar in the streets, have en-
countered him as a chiffonier prowl-
ing about the cutters. have sat next
10 him on an omnibus when he has
been clothed as an artisan in blue
blouse, and on not one of those occa-
EiOns have | ever recognized him UNI
ill he made himself known TO me.
Among other things ne was a decid-
ed epicure, and loved a good dinner
as well as any of his compatriots.
Could you but see him with his nap
kin tackled under his chin, his little
twinhling eyes sparkling with mirth,
and his face wreathed in smiles, you
would declare him TO be one OF the
joiliest-looking individuals you have
ever encountered. Sec him, however,
when he is on business and has
knotty problem to solve. and you
will find a different man. The mouth
has become one OF iron, the eyes are
as fierce as fierce can be. Some one,
remember, likened him to the great
Napoleon. and the description is an
exceedingly apt one.
by the way" l said. as we took a
peep into our second bottle of Per-
rier-Jouet, there is question |
want 20 put TO you. Do you happen
to be acquainted with a certain Nine. |
Beaumarais?"
81 have known her for more years
than she or | would care to remem.
ber," he answered. For a woman
who has led the life she has, she |
wears uncommonly well. A beauti- |
full creature! The very finest shout |
ders in all Paris, and that 4, saying
He blew a kiss of the tips of his
fingers, and raised his glass in her
honor.
81 drink to her in this noble wine,
but do not let her touch my money.
Oh, no, la belle Louise is a clever
woman, a very clever woman, but
money trickles through her fingers
like water through a sieve. Let me
think for a moment. She ruined
Marquis Dismal, the Vieomte Cot
foret, NJ. D'Armier and many others
whose names l cannot now recall.
The first is with our noble troops in
Cochin China, the second is in Al
yeria, and the third / know not
where. and now / have learnt since
my arrival in Paris that she has got
hold Of young Englishman, who is
lastly wealthy. She will have all he
begin the world anew. You are in
-erested in that Englishman. of
,ourse?"
How do you know that?"
Because you question me about
Nine. Beaumarais," he answered. "a
good many people have asked me
,bout her at different times, but IL IL
always the man they want to get
hold of. You, my astute Fairfax, are
Interested in the man, not because
you want TO save him from her, but
because he has done a little some
hing which he should not have done,
elsewhere. The money he is lavish
ng on Mime. Louise, whence does il
,ome? Should be very wrong IL 1
suggested gems?'
/ gave a start Of surprise. How on
,arth did he guess this?
"Yesl see I'm right" he an
'wered with a little laugh. WELL
tnew il a long time ago. All, you
ire astonished! You should surely
never allow yourself to be surprised
by anything. Now / will tell you
now | came TO know about the gems.
Some time ago a certain well-known
duy OF lnlS CITY loSL ncT JeWel-CaSc
n a mysterious manner. The affair
vas placed in my hands, and when
had exhausted Paris, went to
amsterdam, en- route il necessary for
London. You know our old friends,
Ieyenstein and Schartzer?"
/ nodded. | had had dealings with
hat firm on many occasions.
"Well, as ] went into their office,
Jaw the gentleman who has been
paying attention TO the lady we have
1een discussing, come out. have an
excellent memory for faces, and
when / saw him tonight entering
he Cafe des Ambassadors, l recog-
lized him Immediately. Thus the
mystery is explained"
He shrugged his shoulders and
spread his hands apart, like a con-
urer who has just vanished a rabbit
,r an orange.
HAS the man of whom we are
peaking done very wrong?" he in
luired.