St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1908-06-13
DLAvW AAAE- CHRONICLES Or A. E4IOUyIElRE1ECT o
F0LlCEA DURING 7HE REGL1E or INF NECOND
Eln2ZRE,rN THE REIGN4OF NAPOL EONXW,v
NOEY PUBLISHED FOR 7HE EZRST 1Le1E.
AHOU>SlE2l2E7ECT or

which their INSCRIPTIONS kinsman
had defrauded them.
Shaw had made a careful study of
the strong box and the arsenal de-
Tending it and watched patiently for
an opportunity when he could oEen
it without risking humiliation by so
doing. The Golfer containing the
diamonds was built in the wall of the
bedroom adjoining the dukes study.
AS before stated it's steel door
was equipped with a pistol battery,
and outside of the inner defense was
a wooden door covered with drapery.
Once the steel door was made fast by
the owner it was impossible for any
one not possessing knowledge of the
secret springs to open 1t.
On December Z, 1863, the duke re-
moved a few stones from the Golfer
for the purpose of having them reset
by jeweler. With almost incredible
carelessness in man Of his sus-
picious temperament, he forgot for
the first time to lock the inner steel
door. Shaw, who was present when
his master opened the Golfer, was
quick to note the dukes negligence.
He waited until his master had gone
out, and then taking file he carried
in preparation for just such a con-
tingency, forced the lock of the outer
door and opened the inner one. AS
the bolt of the inner lock had not been
shot into it's socket the pistol battery
was rendered harmless and the muz-
zles of the loaded weapons gaped i'm
potently in the Wallets face.
A great treasure lay before his
gioating eyes. There were diamonds
of fabulous value, jeweled decora-
lions and gold in abundance. Care
fully Shaw selected the most valuable
stones, slowed them away in leather
bag which he had provided for this
suspicious moment, and having filled
his pockets with gold, left the house.
He went stranght to the railway sta
ton and caught the first express
train for Boulogne.
The duke returning home that even
ing missed the familiar figure of his
trusted attendant. AS the hours wore
on and Shaw did not appear a ter
rible suspicion flashed across the mi,
ser's mind. He rushed to his pre-
cious strong box, tore aside the silken
draperies and beheld the forced lock.
Flinging open the doors glance told
him that the most cherished gems
of his collection had disappeared
There were missing diamonds and
money to the extent Of 100000
francs.
For few minutes the panic-stricken
duke ragged furiously, shrieking in
his high falsetto voice at the servants
whom his cries had summoned to the
spot. 1t is questionable whether the
approach of death could have caused
more anguish in his avaricious heart
The contemplation of his treasures
had been the great, supreme delight
of a nature so warped and corrupted
that naught else in life could stir tc
rapture the thin blood in his witherec
veins. At last he cooled down, ano
with the abatement of his frenzy came
the hunger for revenge.
Messengers were at once dispatched
to the prefecture and in short time
two detectives made their appearance
Having replied to their interroga
lions the duke inquired If their chief
M. Claude, was in his office. On re
ceiving a reply in the affirmative HI
ordered his carriage and drove pos
haste to the head of the police de
partment.
M. Claude was at this time a maj
about As years of age. He was o
middle height, s1newy of frame ant
possessed of a pair Of keen steel
blue eyes before whose penetrating
gaze many a habitue of the under
world had shrunk and stammeret
forth damning confession of crime
Living in the corrupt period his un
/ compromising honesty of purpos'
shone all the clearer by contrast witt
the intriguing element which SUI
rounded him and rendered him as re
narkable for his integrity as he wa
famous for surprising skill in hi
profession. He was seated at hi
desk, bending over pile of CORE
spondence. when his ducal visitor en-
tered
81 salute your grace" he said
suavely. Pray be seated"
| hn 4Lsr
emaciated figure to sink Imply into
chair, and drawing a flask of perfum
from his pocket removed the stoppe
and inhaled the contents before speak
ing M. Claude watched him coldl
and when the duke raised his hea
said gravely:
Il regret to hear of the loss you
grace has sustained. I presume it /
in connection with the robbery O
your diamonds that / am honored b
this visit?"
4. Eyes, yes,'' said the duke, distract
eddy. But above all / wish to hav
this affair conducted so that the de
tails of the case will not be made put
lic."
1--WE will endeavor to respect you
wishes in the matter, your grace,
| responded the chief.
Listen, NJ. Claude" said the duke
in subdued tones. Il know that
can trust you. Now the truth is tina
cannot afford to appear in court t
prosecute this thief should you arres
him. 1t is imperative that the forme
history Of the jewels which he ha
stolen should not become a topic G
public interest"
! 'If 1 am not mistaken" returne
M. Claude, languidly, the diamond
in question at one time provoked