The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1908-06-12
he Roupell Mystery
q r q n v Ill e

in which 1t was his custom to receive his
callers next morning, when the door
swung open, and gentleman, unmistak-
ably English and carrying in his gloved
hands tall silk hat, and the inevitable
umbrella of the rain-aflicted Briton, en-
tered the apartment. He was accom-
panied by lady whose grace of carriage,
and really handsome face, accentuated If
anything in the eyes of the Frenchman
the villainous fit of all her garments.
There should be law passed to COM
pei such people to employ Partisan dress
makers. But even then they would never
look like our women" was his inward
comment, as he arose, and with the po-
likeness Of his race bowed low as he re-
ceived his visitors.
Monsieur lie project, presume" said
the gentleman, in French which was sim
ply execrable. II have the honor of ad-
dressing Monsieur Lablanche, the project
OF the Partisan police?"
II am he, monsieur"
Permit me to present you to my wife,
Madame Russell-Monsieur Victor La
blanche"
The Frenchman bowed more CALAMITY
than ever. Really, notwithstanding their
gaucheries, these English women were
quite charming. In fact, the project was
agreeably surprised with his visitors. The
Englishman's manner was perfect. With
his native dignity was blended delight
full air of Difference and politeness. Not
withstanding his villainous pronouncia.
ton of the French language. he managed
to make himself clearly understood. The
evident cordially of his manner thawed
whatever reserve the project had sought
to hedge himself in with. His heart
quite warmed to the intelligent Lon
doner.
II have the great fortune to be the
bearer of letter to you, monsieur" he
said, from the superintendent of police
at Scotland Yard. our mutual friend,
Mr.. James T. Henderson"
II am delighted to see anyone who
comes to me introduced by Monsieur Hen
derson," replied the project.
He scarcely glanced at the letter. He
was afraid he had but little to show them
after the magnificent department of his
friend, NJ. Henderson, in London. Still
he should be happy to place himself at
their disposal. What would they like to
see first?
"Oh, the rogues' gallery, by all means, u
suggested Nine. Russell, enthusiastically,
"Or your splendid Bertillon system of
measurement for prisoners, which you
have brought to such perfection in Paris, u
added her husband.
h was a telling compliment, because
it was true. NJ. Lablanche had been in.
deed the first to adopt the Bertillon sys-
tenn, and under his supervision it had
attained a marvellous degree of accuracy
| and perfection. He had taken the raw
sheory of prison reformer, and reduced
it to practical science.
"Our rogues' gallery is not as exten
sive as it used to be-" he explained
| "Since the adoption Of the system Of
measurements we have not photographed
any but the most notorious criminals. Yor
can probably see more pictures in Lon
don. However, I will show you some Of
the most important"
He led the way into a square, high
ceiled chamber, lighted from the roof only
the walls of which were literally covered
with portraits of the desperadoes o.
| France.
"You see we have them arranged al
phabetically, and here is an index bool
on the table for instant reference. Oppo
site each name, you see, have placed
I the Bertillon measurement of all thos,
prisoners who have come here since tn.
adoption of that system. There they are
men and women, from all classes of so
ciety, and of every degree Of crime ant
misfortune"
The fair English woman seemet
strangely moved.
"Poor creatures" she murmured, soft
ly, as her little hand rested involuntaril.
on the officers coat sleeve.
The project regarded her admiringly
Tears of genuine pity were in her bright
laughing eyes.
"But it is strangely interesting" sh,
added. "Oh! monsieur, please show m,
one or two of the most desperate an,
relate their history"
The project turned to NJ. Russell. Tn
Engiishman was evidently deeply engross
ed in the index, hunting up the charac
tiers for himself, In his Independent Eng
lish fashion.
mo, don't want to hear the his
tories" he said, looking up from the book
with cordial smile. I'm perfectl,
happy. But Mrs. Russell is an enthu
siast on criminal heroes. She would b
for raising a monument to Jack Shep
pard and Dick Turpin, If would ALLOW
her"
ut Is a sad thing to have a bruta
husband" cried madame, with a prett
peut, as she went across the room on tn
arm of the project. LET us leave hin
to his own devices, monsieur, since h
says he is happy, and amuse ourselves.
The susceptible M. Lablanche was il
the eventh heaven He was entirely a
the service of madame. So he proceede
to regale her with short sketches of hi
favorite malefactors, and madame locke
on and laughed or became sad, just a
the proper time.
They had completed the circuit Of tn
room and were near the door again. NJ
Russell was still investigating on his ow
account. Mime. Russell, the pressure o
her little hand still upon the arm of he
gallant conductor, looked up imploringl
-f ~at~ him with those fatal eyes.
"Oh monsieur" she said, do show m
some Of the prisoners"
ut is not a pleasing sight for mad
ame," feebly protested the prefect.