The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-01-18
q r a n v ii e


hands tall silk hat, and the inevitable
umbrella of the rain-aff1icted Briton, en-
tered the apartment. He was accom-
panied by lady whose grace of carriage,
and really handsome face, accumulated 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. Il have the honor of ad-
dressing Monsieur Lablanche, the project
OF the Partisan policeY'
Il 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 a 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 cordiality of his manner thawed
whatever reserve the project had sought
to hedge himself in with. His heart
quite warmed to the intelligent Lon
doner.
Il have the great fortune to be the
bearer of a letter to you, monsieur" he
said, from the superintendent of police
at Scotland Yard. our mutual friend,
Mr.. James T. Henderson"
Il 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"
suggested Nine. Russell, enthusiastically.
''Or your splendid Bertillon system of
measurement for prisoners, which you
have brought to such perfection in Paris"
added her husband.
1t was telling compliment, because
it was true M. 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
theory of prison reformer, and reduced
it to a practical science.
"Our rogues' gallery is not as extern
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. You
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 of
France.
'You see we have them arranged al
phabetically, and here is an index book
on the table for instant reference. Oppo-
the Bertillon measurement of all those
prisoners who have come here since the
adoption of that system. There they are,
men and women, from all classes of So
ciety, and of every degree of crime and
misfortune"
The fair English woman seemed
strangely moved.
"Poor creatures" she murmured, soft
", as her little hand rested involuntarily
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" she
added. "Oh! monsieur, please show me
one or two Of the most desperate and
relate their history"
The project turned to NJ. Russell. The
Englishman 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 perfectly
happy. But Mrs. Russell is an enthu-
Sl8SC on CTHuludl HEROES S0c WOulO De
for raising monument to Jack Shep-
pard and Dick Turpin, If would allow
her"
ut is a sad thing to have q brutal
husband" cried madame, with a pretty
pout, as she went across the room on the
arm of the project. LET us leave him
to his own devices, monsieur, since he
says he is happy, and amuse ourselves"
The susceptible NJ. Lablanche was in
the eventh heaven. He was entirely at
the service of madame. So he proceeded
to regale her with short sketches Of his
| favorite malefactors, and madame looked
on and laughed or became sad, just as
the proper time.
They had completed the circuit Of the
room and were near the door again. M.
Russell was still investigating on his own
account. Nine. Russell, the pressure Of
her little hand still upon the arm Of her
gallant conductor. looked UP imploringly
at him with those fatal eyes.
"Oh monsieur" she said, do show me
| some Of the prisoners"
1T Is not a pleasing sight for mad
e - =