River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1908-05-28
BEzNG THE CHRONICLES or A E4NfOU[S PRE7TCT o.
POLICE DURING T1zE REGZAE OF TIT SECOND
EMPIRE, Nv zxRE~ REZGN or NApOK4EONM,~
now PUBLISHED FOR TEzE FIRST zZe1E.
r A AlHOU,S RRE7TCT OF
THE DUKE OF LAMBA US
f. DIAMONDS

uuh0 " 11d1Udy Tie uIdl14OAuo -
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 open
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
wooden door covered with drapery.
Once the steel door was made fast by
the owner it was impossible for any
one not possessing a knowledge OF the
secret springs to open it.
On December Z, 1853, the duke re-
moved a few stones from the Golfer
for the. purpose of having them reset
by a jeweler. With almost incredible
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 a file he carried
! in preparation for just such 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 mlz-
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 a 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 nature so warped and corrupted
that naught else in life could stir to
rapture the thin blood in his withered
veins. At last he cooled down, and
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 he
ordered his carriage and drove post
haste to the head of the police de-
partment.
NJ Claude was at this time a man
about As years of age. He was of
middle height, sinewy of frame and
possessed of pair of keen steel
blue eyes before whose penetrating
gaze many habitue of the under
world had shrunk and stammered
forth damning confession of crime.
Living in the corrupt period his I'M
compromising honesty of purpose
shone all the clearer by contrast with
| the intriguing element which sur
rounded him and rendered him as re-
markable for his integrity as he was
famous for surprising skill IN his
| profession. He was seated at his
desk, bending over a pile of CORE
spondence, when his ducal visitor en-
tered.
Il salute your grace" he said,
suavely. Pray be seated"
The nobleman allowed his thin,
emaciated figure to sink Imply into a
chair, and drawing a flask of perfume
from his pocket removed the stopper
and inhaled the contents before speak
ing. NJ Claude watched him coldly
and when the duke raised his head
said gravely:
Il regret to hear of the loss your
grace has sustained. l presume it is
in connection with the robbery of
your diamonds that l am honored by
this visit?"
Yes. yes" said the duke, distract
eddy. but above all l wish to have
this affair conducted so that the de-
tails of the case will not be made pub
| lie"
I'VE will endeavor to respect your
wishes in the matter, your grace"
responded the chief
Listen, NJ. Claude" said the duke,
in subdued tones. 81 know that
can trust you. Now the truth is that
I cannot afford to appear in court to
prosecute this thief should you arrest
him. 1t is imperative that the former
history of the jewels which he has