Gilpin observer., 1909-10-28
Cartouche' S
Exploits

In 1721 CartOuche, the famous
brigand. was plundering Paris at will,
and neither he nor his band feared to
attack royalty itself. The regent
laughed at the misfortunes OF his
courtiers. for diamonds, decorations,
and purses were filched from the sa-
cred persons Of rank. Cartouche's ex.
ploits afforded mirth for the merry
court. When 1t laughed all its sub.
jects applauded, with the exception of
the victims. The regent thought it a
prime joke to rob the robbers, and
hence be dispensed with his purse,
and purchased sword with sharp
point for which he paid 1900 livres.
The first time he wore the sword 1t
was stolen from him on his return
from the opera. and this event was
the cause of much laughter.
BY and by, when the matter grew
rather too serious. detectives shad.
owed the robber chief Cartouche.
observing the spy, suddenly turned,
and in the open street. and in broad
daylight. before 800 of the regents
troops, took the spy by the collar and
gave him a severe Gaming.
The spy beloved Justify and the
troops advanced to capture the bandit.
but he turned into an alley, took a wig
from his pocket, painted wrinkles in
his face. and mingled with the crowd
In search of himself
A week later. near the Rue des
Gobeline. he saw another spy pointing
him out to a large band of police.
Cartouche caught sight of man
drinking in a hotel. He was dressed
in gray jerkin and faxen wig.
We'll, comrade," said Cartouche,
do you not wish to serve me, and fill
your pocket? The police are after
me; take my good. new clothes, and
wig. and give me yours"
The exchange was made, Cartouche
withdrew and walked down the street,
staring at the signs.
The police took the man in Car.
touches clothing, and dragged him
away, while all Paris took up the glad
! cry: "Cartouche is taken!'
At the court Of justice. however, the
man was identified by his neighbors
At another time Cartouche's servant
came running into the room with
news to the effect that large body of
police were at the end of the street,
en- route to capture him. Cartouche
went upstairs, threw off his coat made
an apron of sheet, and a cap from a
napkin. He caught up half dozen
plates. and passed three police off,
GERS who were breaking down the
nj fS tnl
cir he went on downstairs and found
more Of his enemies. AS they drew
back to let the supposed scullion pass
out, they asked:
'Is Cartouche taken"
mot yeti" was the answer. and
drawing two pistols. he killed two of
them. the rest taking to their heels
in the full belief that his whole band
was with him.
One warm night in July, 1921, the
aged widow of Marshal de Bouffi ,rs
was about to retire-the window was
open to permit the entrance of the
breeze-when the head of a man ap.
peared before the astonished lady.
She was about to scream, and her
hand reached the bell-rope.
Not a word!-not movement,
madam" whispered the man. "I am
Louis Dominique Cartouche. That Is
sufficient. think"
Half-dead, she stood silent, while
the intruder listened, and then con.
tinued:
THE street is guarded, but they did
not see me climb your balcony. l am
saved If you do not speak. have no.
slept In a bed for eight days. / am
famished for rest and food. Pretend
that you are hungry have your serv.
ant bring me a chicken, some fruit,
and some wine"
This was done. and the robber, after
eating hearty meal. politely saluted
his hostess and remarked:
Permit me to wish you goodnight
I will retire to my sleeping-room. Do
not forget that am here, for I sleep
with one eye Open"
Toward morning. Cartouche. re-
freshed by sleep. entered her apart.
ment. and found her seated on tho
bed. He thanked her for her hospi.
tality. took glance at the now de.
sorted street. and disappeared through
the window.
An examination Of the house re-
vealed the fact that the bandit had
not taken away q single article. and
day or two after she received Q basket
Of champagne from her nocturnal Wis.
itor or guest. The old lady, II is said,
returned the visit when Cartouche
was imprisoned. and did all in her
power to mitigate his confinement up
to the hour Of his terrible death.
Cartouche was betrayed by one Of
his own band. named Gruthus Ducha.
telete, who conducted a large party,
before daybreak. to an inn kept BY