The state herald., 1909-06-04
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one of which would have killed him. The unfortu.
nate man had been stripped OF all money. jewel
ry and other valuables
Les Apaches" said the police stolidly. He
should have known better than to go prowling
about alone at night" And in the police records
another murder was put on the score of the
thugs Of the gay capital"
Paris is not proud OF her Apaches, and the rest
OF the world has known little OF these criminal
bands. though theater.goers in many American
cities during the last season were given n glimpse
of one phase OF their life in the skillful but re-
voting Apache dance" imported from the French
music halls. Yet the story Of the origin, de-
velopment and deeds OF these outlaw gangs is
fascinating. II not edifying.
Nearly ten years ago there appeared suddenly
In the underworld OF Paris young woman so
beautiful and animated that she Mt once attract
ed general attention and admiration among Its
other denizens Her head was crowned with
great mass OF lovely reddish.gold hair on &c.
count of which she was promptly nicknamed
"Casque dor" Golden Helmet" Suitors
quickly nockcd about the girl and In time she
selected from among them as her protector one
Lecat. known among his comrades as a clever
thief and n bold fighter whom the police would
be glad to have behind the bars
All went well for n time. until there
the scene n attractive sooundrol, named
Manda Pretty, hcklc Golden Helmet promptly
transferred her affections TO the newcomer. and
then the trouble began. Lecat. the forsnken.
vowed vengeance on his successful rival and
summoned his followers TO his aid. Manda also
had no lack OF friends. and soon all the thugs In
the district OF the Halcs or markets had ranged
themselves on one side or the other Many
bloody battle was fought In the streets between
the two bands ohecrod onby their female friends.
and no, few men were slain In these conflicts.
Finally In one OF the fercost OF the encounters
Lecat himself was killed. and Golden Helmet
shouted aloud In Joy. But her triumph was
shortlived. Another leader for Lccats band.
known MS 10 Mnnchot." sprnng up and the
fcud was continued with increased fury. One
night Lo Mnnchot caught Manda on his guard
and plunged knife deep into his back. and
for weeks the stricken leader lay In hospital near
to death lie recovered ut last and was being
taken In nm ambulance TO n cell when tho blood
thirsty lie Manobot. seeing his victim escaping
from his vengeance broke through the police
guard. lonpcd into the vehicle aud stabbed Man
da to death, For this murder Le Manchot Is now
serving life sentence.
Golden Helmet. made notorious by the ngeces'
sion OF battles md crimes which her attractions
had inH,igntcd now sought other conqucats, and
decided that the drnmn was her forte Only the
Intervention Of the police prevented her eSpoita'
ton by nm interruptions variety hall manager.
Golden Helmet then speedily sank out OF sight,
but the rivalry for hor favor had lasting results.
Always the Apachcs have one queen" whose
rule over them In absolute II temporary, one
of tho most notorious Of these was "Chironnette."
who reigned last year, She was 20 years old.
tall ntd graceful and would have been u beauty