The San Francisco call., 1913-10-07
The Police
Inspector
A Short Story

~ HE colonel had been ordered tc
remain in quarters by his doctor
and he was very much out OF
humor because of the inactivity and
the strict diet
He was lying on his sofa when his
orderly entered and announced his sis
ter, who followed Immediately behind
The colonel got up and saluted. He
had a great respect for his sister.
Yes, dear brother" she said, sit is
sad errand that brings me here to-
day. Charles is in trouble again"
Charles was her only son. gay
young officer in cavalry regiment.
"Wen?"
Gambling, of course"
How much did he loser
A Five thousand franc. 1 can not
pay them, as I have only my pension. .
Then 1 will pay once more, but
this will be the last time. am going
officers. 1t is against the army regu-
lations."
The colonel did not succeed in put
ting an end to the gambling. The
officers simply gambled elsewhere
and a few weeks later found Charles
de Grandpre and a group of friends
at the green table in a cafe where
they had hired a room. They had an
excellent dinner and after lighting
their cigars and locking the door the
game began. Charles was in luck this
time, and at in the morning he had
won 5000 francs.
There was knock at the door and
word
A tail, dark man with enormous
whiskers entered the room and sa-
luted the officers.
THE INSPECTOR
ct come from the minister of war,
gentlemen" he said. q am Inspector
Blauvaire."
The officers stood as though petri-
fed. None of them had seen the man
before. but his name they knew only
too well. He was the famous sleuth.
engaged by the chief of police to sup
press gambling.
Permit me to do my duty. gentle
men"
He called the walters and ordered
them to put the money, cards and
chips into his satche1. and made a
who were present Then he saluted
. and left the room.
For several days the officers went
about in fear and trepidation. but no
news came. At last the suspense be-
came unbearable and Charles called
on his uncle to try to find out how
matters stood.
He was greatly surprised when the
colonel received him most cordially
and said no word about the gambling.
Evidently he did not know anything.
and that meant that the police had
handed in no report so far.
When Charles returned with the
news his comrades were as surprised
as he had been and discussed what TO
do, but no one could suggest any adj
vice until Captain Brisca said:
There is only one thing to do. We
must see Blauvaire right away and
ask him not to report the matter to
the minister and donate the money to
the police fund. am told he is a
very nice fellow when you tackle him
the right way"
All agreed, and few moments
later Captain Brisac and Charles in
citizens clothes were on their way to
Blauvaire's house.
A servant in livery opened the door,
conducted them into large room
where small. gray haired gentleman
was working at desk.
He looked up and said:
What can 1 do for you, gentle
men?'
A SURPRISE
I'VE came to see Inspector Blau-
yaire."
It am Blauvaire.''
The two officers looked at each
other in surprise. The gentleman
DFho had surprised them at the green
table was tall. big and dark. In
spector Blauvaire was an absolute
contrast.
Did you ever" said Captain
Brisac.
THE man must have been an impos-
ter" whispered Charles.
Yes" groan / the captain.
He must have been in league with
the walters"
"Of course"
Inspector Blauvaire stared at them,
then picked up their cards and said:
"win you please explain what
brings you here. captain. am very
busy
Certainly, Inspector" the captain
stammered I'VE thought we would
lit was an evening we had little
ga. no. what do / say? We were