THE SUNDAY OREGONIAN. PORTLAND. JANUARY 12, 190S.
MM
.... -
mm
--- - ----
(Eugene Francois Vidocq. who has I
j been called the Father of Detect-
I Ives, was born at Arras, July 23,
I 1775, the son of a baker. He be
I came in turn an acrobat wttb a
J traveling circus, a soldier in the
French Army, a vagabond, a forger
!and a convict. He was- snt to tbe
galleys for eig-ht years but escaped
and joined a band of highwaymen.
He turned state's evidence on some
of his companions and In- 1812 was
f made chief of the secret, police of
I Paris, exemplifying the phrase, 'Set.
ia thief to catch a thief." Ho was
remarkably successful, but finally
-lost hit place In 1825. He opened a
private detective agency and also
j published four volumes of his mem
j olrs. He died In poverty In 1857.) .
. ....
M HL.NRY, the prefect of the Paris
police, sat at his desk. In his
private office, his face a picture
of perplexity. He picked up a paper that
lay before' him and read U carefully for
the third time. It was an official report
of a desperate robbery that had occurred
in the heart of the French capital the
night before. Moreover, it was" one of
many similar reports.,', There had been
an epidemic of robberies and the police
seemed powerless to stop them. M.
Honry summoned M. Bertanx,' famed as
a cross-examiner of criminals, ' and M,
Parlsot, the governor of prisons, and the
three men talked long and earnestly, but
without coming to any conoluslon. Pres
ently a look of gratification; overspread
the countenance of M. Henry. He turned
to his colleagues.
"Gentlemen, I have it.'1 .
"What Is It?" they called In chorus.
"Be seated." he responded, "and wait"
They did as they were bid .and the
prefect touched a button. A messenger
responded.
"Tell Vidocq to come here at once,"
said M. Henry.
" In a few minutes the door, opened and
a strong, well built man with square
shoulders shambled Into the room. He
had gray hair, a thick nose, blue eyes,
a smooth face and a perpetual smile.
He glanced about him In a furtive way
and realized that he was In the presence
of the triumviriate of talent that ruled
the underworld of Paris. ' He squared
himself as a man would who was pre
paring to be on the defensive. But the
first words of the prefect reassured him.
"Vidocq, we need your assistance."
The man bowed low.
"M. Henry, I am at your service ab
solutely," The prefect handed him the report.
"Take that and read It carefully. It Is
one of many. The criminals are having
a carnival. I want you to capture this
tang'. My regular police have failed.
They bring me only excuses. -I wish you
to bring me the prisoners."
Vtdocq smiled that everlasting smile
and bowed again.
"It shall be as ,you wish, M. Henry."
He left the room with three batteries
of sharp eyes leveled at him.
M. Bertaux shrugged his shoulders.
"A quack, doctor sent to capture bur
glars." M. Parlsot spread out his hands In dis
gust. "A showman's clown, a petty thief on
the detective foroe."
M. Henry smiled blandly.
"Gentlemen, you are not alone In your
Sisapproval. Do you see these papers?"
pointing to a high pile on the side of his
desk. "These are all protests and com
plaints against the employment of Vi
docq. Some are from honest men: some
from thleves.v But he shall have his
chance. His past is behind him; his
future in his own hands. I shall judge
him solely by results."
II.
Vtdocq spent all morning In going, over
the reports that had been placed in his
hands. After that he returned , to his
lodgings, and throwing himself on the
.bed lay awake all night devising a plan
of campaign. When daylight arrived It
was completely blocked out In his mind
not a detail was overlooked.
The first step was to discard" his own
personality and take up that of another.
It would have to be a thief. The honor
of being Impersonated fell to- one Ger
main, alius "the Captain." He was a
fugitive galley stave. Vidocq had known
him In the day well. In the days be
fore he became a detective. Germain
had dark brown hair, that of Vtdocq
was light; he wan thin, Vidocq' was
Btout; his complexion was sallow, that
of Vidocq was clear. . But the resource
ful detective overcame all of those ob
stacles.. Days were employed In per
fecting the likeness. First he attained
a seven days' growth of beard. Then
he dyed hie hair and beard blacks By
DRAMATIC
George
THOUGH the censorship of English
plays has' lately kept cable wires
hot, owing to the petition for Its abo
lition, little has appeared in print con
cerning the personality and actual pow
ers of the censor himself. Attempts to
Interview George Redford. official "ex
aminer of plays." have failed for the
simple reason that he Is not permitted,
by virtue of his office, to speak for
publication.
After keeping on the track of the
most talked about man In the play
acting world for several days the
writer recently obtained from him,
however, not only an exact biographical
account of his life, but a number of in
teresting and hltcherto unpublished de
tails concerning the office of censor.
Kyer since the famous manifesto ap
peared In the London Times, under date
of October 29 last, denouncing the cen
sor In no uncertain terms, and signed
by T2 of the leading English play
wrights and authors. Censor Redford
iias enjoyed a publicity that, to a man
of less equable temperament, would
have proved painful.
But Mr. Redford Is quite used to the
slings and arrows of outrageous play
wrights. . He has. been "denounced"
time and again. But he still keeps on
censoring and censuring, calling down
upon himself the maledictions of all
sorts of authors ranging from the great
and only G. B. Shaw to the literary
tyro who has just written his first play.
One of the most withering- attacks on
Censor Redford states that, "as he was
destined for work sV a bank, he sh.ould
have remained there." It seems, how
ever, that the present censor comes by
his literary attainments honestly, as he
was schooled in an atmosphere of art
and literature. Though he did remain
in a bank many years, and actually be
came a managor, commercial pursuits
proved distasteful to nim, and be re
signed them In order to devotee his
time te literary matters. His father,
George Redford. deserted medicine to
follow letters, and became a critic of
distinction on the I,ondon Times and
jLaily News. He was a close personal
iriind of Brownirsg, Leighton. G. H.
Lewes, George Eliot, the brothers Trol-
the generous use of white walnut .liquor
he attained a most unhealthy complex-,
ion. The original was a snuff fiend. Vi
docq garnished his upper lip with a mix
ture of coffee grounds and gum arable
He made blisters on his feet by rubbing
In a composition with which .he was
familiar. He made the marks of the fat;
ters on .his- ankles, and, dressing himself
in a suitable garb, was ready for his
enterprise.
After- that he- became a regular fre
quenter of the - thieves' dens of Paj-is.
He drank cheap gin. tossed . off . ab
sinthe, cursed the police, showed the
marks of . the irons on hiis legs and al
together made himself a general favor
ite. Night after night he visited a
cheap concert hall in the Faubourg St.
Germain, where" he met most of the dis
reputable characters of the French
metropolis. He became very friendly
with most of them and made them drink
his health In sundry glasses of bad wine.
The resort was a veritable clearing-house
for the gossip of the. underworld. A
man or a woman who had not "served
time" was out of place;' in that assem
blage. Talk of burglaries oast and pros
pective was as free as remarks concern
ing the state of weather. Vidocq told of
his experiences with great vividness and
with a degree of exaggeration that would
have won a medal from the Ananias
Club.
Among so many little thieves there was
one big thief. His name was Constan
tino, a former fencing master, who, -having
run the gamut of dissipation, had
now reached the closing stages of crime
in hfs ill-spent life. His companions
looked upon him as a man of enterprise
bold In execution and on" all occasions
possessing the most unblushing effront
ery. The attention of the police had
been directed to him more than once, but
they had never been able to secure the
least scintilla of ' evidence against The
man.
Vidocq, knowing this.' moved cautious
ly. He knew that a -misstep might mean
his own life, for he was in the midst of
desperate characters who thought noth
ing of murder. He put. on a sad face,
bemoaned his own fate and bewailed
the fact that he bad no means of re
couping his fallen fortunes. He became
friendly, with one of the intimates of
Constantino, and that worthy, being
pueo wnn nquor. gave the detective full
particulars of the habits or the big thief.
They passed the night together .and h.
fore morning Vidocq knew all about
the haunts of Constantlne.
On the following day he aagin met his
voluble informant In the dance ball on
the Faubourg St. Germain. He was quite
ejsuiiea.
Would you like to meet "Constantino?"
he asked Vidocq. '
"Most assuredly!", replied the HstPrtiv.
They remained in conversation for some
time. Presently the door onenerl nii
smart-looking fellow came in. Vidocq's
companion plucked at his sleeve
"w s your time if you wish. to speak
-.u uiwiumiiic ne is nere.
The detective looked tin and w
neatly-dressed man of 30, with good broad
shoulders. He was ahout five feet six
Inches high, extremely good looking, fine
black hair and regular teeth. Vidocq only
waited long enough for the newcomer to
be seated when he went up to him care
lessly' and said:
"Would you kindly oblige me with a
little tobacco from your box?"
The: famous thief looked the detective
over from head to foot before replying.
After, an embarrassing Interval Constan
tlne passed his tobacco box to Vidocq.
men ne Buia aorupuy:
"You have been in the Army?"
The detective icould have fallen to the
floor. ' Hd all of-hi carefully contrived
disguise counted for nothing? Did Con
stantlne know who he was? In any event
It would serve his Interest to answer the
question' truthfully. So with pretended
nonchalance he said:
"Why, yes; how did you know it?" j
"Simply because no man can conceal
ft. Once !n the. army you carry the
badge of it with you through life, 'In your
walk, In your shoulders, in your talk, in
your manners."
Vidocq laughed uproariously, as if he
considered this a good joke, and in the
confusion Invited his new-found friend to
take a drink. He. accepted, and in the
course of their conversation the detec
tive was delifthted to find that the other
had not penetrated .his- disguise. -
'"I like you." finally. cried Constantlne,
"and I want you to take dinner with
some friends of mine."
That night Vidocq dineu with a party
of charming cracksmen, every one of
them noted in his profession. Constan
tino was 'the chief, Joubert his able lieu
tenant, and the others faithful followers.
The wine flowed -freely and the best of
feeling prevailed. One of the company
said facetiously that he had Just come
Into a fortune and was celebrating the
event. As a matter of fact he had
"cracked a crib" the night before and
was spending part of bis Ill-gotten
wealth. Constantino, turning to Vidocq,
said:
"How's your nerve?"
"Fine."
"Are you in for an adventure?"
CENSORSHIP IN ENGLAND
A. Bedford, Who Began Life as a Bank
lopc, Wllklo Collins and others of like
note. In his father's home, the present
censor, frequently met many of the
leading literary lights of the day.
He entered a bank at an early age
and by dint of "sticking to it" he fin
ally became manager of a branch. In
his leisure hours he devoted much time
to literary matters, art and the drama.
When the opportunity for leaving- the
bank and becoming an assistant In the
office of the examiner of -plays pre
sented Itself the literary bank manager
was quick in abandoning commercial
work. For many years he served under
E. F. S. Pigott, examiner of plays. When
his chief died In 1895 Mr. Redford, as
his "understudy." ws asked to fill his
place temporarily. His work proved so
satisfactory that he was retained in the
office and has been official examiner
of plays, or censor, ever since, under
several, changes of government.
During the last year or two he has
been subjected to a great deal of se
vere criticism, as all the world knows.
One incident that stirred the playgolng
and playwrltlng public almost to the
point of frenzy was the banning of
"The Mikado" after It had "been li
censed for many years by the lord
chamberlain's office. Though the offi
cial lord chamberlain. Lord Althorp,
came In tor much of the blame In this
instance. Censor Redford bore the
brunt of the public disapproval. It
seems that the withdrawal of "The
Mikado" was brought about through
the "commands" of persons who even
dominated the lord chamberlain's office,
and "reasons of state" are said to have
dictated the measure.
The office of censor was created dur
ing the premiership of Sir Robert Wal
polc, who was in power during the
reigns of George I and II, In order. It
Is said, that he might suppress the
plays of Fielding. It is stated that
Walpole employed a literary hack to
write a scathing political attack, in a
"fake" play which was falsely at
tributed to Fielding that the censor
might have a good excuse for banning
his plays.
Since thst time the office has often
been exercised not only "for political
purposes, but to please t,he whim and
No. V Vidocq
PZDOCQ JCZ(ZZ r27iE7T V2u4ND TCJBi yikJJ '
T2ETT U2VB&3 A
t "Surely. With whom?". ;
"With the locksmith's daughter."
Vidocq made a grimace as if . mocking
and said :
"I don't believe I ever had the honor
of the lady's acquaintance."
All hands laughed loudly at this sally.
Constantino put his hands down Into his
pocket and produced; a big brass key.
He handed it gravely to the detective.
"Permit me to present you to the
minx." Vidocq, keeping up the spirit of the
thing, bowed gravely, acknowledging the
introduction and inquired when he would
have the pleasure of going out with the
lady.
"It might be tonight," he said grum
bling, "it it were not for that infernal
Vidocq."
The detective pricked up his ears at
the mention of his own name. He 'pre
served the gravity of his countenance,
however, as he remarked carelessly:
"Oh, I don't mind, him -if I can keep
clear of the informers. They tell me
Paris swarms with, the parasites."
"That's true," said Constantlne, . "but if
you can keep Vidocq from guessing at
your business you are safe enough with
me. As for these informers, J don't fear
them. I can smell those beggars as
easily as a crow scents powder." '
"Well," said Vidocq. "I cannot boast
of so much penetration, yet I think, too.
Clerk.
caprice of the -lord chamberlain. One
lord chamberlain refused a license to
Richard Mansell because the manager
had printed oh one of his programmes
the words. "The length of the ballet
girls' skirts is In accordance with the
lord chamberlain's orders."- Managers
were warned against producing any
of Mansell's plays and advised not to
employ him in any capacity.
For many years the powers of the
lord ohamberlaln and the examiner of
plays an official attached to his office
were more or less vague: but In 1843
a special act of Parliament was passed
which defined the rights and scope of
the censor. . Since that time, he has
had to be seriously reckoned with.
Every theater in Great Britain is abso
lutely" under his power so far as the
licensing of new stage-plays,, or sanc
tioning new additions to old ones are
concerned. Even the "funny stuff" of
topical character thrown Into the
Christmas pantomimes which form so
prominent a feature of English stage
life cannot be "extemporized" without
the censor's permission.
Curiously enough, the censor does
not recognize any author, no matter
how distinguished or Important he' may
be. All his dealing are with managers
of theaters. Even the change In the
title of a play is a matter of settle
ment between censor and manager.. The
utter ignoring of the author Is one of
the grievances complained of by such
men as Shaw, Pinero, Henry Arthur
Jones, W. S. Gilbert. Granville Barker,
and the other signatories to the
Times manifesto.
While the censorship is recognized
as a political office in modern times it
has taken upon itself to safeguard the
morals of the public as well as its
politics. Such plays as Ibsen's
"Ghosts," Shelley's "Cenci," one play
of Tolstoi, and one of Bernard Shaw,
have come under the ban, as well as
more recently Granville Barker's
"Waste," and Garnett's "The Breaking
Point," about which everyone is talk
ing. There are many anomalies connected
with the censorship. Plays that were
brought out prior to the Walpole ad
ministration when the office was
and the Locksmith's Daughter
that from the frequent description J have
heard of this Vidocq his features are so
well engraved in . my recollection that I
should pretty soon recognize him if I
came unexpectedly In his way." -
"God bless you!" cried Constantino, "it
is easy to "perceive you are a stranger to
the vagabond: just imagine, now-, that he
is never to be seen twice in - the same
dress: that he is in the mprnlng perhaps
just such another looking person as you;
well, the next hour so altered that his
own brother could not recognize him, and
by the evening I defy any man to remem
ber ever having seen him before. Only
yesterday I met him disguised in a man
ner that would, have deceived any eye but
mine, but he must be a deep hand if he
gets over me. I know these sneaks at
the first glance, and if my friends were
as knowing as myself his business would
have been done long ago."
"Nonsense,", cried Vidocq; "everybody
says the same thing -of. him, and yet you
see there is no getting rid of him."
Constantlne was on his feet at once,
with an oath. He cried out:
"To prove that I can act as. well as
talk, If you will lend me a helping hand,
this very evening we will waylay him at
his door, and I'll warrant we'll settle the
job, so as to keep him from -giving any of
us further uneasiness."
Vidocq immediately agreed, and was
placed in the unique position of going out
created may be played with impunity,
no matter how licentious they may be.
It is one of the rules'of the censorship
that no Biblical . characters who may
be introduced in a play shall be al
lowed to speak on the stage. But
dumb shows with God Almighty on the
stage such as In "Everyman," are per
mitted without restriction.
Heavy fees are extracted by the lord
chamberlain's office every year from
the reading of plays. The total sum
runs into something like Jo. 000. Every
play of three acts orj more costs the
author or stage manager $10 for cen
sorship, wbile every part under three
acts even a few words .inserted in a
pantomime costs $5. The censor- ex
amines 250 to 600 plays a year.
If a play or part of a play is pro
duced without the examiner's consent,
a fine of is imposed, and the man
ager not only has to pay this sum, but
he loses the license to tils theater.
Altogether there are thirty-two rules
connected with censorship of plays,
which authors and managers must
comply . with before their productions
can be accepted. Some of these regu
lations appear -trifling and captious In
these days when plays are written by
some of the leading literary men of
the century.
Mr. Redford is a playwrightthough
not a well-known one as well as the
censor. In tbe latter capacity he has
been called on to pass on his own
plays. There Is no record that he ever
refused to grant a license for the pro
duction of any- one of them. London
Special to Omaha Bee.
Done in Abyssinia.
London Standard.
- The decree, of the Emperor Melelik an
nouncing the construction of a Cabinet
on, European lines is as follows:
"The Hon of judati has prevailed.
"Salutation be to you.
"It Is' some time since we thought of
introducing a European system to our
country. Tou have always indicated
(this), and said It would be good If we
would adopt some of the European sys
tems. "I have now taken steps to appoint a
Ministry, and if it 'is the will .of God I
will complete it. I inform you that I have
appointed the following persons: Affa
Negus Nasibu, Fitaurari Habta Giergis,
Privy Seal Gabra Selassi, Bjtrond Mul
uagata. Llkamaquas, Nigadras Halla
Giergis, Gantiba Walda Sadik."-
with a party of thieves to waylay him
self. They actually went to the home of
the detective, but as may be imagined he
did not appear, and- after three hours of
waiting they gave up the vigil in disgust.
Many days had passed and still Vidocq
was without the specific evidence which
would enable him to put his hand on the
shoulder of Constantlne and say "Thou
art the man!" Of one thing he was
morally certain: It was that the erst
while fencing master was at the head of
a band of resourceful and unscrupulous
thieves. One night after a jollification at
the dance hall the crisis eame.
"Friend," said Constantlne with a leer,
"do you feel like an adventure tonight?"
"With 'whom?" asked Vidocq.
"With my lady love the locksmith's
daughter."
"I'll join you with all my heart!" ex
claimed the detective in undisguised sincerity.
The plot was revealed with great at
tention to details. The cracksmen had
been "spotting" the mansion of a wealthy
banker on one of the boulevards of Paris.
Through the treachery of a housemaid,
who had been smitten with the charms of
Constantlne, the gang had been provided
with the key which would admit them
Into the garden of the house. Vidocq
listened very attentively and occasionally
answered In monosyllables. He was care-r
ful not to say anything whlch-would ex-
GROW TIRED OF THE WHITE HOUSE
Round of Dinners and Dances Weary the Presidents Aids.
NO more White House duty for Lieu- I
tenant Sheridan, Fifth Cavalry, and
Captain Fitzhugh Lee II. Thirteenth Cav
alry, or for Lieutenant Ulysses B. Grant
III. or Lieutenant Douglas MacArthur!
These young officers sons of distin
guished sires have applied to be relieved
as aides to the President. They are tired ,
of the eternal round of' dinner and dance,
tea and cotillon. They have applied to
be sent back to their regiments, and Mr.
Roosevelt has relieved them from their
duties at the executive mansion.
They don't want to be "coffee-coolers"
any more!
Now, In war time, a "coffee-cooler" was
a man who stayed -behind to cook while
his comrades went into battle. In these
peaceful days the officer who has pull
enough to keep him on duty at the White
House is dubbed a "coffee-cooler."
But not for young Sheridan and young
Lee, or young Grant or young MacArthur.
They have been ordered back to their
regiments at their own request. They
prefer to be with their own men; vthey
don't care to spend . their time fanning
pretty girls and bringing ices to dow
agers, even if the blood of fighting men
has given them a military reputation al
ready, i-
No small contribution to the gaiety, at
the White House is made by young offi
cers of both branches of the service, who
are known as the President's "social
aids."
It Is their business to assist at recep
tions and other entertainments. At for
mal banquets It is their frequent duty
to act as beaux for unmarried girls who
may happen to be invited. Selected with
reference to their agreeableness and good
looks, they are sure to be regarded with
favor by appreciative damsels. Of course
it Is not surprising that, in view of the
exceptional social prestige Incidentally
accruing, suck assignments should be
sought eagerly.
Mr. Roosevelt, with an eyo always for
the picturesque, hit upon the notion of
employing as his social aids young offi
cers who were the sons or grandsons of
men famous in our military history. Re
peatedly in public speeches he has re-
i ferred to the fact that descendants of
great warriors who fought. on both sides
j of the Civil TVar have been -chosen by
pose him to the reproach of having caused
them to commit crime.
"Midnight is the hour," said Constan
tlne. "and I want every man to do his
duty."
. There were six in the party including
Vidocq. Kach one of the cracksmen was
assigned to his part in the enterprise.
Constantlne was in command and Joubert
was chief . of staff. Vidocq was to bo
lifted into a ground-floor window, but the
detective demurred to this particular as
signment on the plea that he was as yet
only a novice.
"He has a weak stomach," sneered
Joubert; "he will never make a good
cracksman." :
Constantlne hotly repelled the Insinua
tion. He put his band on Vidocq's shoul
der affectionately, and said:
"When this boy has had a little more
experience he will beat you all in the
business." - -
Vidocq smiled In a sickly way at this
unexpected If dubious, compliment. . It
seemed - a shame to deceive such a big
hearted scoundrel. But then business was
business, and it was too late to turn back
now. It was finally arranged that Vi
docq should remain on the outside of the
garden, wall and give the alarm it the
police should come in sight. It was now
within an hour of the time when they
should sally forth on their unlawful mis
sion. . ..
"Come, boys." cried Constantlne, "a
drink all around and then we'll get down
to business." '
On the plea of searching for his bat and
coat Vidocq -contrived to separate himself
from the others for a few minutes. He
wrote a hurried message on the back of
an old envelope, and finding a gendarme
in the vicinity of the restaurant dis
patched him with the note to the nearest
prefecture. It was to the point. It told
of the place of rendezvous and added:
"Have half a dozen men on the spot.
Frighten the cracksmen, but make no
arrests until they have been driven to a
place of refuge."
When Vidocq returned to the table his
unsuspecting confederates were prepar
ing to leave. Their final toast was "Suc
cess," drunk standing and In silence.
Under the exhilarating Influence of their
liquor they had scarcely noticed the mo
mentary absence of the detective. Once
on the outside they hurried along rapidly,
choosing, the narrow and less frequented
thoroughfares. In about 20 minutes they
reached their destination. Constantlne
halted, and putting his hand in his hip
pocket pulled out a glistening revolver,
which he examined carefully. Vidocq was
not a cowardly , map, but the resolute
manner in which the chief thief scrutin
ized his weapon sent a. cold shiver down
his spinal column. Constantlne - then
gathered his men about him and distrib
uted a half dozen black masks, which
they adjusted with the ease which comes
from long practice. After that the chief
advanced to the gate with his brass key
.!the famous locksmith's daughter. To his
surprise it would not work. He fumbled
with it for nearly a minute and then gave
It up as a bad Job.
"Blast the girl!" he muttered "She's
permitted them to bolt the door from the
Inside."
- "Perhaps she's peached," whispered Vidocq,-
insinuatingly.
"She wouldn't dare," cried Constantlne,
showing his" teeth. "She knows me and
she knows that I would kill an informer.'
Once again that cold shiver ran up and
down Vidocq's spinal column. But it was
merely a fleeting emotion. He had nerve
in plenty and to spare.
"Boys." called the chief, "we've got to
Jump the wall and get down to business.
We can t fool around all night. Here,
you" to the detective "give us a hand."
Vidocq planted himself against the wall
of the garden .and, holding out his two
haDds. - boosted the -cracksmen over the
wall one at a time. Constantino was the
last one up. He held his hand down to
Vidocq and assisted lilm to the top of the
stone coping.
"Now, Germain," said Constantlne to
the detective, "you get in the shadow
near the end of the wall and keep a sharp
lookout. If you see the police, give a low
whistle. Be on the alert, because every
thing depends on you. "
Vtdocq nodded his head. -
"Yes." ho repeated significantly, "every
thing depends on me."
Two of the men had dark-lanterns.
Slowly, cautiously, they felt their way to
ward the house. Constantlne carried a
complete burglar's kit. He got to work
immediately.
Vidocq, on the wall, watched the opera
tion Intently. What a unique position!
He felt, like an umpire for society at that
moment. The thieves on one side of the
wall, the officers of the law on the other.
And himself In the middle. Truly, every
thing depended on him.
"Tick, tick, tick," camo the low, sharp
sound of the metallic instrument.
Finally the shutter was forced After
that a pane of glass was cut, and
then nothing stood between the
burglars and their booty. Five min
utes, 10 minutes they worked there Indus
triously. Everything was done with business-like
precision. Four stout bags
stood with yawning mouths ready to re
ceive the swag.
Vidocq looked on the outside of the
him for service in this intimate kind of
personal relation.
Thus Ulysses S. Grant III. young Phil
Sheridan, Lieutenant MacArthur and Fitz
hugh Lee, son of the Confederate 'cavalry
commander, have been doing duty re
cently at the White House. .
Toungstera who are so fortunate as to
be detailed to this easy and agreeable
duty are objects of some envy from the
viewpoint of their fellow officers, wtio
call them, scornfully, "coffee-coolers."
Sheridan, a manly chap, decided that he
had had enough of 'the business 'of .danc
ing attendance at White House functions,
and was moved by an ambition to join
the colors and take 'up his trade of sol
dier in good earnest. He is a remarkably
handsome boy. the only son of Lleuten-ant-General
Sheridan, hero of Winchester
and the Shenandoah. He was graduated
from West Point four years ago".
Ulysses S. Grant IIT la a son of General
Frederick D. Grant. General U. S. Grant,
his grandfather, was especially fond of
the boy, and only a few days before he
died, in 18tS, wrote a letter to the "Presi
dent of the United States," asking him
to appoint the youngster to the military
academy when he was - of proper age.
This was done by Mr. McKlnley In 1899.
The wisdom othe appointment was soon
approved by- the boy, who distinguished
himself as a cadet. He t was graduated
second in his class, in the same year with
Philip H. 8her.idan, Jr. ,He is now In the
Engineer Corps.
Toung Lieutenant Grant was one of
the men whom West Pointers picked as
Just the one for White House duties. He
had plenty of friends in society who want
ed to see him one of tbe aids to the
President.
- - He got the appointment and accepted
It gladly, but he has quit the post. He
got tired of the eternal round of teas and
dinners.
Fitzhugh Lee, the elder, did conspic
uous service during the Spanish War for
the Government which once upon a time
he tried so hard, as a leader of horse in
the Confederate army, to upset. He was
a great friend of President McKinley's,
and for a number of years was exceed
ingly intimate with Mr. Roosevelt. On
this account the latter has taken a cor
dial interest in the son, who rides in s
cavalry regiment. He is a fine, manly
chap, and popular' in' the service.
, It is interesting to observe, by the way.
wall. The streets were deserted. Not a
soul was In sight. Had his note mis
carried? Would the. police fail him? It
looked that way. ; What a predicament
for a sleuth! To be the confederate of
thieves! If one. of his many enemies
should catch him in such a position he
might have a hard time explaining to
M. Henry. Presently a measured tread
was heard on the hard ' sidewalk. His -heart
bounded: It was a squad of po-
lice. He- leaned over and whispered:
"HiSt!"
A captain of police approached.
"It is I Vidocq," called the detective
in a subdued voice. "I will give the
alarm, but wish you to let them go their
way. Two of them are armed. Present
ly come to my old lodgings."
The captain saluted and with his men
sought shelter. At the same moment
Vidocq gave- a low, prolonged whistle.
Instantly there was a commotion within.
Bags were grabbed up and all scampered
toward the wall.
"It's the police," whispered Vidocq;
come quickly and you may escape."
They unbolted the gate and hurried out.
Vidocq Joined them.
Where are the police 7" wnlsperea con
stantlne.
They've gone the other way. sala
Vidocq. "If we're careful we can elude
them."
They hurried along for a few clocks.
The detective turned to the c.biet cracks
man:
It's dangerous ta go through the
streets with these bags. Here's my old
lodgings. Let's creep In here for shelter?"
Can you get In?" asked Constantlne.
"Sure," replied Vidocq. "I have my ,
key and I know the room's vacant.
Silently they crept inside, one at a time.
and closed the door behind them. Con
stantlne slapped Vidocq on the back.
You re a brick, Germain. I told you
he'd distinguish himself, boys."
What do you call this place?" asked
Joubert, looking around him.
I call it the mousetrap," said vidocq.
with a leer.
The craoksmen laughed loudly at this
sally.
The swag was poured out on the table
and the enterprising gentlemen were soon
engaged In dividing their rich haul. Con
stantlne and Joubert, the only ones who
possessed weapons, laid tueir pistols on a
chair. Slyly Vidocq picked them up and
secreted them tinder a mattress. In the
midst of the -exultation a. loud knocking
was heard at the door. The thieves looked
at one another with pale faces. Vidocq
crawled under '-the' bed, -unobserved. No
sooner was-he out of sight than the door
was burst open and a swarm of Inspectors
and policemen entered the room. In the
twinkling of an eye rive pairs or hand
cuffs were shoved onto the wrists of the
cracksmen and they were being marched
to the nearest police station.
III.
It was New Tear's day at the prefec
ture of police. M. Henry, following s
Inn established custom, was holding his
annual reception. The room was crowded,
and all of the officers of the police, higil
and low, were there to present their chief
with the compliments of the season. M.
Bertaux, the cross-examiner of criminals,
and M. Parlsot, the governor of prisons,
were in the line receiving with M. Henry.
During a lull In the crowd the three men
drifted Into a conversation concerning
crime. -
"By the bye, M. Henry." said M. Ber
taux, "what has become of the fellow
Vidocq?" -.
"I really do not know," said the pre-,
feet gravely. ,
"What!" exclaimed, the other, "not
know!" . ' '
"No," was the response. "I have not
seen' him since the day I called film liv
yqur presence and delegated him to break,
up the burglaries that have disgraced the
police system of the city." ,
"And the, burglaries," continued the
other tauntingly, "they have continued?"
n r n: .1 . i .1
JJi. nciii iiuuucu. , . .
"And Vidocq ho has disappeared 7" ...
The prefect nodded again. '
M. Bertaux burst Into an Ironical laugh,
"M. Henry, you have been deceivod;'
taken In: hoodwinked." ,
The prefect shook his head.
"I am not ready to confess defeat." ,
At that moment a great commotion was.
heard on the outside. An attendant was.
summoned.
"What is the confusion?" .
"All of the valuables stolen from the
banker's house in the Champs Elysecs
have been recovered."
"Good," retorted M. Henry; "but is that
all?" .r
"No; Vidocq is outside demanding adi
mittance. He has no card."
"Admit him!" snapped the prefect. A
moment later five men handcuffed en
tered the room. Bringing lip the reac
was Vidocq. The first prisoner was Con -a
stantine, the others Joubert and his com-;
panlons. Vidocq made, a profound bow
and. smiling his perpetual smile, pointed
to the cursing culprits.
"M. Henry, I wish you the compliments,
of the season,, and as a New Tear's gift
present to you the redoubtable Constan
tino and his fellow cracksmen."
(Next week: "Chief Brooks and the Man
With the Lazy Eyes.") . "
how many o( the sons and grandsons of
famous soldiers and sailors are at pres
ent enlisted under the flag of the United
States. Young Sampson, whose father-commanded-
the fleet In Cuban waters
during the war with Spain, is at Annapo
lis. A grandson of Commodore Decatur
likewise entered the Naval Academy not
long ago.
Thomas' F. Schley, a son of Admiral
Schley, the hero of Santiago, chose the
Army. Starting as a private In the 31s-.
nal Corps, he rose from the ranks by
good service and is today a captain of.
Infantry.
Sherman Miles was graduated from
West Point only two years ago and Is.
now a full-fledged lieutenant in the Army..
He is a son of Lieutenant-General Nelson.
A. Miles, who was formerly commanding
General of the Army, the last officer to
hold that position, which was abolished
by Congress. Of about the same age la'
James F. McKinley, a nephew of the;
murdered President, who, at the out
break of the Spanish War enli3ted-.es a
private in trie Eighth Ohio Infantry, Ris
ing from the ranks, he became a First
Lieutenant In 1901. and has since been
promoted to a Captaincy. He is one of
the handsomest young men in the ser
vice, and bears a striking resemblance to
his uncle.
Besides Fitzhuxh Lee. the elder, two1
other famous Confederate commanders.'
General Longstreet and "Fighting Joe"
Wheeler, are represented by sons in the
Army today. Toung Longstreet is a Cap-'
talnof infantry and Wheeler is a Major
in the Artillery Corps a little chap phy
sically, like his father, but full of pluck
and well known as one of tbe most dan
gerous poker players in the service.
Following an unwritten rule, the Presi-
dent of. the United States practically al
ways reverses his appointments to cadet
ships in the military and naval acade
mies for the sons of officers of the Army
and Navy.
So. in all likelihood, it will ever be in
the future; and experience up to the pres
ent time seems to show that the custom
in question redounds to the advantage
and to the glory of the Republic, Chi
cago Record-Herald. -
A moderate wind moves at the rate of
Mvrn miles an hour, a storm at the rate
of 3ft miles, and a hurricane at the rate
of 80 miles.