affection. Louis kissed and hugged too, and
blubbered a great deal: he was very repentant, as a man often is when he
is hungry; and he went home with his uncle, and his peace was made; and
his mother got him new clothes, and filled his belly, and for a while
Louis was as good a son as might be.

But why attempt to balk the progress of genius? Louis's was not to be
kept down. He was sixteen years of age by this time--a smart, lively
young fellow, and, what is more, desperately enamored of a lovely
washerwoman. To be successful in your love, as Louis knew, you must have
something more than mere flames and sentiment;--a washer, or any other
woman, cannot live upon sighs only; but must have new gowns and caps,
and a necklace every now and then, and a few handkerchiefs and silk
stockings, and a treat into the country or to the play. Now, how are all
these things to be had without money? Cartouche saw at once that it was
impossible; and as his father would give him none, he was obliged to
look for it elsewhere. He took to his old courses, and lifted a
purse here, and a watch there; and found, moreover, an accommodating
gentleman, who took the wares off his hands.

This gentleman introduced him into a very select and agreeable society,
in which Cartouche's merit began speedily to be recognized, and in which
he learnt how pleasant it is in life to have friends to assist one, and
how much may be done by a proper division of labor. M. Cartouche, in
fact, formed part of a regular company or gang of gentlemen, who were
associated together for the purpose of making war on the public and the
law.

Cartouche had a lovely young sister, who was to be married to a rich
young gentleman from the provinces. As is the fashion in France, the
parents had arranged the match among themselves; and the young people
had never met until just before the time appointed for the marriage,
when the bridegroom came up to Paris with his title-deeds, and
settlements, and money. Now there can hardly be found in history a
finer instance of devotion than Cartouche now exhibited. He went to his
captain, explained the matter to him, and actually, for the good of
his country, as it were (the thieves might be called his country),
sacrificed his sister's husband's property. Informations were taken, the
house of the bridegroom was reconnoitred, and, one night, Cartouche, in
company with some chosen friends, made his first visit to the house of
his brother-in-law.