therefore, to take away a
single article without its being instantly missed, unless the
economy of the whole had been previously deranged. I contrived,
however, to displace a few of the trinkets, on pretence of
admiring them, and ventured to secrete one very rich gold seal,
marked six guineas. I then declared I could stay no longer, as
I had appointed to meet a party at the theatre; but that I
would certainly call again in a few days, and lay out some
money in return for the trouble I had given. Mr. Bilger
expressed his thanks in the most respectful terms, and waited
upon me to the door, where he took leave of me with a low
_conge, a la mode de France_, of which country he was a native.
I now put the best foot foremost, and having gained a remote
street, turned my head, and perceived Bromley at my heels, who
seized my hand, congratulating me on my success, and
complimenting me on the address I had shown in this exploit;
for he had witnessed all that passed, and knew that I had
succeeded in my object, by the manner in which I quitted the
shop. He informed me that Mr. Bilger had returned to his
counter, and without attending to the arrangement of the
articles thereon, had joined his son, who was still waiting
upon the lady, and that he, Bromley, had finally left them both
engaged with her."

Who can fail to perceive, in the above narrative, the satisfaction of
the author in displaying his adroitness? His vanity seems to be as much
gratified, as if he had been relating some performance meriting
approbation. The feeling of shame is altogether alien to him. And thus,
by Vidocq's account, it always is with thieves, they glorying as much in
detailing their successful exploits, as if no ignominy could attach to
them. Amongst his confederates too, and all of the same class, his
reputation is proportionate to his daring and skill. Of this, take the
following instance related by Vidocq.--

"The incredible effrontery of Beaumont, almost surpasses
belief. Escaped from the Bagne at Rochefort, where he was
sentenced to pass twelve years of his life, he came to Paris,
and scarcely had he arrived there, where he had already
practised, when, by way of getting his hand in, he committed
several trifling robberies, and when, by these preliminary
steps, he had proceeded to exploits more worthy o