erfect recognition of his person, as that of a
man who, for some time, had been sought after by the police
throughout Paris and its environs. 'You are grossly mistaken,'
replied he warmly; 'my name is so and so, and I live in such a
street.' 'Come, come, friend,' said I, 'excuses are useless; I
know you too well to part with you so easily.' 'This is too
much,' cried he, 'but, at the next police station, I shall
probably be able to meet with those who can convince you, that
I know my own name better than you seem to do.' This was
exactly the point at which I wished to arrive. 'Agreed,' said
I, and we bent our steps to the neighbouring guard-house. We
entered, and I requested him to show me his papers; he had none
about him. I then insisted upon his being searched, and, on his
person, were found three watches, and twenty-five double
Napoleons, which I caused to be laid aside till he should be
examined before a magistrate. These things had been wrapped in
a handkerchief, which I contrived to secure, and, after having
disguised myself as a messenger, I hastened to the house of
this receiver of stolen goods, and demanded to speak with his
wife. She, of course, had no idea of my business, or knowledge
of my person, and seeing several persons besides herself
present, I signified to her, that my business being of a
private nature, it was important that I should speak to her
alone; and in token of my claims to her confidence, produced
the handkerchief, and inquired whether she recognised it?
Although still ignorant of the cause of my visit, her
countenance became troubled, and her whole person was much
agitated, as she begged me to let her hear my business. 'I am
concerned,' replied I, 'to be the bearer of unpleasant news;
but the fact is, your husband has just been arrested, every
thing found on his person has been seized, and, from some words
which he happened to overhear, he suspects he has been
betrayed; he therefore wishes you to remove out of the house
certain things, you are aware would be dangerous to his safety
if found on the premises. If you please, I will lend you a
helping hand, but I must forewarn you that you have not one
moment to lose.' The information was of the first importance.
The sight of the handkerchief, and the description