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In our own day the French have been more fortunate in a robber; Vidocq bids fair to rival the fame of Turpin and Jack Sheppard. Already he has become the hero of many an apocryphal tale already his compatriots boast of his manifold achievements, and express their doubts whether any other country in Europe could produce a thief so clever, so accomplished, so gentlemanly, as Vidocq.
There is also a story told to the effect that the notorious detective, Vidocq, who lived in the same house with him, and knew something of his circumstances, prevailed upon him to risk five francs in a gambling saloon.
I ran to the open door, and entered. No fire! only those few dull ashes. What did it mean? "Boys," I cried, "boys, where are you?" No reply. "Boys! Langdon! Vidocq! Bar!" and there came from near me a stifled answer, as if the speaker was but half awake.
History is full of stories of such mysterious characters, the Iron Mask, for instance, and Cagliostro. In every age there have been bands of dangerous creatures, led by such men as Cartouche and Vidocq and Rocambole. Now why should we suppose that in our time no one exists who emulates the deeds of those mighty criminals?"
The porter is an old Spaniard, who never speaks a word of French, but peers at people as Vidocq might, to see if they are not thieves. If a lover, a thief, or you I make no comparisons could get the better of this first wicket, well, in the first hall, which is shut by a glazed door, you would run across a butler surrounded by lackeys, an old joker more savage and surly even than the porter.
"I am sorry that I have kept you waiting," replied Vidocq, quietly; "but there were certain formalities to be settled, and I " "Ah! no doubt in regard to the money?" said Robeckal, laughing. "Have you brought the yellow birds along?" "Slowly, slowly first let me inform you that the death sentence has been torn up." "Really? I did not expect anything else."
His first Musical Journey. Sees Spohr. Fights a Duel. Visit to Paris. He is reduced to Great Pecuniary Straits. Strange Adventure with Vidocq, the Great Detective. First Appearance in Concert in Paris. Romantic Adventure leading to Acquaintance. First Appearance in Italy. Takes the Place of Do Bériot by Great Good Luck. Ole Bull is most enthusiastically received.
Half of the gang of my log-house, including John Bar, were spending the evening where I had sought shelter, too wearied to go a hundred yards farther to my own quarters. The other five, one of whom was Guyon Vidocq, were having a regular drinking and gambling bout in the other cabin. We heard their yells from time to time. At about eleven o'clock John Bar left us to seek his bed.
"He promised to assist me, for a consideration, of course, and was especially delighted at the chance to prove that even out here in Malta there might be a second Vidocq. "In his first report he told me the party I sought had been in Valetta only recently, but he believed she was now gone.
President Bonnet contemplated the young man in astonishment; his eyes flashed lightning at him and he burst out: "You are mad, boy, absolutely mad! Vidocq Rocambole! You mix up legend and history, bracket murderers with detectives, and make no distinction between right and wrong! You would not hesitate to set the heroes of crime and the heroes of law and order on one and the same pedestal!"
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