Naturally, however, it is but seldom, and only in special cases, and as
a last resort, that such a plan is adopted. Moreover, the authorities
only consent to it when they hope to derive some important advantage,
such as the capture of a whole band of criminals. For instance,
the police perhaps arrest one of a band. Now, despite his criminal
propensities the captured culprit often has a certain sense of honor--we
all know that there is honor among thieves--which prompts him to refuse
all information concerning his accomplices. In such a case what is to be
done? Is he to be sent to the Assizes by himself, tried and convicted,
while his comrades escape scot free? No; it is best to set him at
liberty. The prison doors are opened, and he is told that he is free.
But each after step he takes in the streets outside is dogged by skilful
detectives; and soon, at the very moment when he is boasting of his good
luck and audacity to the comrades he has rejoined, the whole gang find
themselves caught in the snare.
M. Segmuller knew all this, and much more, and yet, on hearing Lecoq's
proposition, he made an angry gesture and exclaimed: "Are you mad?"
"I think not, sir."
"At all events your scheme is a most foolish one!"
"Why so, sir? You will recollect the famous murder of the Chaboiseaus.
The police soon succeeded in capturing the guilty parties; but a robbery
of a hundred and sixty thousand francs in bank-notes and coin had been
committed at the same time, and this large sum of money couldn't be
found.
Pages:
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294