ting his hand in, he committed several trifling robberies, and
when by these preliminary steps he had proceeded to exploits more worthy of
his ancient renown, he conceived the project of stealing a treasure. No one
will imagine that this treasure was that of the _Bureau Central_ (Central
Office), now the Prefecture of Police! It was already pretty difficult to
procure impressions of the keys, but he achieved this first difficulty, and
soon had in his possession all the means of effecting an opening; but to
open was nothing, it was necessary to open without being perceived, to
introduce himself without fear of being disturbed, to work without
witnesses, and go out again freely. Beaumont, who had calculated all the
difficulties that opposed him, was not dismayed. He had remarked that the
private room of the chief officer, M. Henri, was nigh to the spot where he
proposed to effect his entrance; he espied the propitious moment, and
wished sincerely that some circumstance would call away so dangerous a
neighbour for some time, and chance was subservient to his wishes."

"One morning, M. Henri was obliged to go out. Beaumont, sure that he would
not return that day, ran to his house, put on a black coat, and in that
costume, which, in those days, always announced a magistrate, or public
functionary, presents himself at the entrance of the _Bureau Central_. The
officer to whom he addressed himself supposed, of course, that he was at
least a commissary. On the invitation of Beaumont, he gave him a soldier,
whom he placed as sentinel at the entrance to the narrow passage which
leads to the depot, and commanded not to allow any person to pass. No
better expedient could be found for preventing surprise. Thus Beaumont, in
the midst of a crowd of valuable objects, could, at his leisure, and in
perfect security, choose what best pleased him; watches, jewels, diamonds,
precious stones, &c. He chose those which he deemed most valuable, most
portable, and as soon as he had made his selection, he dismissed the
sentinel, and disappeared."

"This robbery could not be long concealed, and the following day was
discovered. Had thunder fallen on the police, they would have been less
astonished than at this event. To penetrate to the very sanctuary!--the
holy of holies! The fact appeared so very extraordinary, that it was
doubted. Yet it was evident that a robbery had taken place, and to whom was
it to be attributed? All the suspicions fell on th