ent
thereof.

The work of my female detectives is generally light. Zeal and discretion
are the principal requisites, though conscientious devotion to duty, and
rigid obedience to orders, are also essential. They are expected to win
the confidence of those from whom information is desired, and to lose no
opportunity of encouraging them to talk about themselves.

With regard to the moral influence of their duties, I say boldly that it
is in no respect different from that of any other position where women
are thrown upon their own resources. It is an unfortunate fact in our
social system, that no single woman or widow, dependent upon herself for
support, can escape a loss of caste and position by working in the great
field of business where she comes in competition and contact with men;
but, aside from this general prejudice, there is nothing in the
detective's duties to make her profession less respectable and honorable
than there is in the duties of a lady cashier, book-keeper, copyist, or
clerk. The detective's temptations are no greater than those of any of
the foregoing who mingle with men in their daily business; while, on the
other hand, the safeguards of their virtue are much more numerous, since
all the detectives of my agency know that their conduct is under
constant surveillance.

There are instances of frequent occurrence where great criminals are
successful in hiding all traces of their guilt so effectually as to make
their conviction impossible without the aid of the female detective.
Most of these men have wives or mistresses in whom they confide to a
great extent. The testimony of these women, then, become the sole means
by which to convict the criminals, and their testimony can be obtained
in only one way--a female detective makes their acquaintance, wins their
confidence, and draws out the story of the crime. Such an instance is
given in "The Expressman and the Detective," hitherto published.

I have in my employ several ladies of unquestionable purity of life, who
are also among the most successful operators on my whole force. I take
pleasure in offering this tribute to their ability, and their spotless
characters.

The next day the Captain called to see me, and said that, according to
my advice, he had quarreled with Annie about Pattmore, and had worked
himself into a great rage. Finally, he had torn up and burned his will,
saying that he should immediately make another, leaving everything to
Lucy