rument would cause him no
unnecessary pain, while relieving officers from that part of their duty
which is particularly obnoxious to them, viz., having a prolonged
struggle with low and savage ruffians.

I cannot refrain from relating a piquant little anecdote told to me by a
French colleague, who had occasion to make an arrest, and came
unexpectedly on his man. Unfortunately he was unprovided with handcuffs
and was somewhat at a disadvantage, but being a quick-witted fellow, he
bethought himself of an effectual expedient. Taking out his knife he
severed the prisoner's buttons which were attached to his braces, thus
giving the man occupation for his hands and preventing a rapid flight. I
am indebted to M. Goron, Chief of the Detective Department in Paris, and
other colleagues for some of the specimens here reproduced by me.

* * * * *

_The Family Name._

From the French of HENRI MALIN

[Illustration]

I.

One afternoon, Mons. Sauvallier received from his younger son--a
lieutenant in garrison at Versailles--the following letter:

"Versailles, May 25, 1883.

"MY DEAR FATHER,

"A terrible catastrophe has befallen me, one which will be a blow to you
also. I am writing about it, because I dare not face you; I deserve
never to see you again!

"Led astray by a companion, I have been gambling on the Bourse, and am
involved in yesterday's crash, in which so many fortunes have been
suddenly swamped.

"I scarcely dare to tell you how much I have lost. Yet I _must_ do so,
for the honour of the Sauvalliers is concerned. Alas! you will be all
but ruined!

"I owe the sum of four hundred and sixty-eight thousand francs. Oh! what
a miserable wretch I am!

"When I found that the smash was inevitable I went mad, and entered my
room with the intention of putting an end to my wretched existence. But
more sober thoughts prevailed: I changed my mind. I had heard that
officers were being recruited for Tonquin, and I determined to volunteer
for this service. My suicide would not have bettered matters; it would
rather have left an added blot upon our family name. Out there, at all
events, my death may be of use; it will cause you no shame, and may
perhaps move you to a little compassion for your guilty, but most
unhappy and despairing son, who suffers agonies at thought of the
trouble he has brought upon you, and who now bids you an
eternal farewell!

"CAMILLE SAUVALLIER."

Mons. Sauv