In the days of my youth I was a student in Paris, and had the good fortune to be well acquainted with Monsieur Eugene Fourbert, the chief superintendent of the Paris police. He was in many respects a very remarkable man. Possessed of extraordinary acumen, combined with a critical power of analysis and logical deduction that seldom erred, he became a terror to evil-doers, and a tremendous force on the side of order. He was a descendant of an old French family who had all more or less distinguished themselves. Eugène had commenced life in the Army, and saw much service; but being seriously wounded was forced to retire. Having friends at court, he received an appointment as chief of a division of police. In that capacity he displayed so much aptitude, so much natural ability for the work, tha
