ASTOUNDING IMPUDENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 November 1923, Page 2

ASTOUNDING IMPUDENCE

A COMTESSE UOHRED. AUSTRALIAN ANII N Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION PARIS, Nor. A. A plot ol astounding impudence enabled a Land of thieves to steal jewels valued at half a million from the Cointesse de Tessaneourt. She was persuaded by a chance dancing acquaintance, named Aiesiiier, to buy a sapphiie and diamond brace lei. for ten thousand francs. Next day a young, pretty girl, with a man friend, accompanied by the shamefaced Mesnier. called at the ComICSsc's house, and accused Mesnier ol stealing tho bracelets on the Hois de liatilogne. along with 51)09 francs in the girl’s handbag. Mesnier confessed The Comtesse. believing the stray, gave up the bracelet. The girl then suggested that, unless the Comtesse wished to he accused of receiving stolen goods, it would he hotter to reimburse the 53(10 francs. The Comtesse was so frightened by the possibility, of publicity that she gave the money. Next morning the plot developed. Two men claiming to he detectives, arrived, bringing Mesnier, who was handcuffed. They said they must search the house for evidence of other (belts. Mensit-r continually tried lo esrape. The detectives struck him on the mouth, and called him a scoundrel, until the f'omlcsse intervened. Finally the detectives packed tip a parcel ol the Comtesse's jewels, worth half a million. They said they must take them to the '.Magistrate's office. Four Four hours alter, the Comtesse became suspicions. The plot was then revealed. The police quickly arrested the girl. Mesnier and three other men. but the sham detectives are still at large.