A DETECTIVE TRIUMPH.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2483, 5 March 1881, Page 4

A DETECTIVE TRIUMPH.

About the beginning of the year an audacious robbery and attempted murder was committed at a private hotel in Paris, and the culprit has been discovered and arrested in a manner which reflects great credit on the police. The victim was an old lady named Madame Gouye, who kept the Hotel dcs Annis des Arts, and who was discovered early one morning insensible, and with a severe wound on the head. From this state of unconsciousness she has been very slowly recovering,though not able to speak, and scarcely capable of noticing those who were around her, including an agent of the police who never left the room, in the hopes of Madame Gouye being sufficiently sensible to give information as to her assailant. The first revival took place one morning, when the sufferer was heard to murmur the word “ Leonce.” This slight clue was enough to send the agent to the prefecture, where are kept the photographs of all those who have been brought up by the police for criminal offences. The portraits was examined, and at length one was found with the name of Leonce at the back. It was taken to Madame Gouye's apartment until such time as the old lady might be roused sufficiently to notice things. The opportunity arrived, the sufferer opened her eyes, and the photograph was passed before them, when a distinct recognition took place, though but momentary. This, however, was enough for the police; the photograph was copied, and every agent in Paris was made acquainted with the likeness ; and in two or three daj r s’ time the owner of the portrait was arrested on the Boulevard St Martin, when he made a full confession of his crime.