One of the entries
thus consulted contained these particulars: 'Hector Auguste
Monbrun, son of a respectable proprietor in Normandy. Well
educated; gentleman-like manners. On bad terms with his family.
Character: bold, cunning, unscrupulous, self-possessed. Is a
clever mimic. May be easily recognized by his striking likeness
to the Baron Franval. Imprisoned at twenty for theft and
assault.'"
Miss Welwyn saw the agent look up at her after he had read this
extract from the police-book, to ascertain if she was still able
to listen to him. He asked, with some appearance of alarm, as
their eyes met, if she would like some more water. She was just
able to make a sign in the negative. He took a second extract
from his pocket-book, and went on.
He said: "The next entry under the same name was dated four years
later, and ran thus, 'H. A. Monbrun, condemned to the galleys for
life, for assassination, and other crimes not officially
necessary to be here specified. Escaped from custody at Toulon.
Is known, since the expiration of his first term of imprisonment,
to have allowed his beard to grow, and to have worn his hair
long, with the intention of rendering it impossible for those
acquainted with him in his native province to recognize him, as
heretofore, by his likeness to the Baron Franval.' There were
more particulars added, not important enough for extract.
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