A Young Nemesis

Detectives’ stories are rarely devoid of interest, and when truthfulness is a prominent element of their matter, they acquire positive importance in the eyes of the general reader. The one told by an officer, in the New Orleans Picayune, and printed below, is no exception to the rule. As a record of facts, giving prominence to the keenness and courage of a woman, it will be found worthy of perusal:

In 1848, a circumstance occurred in New Orleans which, at the time, created an excitement which affected the entire population. An old merchant, highly connected, wealthy and of distinguished social position, one night mysteriously disappeared. His family were in infinite distress, and his business in consequent disorder. He left his store at a late hour, ostensibly to go home; but, before going, contrary to his usual practice, he put in his pocket a large sum of money. His way led along Peters street, on the bank of the river, far down in the Third District of the city. His life may have been sacrificed, and his body thrown into the flood that rolled at his feet. Police regulations at that time were bad, and crimes of this description were not unfrequently perpetrated. A little way back from the street was a ruinous building,… Read More