The Female Assassin

As related by Prince Canbaceres
Arch-Chancellor of the French Empire

About the close of the Government of the Directory, the keeper of a hotel-garni, in the Rue de l’Universite, waited on the minister of police, and in a state of great agitation, he stated that one of his lodgers, whom he named, had been murdered on the preceding night. He had engaged the lodging about six o’clock in the evening, describing himself as an inhabitant of Melun, who had come to Paris for a day or two on business. After ordering his chamber to be prepared for him, he went out, saying that he was going to the Odeon, and would return immediately after the performance. About midnight he returned, but not alone; he was accompanied by a young and beautiful female, dressed in male attire, whom he stated to be his wife, and they were shown to the apartment which had been prepared. In the morning, continued the hotelkeeper, the lady went out; she appeared to be fearful that her husband should be disturbed; and she desired that no one should enter the room until her return.

Several hours elapsed, and she did not make her appearance; at midday, considerable surprise was manifested at her prolonged absence, and the servants at the hotel knocked at the gentleman’s door, but without receiving any answer. It was now discovered that the lady had locked the door and carried the key away with her. The door was broken open, and the unfortunate man was found dead in his bed. A doctor was sent for, and he declared it to be his opinion that the man’s death had been caused by a blow of a hammer adroitly inflicted on the left temple. The female never again appeared; she was sought for in vain.

In about a month after, a similar murder was committed. The victim was likewise a man from the country, and his death was produced in the manner I have… Read More