vigilance of the porters. They go up the staircase, sometimes on one
pretext, and sometimes on another, look round them, and if they find any
keys in the doors, which is common enough, they turn them with the least
possible noise. Once in the room, if the occupant be asleep, farewell to
his purse, his watch, his jewels, and all that he has that is valuable.
If he awakes, the visiter has a thousand excuses ready.

"'A thousand pardons, sir, I thought this was No. 13;' or, 'Was it you,
sir, who sent for a bootmaker, tailor, hairdresser,'" &c. &c.


_The Detourneurs and Detourneuses_.

"The robbery _à la detourne_ is that which is effected whilst
making purchases at a shop. This species of plunder is practised by
individuals of both sexes; but the _détourneuses_, or _lady prigs_,
are generally esteemed more expert than the _detourneurs_, or
_gentlemen prigs_. The reason of this superiority consists entirely in
the difference of dress; women can easily conceal a very large parcel.

"In retail shops it would be an advisable plan, when there are many
customers to serve, that from time to time the shopmen should say to
each other, _deux sur dix_ (two on ten), or else _allumez les
gonzesses_ (twig the prigs). I will bet a thousand to one, that on
hearing these words, the thieves, who have very fine ears, will make
haste to take themselves away.

"Shopkeepers of what class soever, particularly retailers, cannot be
too much on their guard; they should never forget that in Paris there
are thousands of male and female thieves _à la detourne_, I here