We return to details. On June 30, 1749, the Prince, still homeless,
writes a curious letter to Mademoiselle Ferrand:

'The confidence, Mademoiselle, which I propose to place in you may
seem singular, as I have not the good fortune to know you. The
Comtesse de Routh, however, will be less surprised.' This lady was
the wife of an Irishman commanding a regiment in the French service,
one of those stationed on the frontier of Flanders. 'You
[Mademoiselle Ferrand], who have made a Relation de Cartouche [the
famous robber], may consent to be the depositary of my letter. I
pray you to give this letter to the Comtesse de Routh, and to receive
from her all the packets addressed to Monsieur Douglas.' He then
requests Madame de Routh not to let the Waterses know that she is the
intermediary.

The reason for all this secrecy is obvious. D'Argenson (not the
Bete, but his brother) had threatened Waters with the loss of his
head if he would not tell where the Prince was concealed {82}. The
banker did not want to know the dangerous fact, and was able to deny
his knowledge with a clear conscience.

On July 23 Charles again wrote to Mademoiselle Ferrand: 'It is very
bold of Cartouche to write once more, without knowing whether you
wish to be concerned with him, but people of our profession are
usually impudent, indeed we must be, if we are to earn our bread. . .
. I pray you to have some confidence in this handwriting, and to
believe that Cartouche, though he be Cartouche, is a true friend. As
for his smuggling business, even if it does not succeed as he hopes,
he will be none the less grateful to all who carry his flag, as he