IN consequence of the events we have already narrated, the prolonged sojourn of Baron Massy in that part of the country was an utter impossibility. The Emperor lost no time in transferring him to the first prefecture which became vacant in the Empire. By a singular coincidence, his new prefecture was that of Grenoble. The Baron left Our Lady of Lourdes behind him, solely, as it would appear, to meet with our Lady of Salette.
Jacomet also quitted the district. He was appointed Commissary of Police in another department. Replaced in his proper sphere, he contributed, with rare shrewdness, to the discovery of the roguery of some dangerous scoundrels who had foiled the efforts of his predecessors, and the most active pursuit of the Parquet. The affair in question was an extensive robbery―to the amount of two or three hundred thousand francs―of funds belonging to a railway company. This was the starting-point of his fortune in the Police, for which he had an unmistakable vocation. His remarkable aptitude for this branch of the public service, which was justly appreciated by his superiors, raised him eventually to a very high position.
The Procureur Imperial M. Dutour was transferred to other duties. M. Lacadé remained in his position as Mayor, and we shall see his shadowy profile once or twice more in the last pages of this narration.
