A FRECH KOEPENICK.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12546, 24 May 1909, Page 1

A FRECH KOEPENICK.

A French imitator of the renowned Captain- of Koepenick 'has just brought off a, surprising coup at the Maison Laffitte, a club frequented by hnaneial magnates and others, and the scene of much gambling. Last year (says the Paris correspondent -of the "Daily Chronicle") &c police raided the club, but, as the members c j.x y some means received warning, or the approach of the police, they were discovered at nothing more serious than harmless games of bridge. The other day, while the gaming tables were crowded, an elegantly dressed man accompanied by sis companions, suddenly appeared. The leader, addreßsinE the players, said— "l am the .Police Commissary, and in the name of the law, I forbid anyone to leave the building." There was-much'con-sternation. The "police" proceeded to lock the doors, while their Reader, the "Commissary,"' gathered 'up all the money on the tables, to - the amount of about £100. Then taking the names and addresses, of all. present, in the gravest and most approved official manner, he announced that proceedings, would in due course he taken against all who had been found there. In answer to the entreaties of a few present to be allowed to leave the "Commissary" only replied, "I must do my duty." He then withdrew. As no further notice of proceedings was given to any of those who were caught gambling, it was decided by some of the leading members to ap-proach-'the Commissary of Police, and implore him to let the matter drop. What was. their astouishmQut on lifting ushered into, his presence to find that the real Commissary and the "official" wlio had visited thp. club were entirely different persons. In fact, the real Commissary knew-noth-ing of Jihe matter, but is now searching for the perpetrator of what was a very amusing and daring hoax.