The authorities in due course set their faces against these convict usurers, called _capitaines_, whose processes were very properly condemned as tending to demoralise convicts and aggravate their miserable condition. A very strict surveillance was instituted, and when detected the _capitaines_ were severely punished. Sometimes they were flogged; but other methods were tried, one in particular, calculated to bring the culprit into ridicule, always a potent weapon in dealing with Frenchmen. The prison barber was ordered to shave the culprit’s head, leaving one lock only upon the crown. He was then dressed as an old woman, and made to sit upon a barrel at the entrance to the prison, where he was exposed to the jeers of his comrades on their return from labor. The same measure was meted out to the _capitaine’s_ assistants, for the big men always employed a number of agents or canvassers in extending their business.
Thus, it is seen, that ours is a world of worlds, one within the other; and assuredly the prison world is not less interesting, though much less inviting than many others held in greater esteem.
Life history of some noted convicts--Collet travels through Europe--In trouble at Montpelier, arrested and lodged in gaol--Brought to hotel to amuse the Préfet’s guests--Escapes as a cook’s boy--Fresh swindles--Arrested and sent to _bagnes_--Other remarkable convicts--Salvador or Jean Ferey, full of strange tricks and laughing at iron bars--The Marquis de Chambreuil--Cognard, the false Comte Pontis de Sainte Helene--Vidocq--His personal experiences at the _bagnes_--Escape from Brest--Recapture--Other remarkable escapes.
The quality of the criminals upon which the _bagne_ laid its hands will be best realised by describing one or two of the most notable convicts who passed through them.
A very remarkable person was Anselme Collet, who has had few equals in his nefarious profession, that of swindler on the widest scale. He was essentially the product of his age, which undoubtedly encouraged his development and afforded him peculiar facilities for the display of his natural gifts. Chief among these were boundless audacity, readiness of resource, an attractive person, insinuating address, and skill to assume many different parts.