At the period of Fossard's arrest, the brigade of security was already formed; and, since 1812, when it was first established, I had ceased to be a secret agent. The name of Vidocq had become popular, and many persons identified me as the person thus known. The first expedition which had introduced me to notice, had been directed against the principal places of rendezvous in la Courtille. One day, M. Henry having expressed an intention of making a general search at Denoyez's house, that is, a pot-house the most frequented by riotous persons and rogues of every denomination; M. Yvrier, one of the police-officers present, observed, that to put this measure in execution, nothing less than a battalion was necessary. "A battalion," I cried out instantly; "why not the great army? As for me," I added, "give me eight men, and I will answer for success." We have already had a specimen of the acerbity of M. Yvrier's temper, and, on this occasion, his face actually blazed with rage, and he asserted that it was all empty talk.
Be that as it might, I maintained my proposition, and received my orders to proceed at once to the enterprize. The crusade which I was about to enter upon, was directed against thieves, fugitives, and many deserters from the colonial regiments. Having provided myself with an ample supply of manacles, I set forth with two auxiliaries and eight gendarmes; and, on reaching Denoyez's, I entered the public room, followed by two of my attendants. I commanded the
