"That a criminal, at least a thief, to be successful must be absolutely anonymous and friendless; in which case nobody can betray him. As madame probably understands, criminals above a certain level of intelligence are seldom caught by the police except through the treachery of accomplices. The Lone Wolf seems to have exercised a fair amount of ingenuity and prudence in making his coups; and inasmuch as he had no confederates, not a living soul in his confidence, there was no one who could sell him to the authorities."
"Still, in the end--?"
"Oh, no, madame. He was never caught. He simply ceased to thieve."
"I wonder why..."
"I believe because he fell in love and considered good faith with the object of his affections incompatible with a career of crime."
"So he gave up crime. How romantic! And the woman: did she appreciate the sacrifice?"
"While she lived, yes, madame. Or so they say. Unfortunately, she died."
"And then--?"
"So far as is known the converted enemy to Society did not backslide; the Lone Wolf never prowled again."
"An extraordinary story."