Too Late Even for Lecocq.
A gentleman here who was "burglarized" about two years ago, reported his loss to the detectives and offered naturally to assist them in every way. At first he called frequently to ascertain if any news of the thieves had been obtained, but being met always with a negative his visits became infrequent and finally ceased. He had forgotten the matter altogether until recently, when he was called upon by one of the detectives, who stated:
"We have got a clew."
"That is good. Is it a promising one?"
"Certainly. We have discovered the thief."
"Better still. You have him arrested?"
"We can't do that. It's too late."
"How is that?"
"He died last week, confessing to the robbery."