A Thousand Francs Reward; and, Military Sketches

"A Thousand Francs Reward; and, Military Sketches" by Emile Gaboriau is a combined volume that presents a puzzling disappearance alongside snapshots of military life in 19th-century France. The initial mystery centers around a missing merchant, Monsieur Jandidier, whose vanishing act pulls the reader into a web of secrets. Detective Maître Magloire steps in to untangle the truth, exposing financial woes and hidden aspects of the merchant's life. The book then shifts gears to offer glimpses into the army, painting portraits of a variety of military characters, such as the canteen worker, the troop barber, and North African soldiers in the French army commonly referred to as Zouaves. These narratives highlight the bond between soldiers, their hardships, and the amusing moments they share. Combining suspense with social observation, this collection invites readers into both a world of crime-solving and the everyday experiences of soldiers.