A Possible French Connection?

Special to the New York Examiner!

October 29, 1895

Samuel Byrnes, News Desk Agent

The horrifying train derailment in Montparnasse, France may be last week’s news, but this intrepid reporter has uncovered the truth. The “official” story is actually a cover-up!

The reports from Paris explained how the failure of the train’s air-brakes and the driver’s rush to get home for dinner, combined to create the disaster, which resulted in the death of Marie-Augustine Aguilard. The woman had been standing in for her husband that that afternoon, on the corner where he normally sold newspapers.

The truth is, that the “accident” was actually an assassination attempt on Messr. Aguilard, who had been uncovered as an English spy. The espionage agent had been passing state secrets from his street corner, and was within days of being arrested by French authorities.

Coincidence? This reporter doesn’t think so.

French authorities have declined to comment further, but rumor has it that the unfortunate woman’s husband is missing, and was most recently spotted in Switzerland. Make of that what you will.