But in the long run of Freebooting the Grimaldis did not keep up with the procession.

How they retained even this remnant of inherited brigandage and self-appointed royalty, I do not know.

They are here under leave of the Powers and the especial protection, strange to say, of the French Republic.
Something over fifty years ago, being hard-up for cash, the Grimaldi of the period fell under the wiles of an ingenious Alsatian gambler, Guerlac by name, who foresaw that Baden-Baden and Hombourg were approaching their finish and that the sports must look elsewhere for their living, the idle rich for their sport.

This tiny "enclave" in French territory presented many advantages over the German Dukedoms.

It was an independent sovereignty issuing its own coins and postage stamps.
It was in proud possession of a half-dozen policemen which it called its "army." It was paradisaic in beauty and climate.