Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-05-18
THE GUEST CHAMBER or THE INN AT ST.
an Err IVES, uGaltge
FROM THE JOURNAL OF A pErEcrlvE,

1t is strange said Monsieur Berret,
passing strange. never was SO sorely
puzzled in my life.' v'as en- sal
'It is notpossible, then, that you are
laboring under any misapprehension p
Certainly not; have I not facts to deal
with? SuppOsing, III. Guillot, that half
a dozen dead bodies were found in a
certain neighborhood in rapid succession,
and under very suspicious circumstances,
would it not be a fair conclusion that
there had been foul play somewhere?
should certainly deem it so.'
'Well--and if in addition to this let US
suppose that no clue could be obtained
which would even give color of guilt to
any person, notwithstanding that every
effort had been made---wonld it not have
been very strange and mysteriousS
l must agree with you that it would
And by my life it is---the strangest
thing / have ever known! It's not atall
wonderful that men die from disease, OF
from accidents, but when we hear of
death without apparent cause, and of
which no explanation can be given, am
bound to say that it puzzles me beyond
measure ad sa1e4a -.w s81 /
But do you mean to say, M. 5Berret,
that there has been no apparent cause fo7
these mysterious deaths p o.,s t-yis3a1
'Ah-I forgot. In the back of each
was wound, apparently made by some
sharp weapon. This was without doubt
the cause of their deaths -
Such a wound, then, must have been
inflicted by human hands--nothing can
be clearer than this conclusion. Now,
Monsieur Berret be so good as to state
any particulars which may throw light
upon this subject, that l may determine in
what manner to act
The foregoing conversation took place
between myself and the sub-agent, in the
diligence between St. Malo and st. Ives.
had received letter from him several
days previously urgently requesting my
immediate presence in the latter place,
and in the last few leagues OF my journey
was so fortunate as to meet him. Upon
my request, he gave brief history of the
strange occurrences, in the investigation
of which he wished my assistance.
All, however, that he knew ofthe mat
ter was, that within the compass of a few
weeks, succession of startling murders
had been committed at St. Ives, town
within his official guardianship. Bodies
had been found in the streets, bearing in
every instance the wound in the back, Of
which he had spoken-and thus far sus-
picion had been entirely bafled and Jeff
without resting place. The excitement
consequent upon this alarming state Of
affairs, had caused the sub-agent to decide
upon a personal investigation of the mat.
ter, and when encountered him, he haG
already started for St. Ives, so that oul
destination was the same. -, -.
you entrapped the rascal Jacques
Guichard, so admirably NJ. Berret re
marked, that am led to hope for you
success in the present case, dark anc
doubtful as the matter now looks
AT all events was my reply, 4 deem
it no more than Justice to myself, to max,
a strong effort. Imust ask you, howev
er, Monsieur Berret, to give me the eptir
management and control of this matter, ii
every particular !v8go sitr7earI s's 6
Il will do so, and with pleasure. Fran
whatever plans and use whatever mean
you please. / will be guided by you il
all things pertaining to this business
This will be well. But one thin
more Monsieur Berret. You must be a
secret as the grave. Do not, upon an.
consideration, let it be known in st. I've
that there is detective officer nearer t
them than Paris; and above all, do nc
suffer yourself to make an inquiry cor
cerning these murders. Leave me to as
ali questions in my peculiar manner
The sub-agent promised full complianc
with my instructions, and in a few mt
ments we were rolling through the darl
ness and rain into the village of ST. I've
During these few moments, however, a
incident occurred, which necessarily hs
an important bearing upon my narratiy
Our conversation bad been held, as
matter of course in so low a tone as n
to be overheard by the other occu pants
the diligence; in fact, j had hardly n
ticed any of their faces. But now, as
finished speaking for the time With D
Berret, and looked around me, discoye
ed in the elderly gentleman who SAT d
rectly behind US, Monsieur Angusts L
marc, wealthy wine-seller Of Bordeau
and with whom was quite intimate
Upon recognizing me, be greeted n