The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1868-12-01

ioOhrp at 'He nun III peculiar way Us
she babe bm have supper served as soon
as possible but be thought nothi"as OF 1t
at the time.
Madame seated herself in luxurious
arm, chair. Luyomie threw himself on
cushion a; her feet. For a long while |
ncit'.cr spoke. All the while. however
the young mans hand rested against the
arm of her chair, aud one of her hands
played ctr,lessly with his hair.
\ slight noise in the apartment caused
the detective to raise his head. But he
could not raise it high enough to see
anything. Madame's hand rested on it
heavily.
Bah! It is nothing, my dear friend"
she said quickly.
At the same instant he felt himself
borne to the floor by an irresistible force,
and before he could collect his wits, which
he did not iiud about him this time he was
bound hand and foot and felt helpless on
the carpet. CHANGING up, he saw that the
room was full Of men.
What does this mean?7 he demanded
stcrnly.
1T means. Monsieur Laromie," replied
the lady, smiling sweetly, THAT you will
not sup with me tonight"
Laromic's coolncss returned to him,
now that it was top late.
at seems that have been very great
FOOL said he bitterly.
II agree with you, monsieur" laughed
the LADY,.
Stand aside" said one of the men
coming forward "Let me speak with
him. Do you know ne, monsieur :" he
asked. I.N
Yes replied Laromic. "You are
Frederic Roulier; known to the Govern
men. as president of a socialist club,
captain Of barricadc, and a general
promoter Of disorder. These msD, sup
pose. are your confederates % All
Precisely so, monsieur. You have
been for a long time as anxious to capture
US as we have been to secure you. For
tune7has favored us This time, and you are
now our prisoner. Perhaps you would
like to know what we intend doing with
you?"
This is a matter cfindiference to me,
said the detective coolly.
Your courage is undoubtedly great"
said Roulier; "but we must put it to the
test. We have decided long ago, mon
sicur, tina. you must die. We would
carry cut tic decision tonight, but all Of
our club are not present Tomorrow
night the absent ones will return. and
then we shall proceed to inaict our ven
geancc upon you. Your heart will be
cut out of your living body. May heaven
preserve your soul" he added, mcckingly,
for your earthly part is doomed"
''Do not be too sure ofthat," exclaimed
Laromie,' Indignantly. II was never
born to die By the hands of such cowarily
miscreants."
The Socialist leader laughed.
"And Monsieur Laromie," he said sar-
castically, why would you not be warned
by your friends? Women will be the
death of you fear"
"Who is thisswoman 2" asked the de-
tec:ive, not needing the taunt.
"i.et me answer" said Madame de
Noel. Monsieur Laromic," she added,
Il am one who has owed you debt of
vengeance. Two years ago you arrested
a woman named Marguerite Poisson,
charged with numbering French soldier.
She was tried by your Court and con-
demned to death. That woman was my
MOTHER.
"Well," said Laromie, calmly, "she
was not executed"
NO" said Madame de Noel, fercely {;
"but l gre you no thanks for that. The
Emperor banished her to Algeria 10 die
under the burning sun of that land"
"But the Government subsequently,
pardoned her, and gave her permission to
return to France
True; but the pardon was too late
When it reached Algeria, my mother was
dead. l swore 10 be revenged on you
hate you as he that caused my mothers
death, and shall witness your execution
with joy" ..
"Whnt is your namc?"
"Mngdelaine Desmouline."
"Theu you are mistress of the chief of
this club. A pretty couple; truly, and a
pretty scrape you have gotten me into !!
Well, then, Madame Julie dc Noel, alias
Madame Desmouline, if it will afford you
any satisfaction, know that instead Of
causing your mothers death, tried TO
save her. Although l believe her guilty
of the offences charged against her, |
pitied her. To obligo me the chief of the
secret police intercedcd with the Minister
of Justice, and procured the change Of
her sentence. and finally her pardon. If
you doubt this you have simply to apply
to the chief Of command, and lie will con.
firm my assertion"
The woman grew pale as DEATH
Calming her agitation, she turned to
Rouher, and said, hastily, Spare him
until find out the truth Of this"
Stop" said the detective, quickly, II
will not allow you to inIercede for me.
If you would give me my freedom now |
"A