The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1872-10-17

rics attached 10 them. My nerves VIII
be equal 70 bearing the rejected cross till
uhe return Or the gentleman Of tbe prodl-
gal purse aud IL shall then cost him his
fife or nothing, as our interview may de-
jcrmine.
After weighing the matter in bis mind
nnGll the specified week had nearly clap
sed, Henri suddenly and sagoly oonclu-
ded to acquaint the prefect Of police with
the story ia an its bearings, real and sup
posilory. That astute fanctionary proved
70 bea intelligent and patient listener,
and was only too glad 10 detail two snb-
ordinates to farther scheme that prom
sod to result in the capture of a criminal
who had so long succeeded in eluding
the pursuit ofjuslice. Early in the NOR
ming week subsequent TO that on which
the supposed criminal had called, Henri
sent Irene into the city on visit to some
friends, with the explicit understanding
that She was not TO return until he came
for her. Following close upon her de-
parlure, came the arrival Of two geHdar-
mes, who were forthwith secreted in her
but recently vacated bed room, thereafter
to make their entree in the presence OF
the expected stranger or not, according
as he might or might not criminate him
self in the interview with Henri.
All the preliminary arrangement being
made, our artist detective took his station
at a window, and behind closed blinds
became silent and intense watcher.
lie was brave and resolute man; but
nevertheless an occasional misgiving fit
ted across his mind. The business be-
fore him was of an extremely hazardous
nature. Should the supposed prove the
real criminal, his capture would be like
ly to be preluded by desperate aud per.
haps fatal encounter. If fatal, fatal to
whom? Henri thought of this, then OF
Irene, and closed his eyes. Then he
thought of the geRddrmeS in the next
room, set his jaw, aud in spirit Of grim
defiance, put all forebodings from him.
Morning, noon, afternoon and evening
glided by with no result Henri yawn.
ed with impatient encouragement. His
allies took to the bedroom floor and cards
early in the forenoon. Hitherto the ex.
citement of the chase had been strong
enough to sustain Heuri's interest. But
nowl Would the expected not come,
after all? A brief consultation with the
oflieers-who adhered to the opinion that
he would come, and was much more
likelyAo make his appearance within the
next three hours than at any previous
time during the day, especially If he was
a rogue, and not lacking in their usual
low cunning--braced Henri somewhat
Lighting lamp for the quondam
gamesters, and also one for
HIMSELF he camped on the lounge. lie
had but got comfortably settled, however
before a resonant rap on the street-dool
brought him instantly to his feet. School
ing himself to meet the probable crisis
with quiet deliberation, he leisurely pro-
ceeded to the door and opened it. From
lrene's graphic description, he had no
difficulty in recognizing his visitor. The
expected man of the cross stood before
him. His heart gave a tremendous thump
against his breast; but his voice was
steady and quiet, as he saluted the strang-
er with, Good evening, sir.
Good evening, sir, responded the visit
or, scrutinizing Henri closely. IL the
madame at home. H #.
Ny wife is the lady TO whom you refer,
presume, said Henri. She is absent on
a visit. Can | serve you in anything
viii you not step in, sir? Henri threw
the door wide open, that the man might
see that The room was vacant, and hence
imagine him to be alone.
An you are the husband of the lady
remarked the stranger, who, after peer
ing in, walked in.
| have the honor. Pray be seated.
| will trespass upon your hospitality
but for a few moments--
No trespass, assure you. Solitude is
not the best of companions.
Without removing his hat, the stranger
took the pronered chair. | can tarry but
a short time, he said. Probably your
wife has informed you OF an offer she re-
eeiyed, week ago, for small, fanciful,
carneian cross that was in her possess
ion?
Yes; she did mention the matter to me,
and we both wondered at the strange
fancy Of the man, aud the excessive price
he offered
Well, replied the stranger, with fore
ed laugh, the fancy can not matter TO you /;
and as for price, ifgou get il, that ought
to satisfy you on that point. am the
man. and renew the offer. .-
Ahl No, certainly not, the fancy docs
not concern us-of course not, aud Henri
eyed tie stranger koenly. Bnt you know
that unusual occurrences will set the least
curious OF mortals 70 surmisiug.
OF cOurse--of course, said the stranger,
with strong symptoms Of uneasiness.
People eau not help thinking that's what
brains were made tor But 10 the point /;
If you stiIl possess the cross, aud will ex-
change il for the sum offered, that sum IL
yours, Your answer You will excuse
my seeming abrupuess: | am press scd for
time, and can not daily.
! hold you perfectly excnsabIe, said
ieuri, drawing the coveted cross from
Ls pocket, aud uotBg the eager flashing