The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-06-16
anger; they appeared distorted when he
assumed masked lan1htar and fha

anger; they appeared distorted when he
assumed masked laughter, and the
!aoqueys at tho door bowed before that
keen eye and commanding presence, and
acknowledged that he was magnificent
noble. Servants are in awe of those who
display calm fixedness of haughtiness
instead OF smoky fume.
dood-morning, Marquis. I hope"
SAID the Count, generously holding out
"sir. preserve the purity of your
nand, ior you are going to touch one
convicted OF felony-one condemned by
his friend-one whose house is made the
sport of polioe!" exclaimed the MARQUIS.
in his most sarcastic manner.
''You don't mean to say that,
shouted the astonished Count.
"Sir Count, don't add lie to NV
catalogue Of Crimes" said the MARQUIS,
bowing.
observation-disclosures, let us drop
thisl It is all blunder-a confounded
mistake"
Il am much obliged to hear so; but
how about my honor?"
:, Oh, wait till we catch the villain;
then we shall be all right"
"Iill then, I am felon." ::
Come, dear Marquis, drop that sar-
casm. Let us have little friendly talk
AS before this devilish business com
menced; let us see how We have to get
oack this money. know you're sharp
fellow; let me hear what you have to say
about it."
Willingly"
Hereupon they sat down, rolled their
chairs near the fire, lighted their seoara
and began to think aud talk. There is
something in the Virginia weed which
scoms to stimulate thought and bind
friendship, for, to all appearance, these
Two sketched ont keen plans OF detection.
and were the very best friends possible.
The conversation lasted long time, at
the end OF which the Marquis rose. ex-
tremely thoughtful, and bade the Count
most sweet goodnight.
AS he Was driving home he buried his
head in his hands, thinking over what
the Count had told him-that detectives
were abroad, the bank was on the alert.
that the bills were useless to the thief.
and that reward had been offered to be
paid by the Counts banker.
A few days after, as the MARQUIS was
walking near this particular bank, he ac-
cldentally met the banker.
"Well, sir, anything more about that
affair OF Count d'O-'s?" asked the
Marquis.
"No, sir; it is quite mystery. But
the thief appears to be foolish fellow,
for the robbery can bring him no re-
turn"
"Indeedl a-a-foolish fellow"
"Yes, he must be. for -
What is the reward you offer?"
40, 900 francs"
well. now, shouldn't care to get
that" said the Marquis. laughingly.
Oh, pretty good sum-pretty large"
"Well, LII think seriously about it
III try. The affair seems to be difficult
because OF its simplicity. I doubt we
are ba1hed by the openness of the thing"
Alter few more words they parted.
The Marquis was in frequent company
with the Count, and appeared to be ex-
tremeiy diligent in the search. He also
mee the banker, to whom he reported
his III success. So passed few days.
flnaily, one morning he met the bank
er with smiling face.
Success at last, monsieuri" said the
Marquis. smiling.
"What7 Sncces0l" echoed the banker.
"Yes; come, sign the check, and I'll
give yon the notea." And The Mernnia
hurried him toward the bank.
The banker was impatient to know the
daring thief.
II can get them and deliver thern only
on condition Of secrecy. The fellow has
made me swear this. and I'm bound by
oath. He wants to evade the law-poor
rascal!-so I promised him faithfully.
He has to receive 5, 900 francs"
The banker regarded him with an in.
credulous look, but the Marquis hinohed
not in his honest mask.
The check was sealed. He got his
10000 francs. Being nobleman, no
further search was made. The unsus-
peoting Count continued his friendship,
till one night, in an inebriated state, the
Marquis diyulged his secret. When
tasked in his sober mood, lie replied in
his laughing manner:
whats fellow to do when he's hard
up2"