Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-11-28
TIE LITTLE L.HDF'.

by mine. l saw at once that he was a
Frenchman, although his. ."English'' was
nearly perfect.
"Have you heard the news ?" he nquir-
ed.
"No."
as it possible! Why, all Paris is alive
with it at this moment"
"What has happenedP'
"The Countess de Marvile, The fairest of
the fair, was found murdered in her bed
last night, her bureau broken open and ten
thousand francs missing from it. 1t was
terrible. The brute who did the deed eff
fected his entrance through the window of
her chamber, near which, unfortunately,
was a tall tree planted by the distinguished
grandfather of the Countess years ago.
Little did he imagine what terrible use
would be made of it,
"This is bad news. How any man could
harm a woman thus in cold blood Is more
than 1 can imagine"
"Ah, monsieur, if you had ever seen the
Countess you would wonder still more.
She was beauliful-beautful as an angel"
he added stroking his whiskers with an
unmistakable air of vanity; ~ knew her
well'
"Indeed.'
"Oh, yes. There are in Paris few popu-
lar women unknown to me-"
His manner now was decidedly concet-
ed, and l felt disguised. My GOODNESS evil
deatly repelled him, for he soon left me.
Afterwards I heard from others accounts
of the late tragedy.
Among the details of the affair was one
which peculiarly impressed me--and which
my first informant had not spoken of-an
oversight which surprised me, as the oc-
currence he had not mentioned was of that
kind which would be most apt TO strike the
fancy.
Upon the throat of the Countess the MUIR
derer in throttling her had left mark
from ring he wore-the impression of a
chariot wheel with the star in the centre.
"This," said my latest informant, "may
lead TO the discovery of the murderer
Jean Mosqueau is all eady visiting the jew
ellers shops to find out from which and by
whom ring with a chariot wheel device
was purchased.
"Who is Jean Mosqueau?"
"Who, Mosqueau, our famous detectives ?
Although his courage is we'll known, you
would not, to look at his fair, delicate face
and form, believe that he could fight a
gnatv'
A week later was aboard the steamer,
bound from Calais to Dover.
Among the passengers l beheld one
whose face looked familiar to me. l was
not long in recognizing this person as the
sa me had seen in front of the Hotel Wind
sor and who had first informed me of the
murder of the Countess.
He was ce rtainly very handsome man,
although his conceited air was blot upon
his good looks.
He moved languidiy hither and Ihither,
turning his brown ewes admirinelv upon
the pretty lady passengers, while strokins
his whiskers with one white hand, upon
he middle finger of which was superb
diamond ring.
l am rather of a suspicious nature, which
combined with lively Imagination, had
often led me into singular errors.
Now, a strange impulse moved me 10 adj
vance and hold out my hand to the mar
|
the first, in order that | might have {
chance 10 glance at his ring. Somehow the
idea possessed me that l should discover
chariot wheel device upon the glitterin!
bauble.
Tie stranger did not at first recognize
me. lie soon did, however, and frankly
extended his left hand, which was not Tho
one containing the ring.
My brain fairly reeled; the mans he
havior was confirmation of my suspic
ions.
''The other hand, if you please said
in low, stern voice.
"Monsieur will please excuse me-; IN,
other arm is lame with the rheumatism"
He beheld me glance towards the half
start and turn pale, at the same time look
ing much surprised. He however, opene'
} his i.ht hand, as if perfectly willing 70
me to shake il if 1 chose TO.
Then l had good look at the ring, an
felt ashamed of my suspicious. The de
vice was a common heart, which certainl
| bore no resemblance 10 a chariot wheel.
! After general conversation to recove
my self-possession, turned away resolve
in the future TO have better opinion of m
fellow creatures.
-. The strangers good looks seemed TO al
-, tract the attention of good many of th
a ladies. One, especially, a modest looking
little thing, altired in black, kept directin
n turtive glances at the handsome passenge
p Finally she glide1 so close to him that
a turning he brushed against her.
n An apology, smilingly received by th
1 little lady, remark about the weather o
= the part of the gentleman. and the tw
# were soon conversng with animation
e Meanwhile the blushing cheek and brlgl
h eyes of the fair one seemed to betoken th
:. she was we'll pleased with her companion
* whose air was more conceited than ever.
0 ~ am afraid we shall have a storm" ST
l. remark ed, pointing towards a dark clou
d upon which the captain was gazing an
p iously.
l. eve may, but do not be alarmed, ma,
Q anne"
r With an air of nonchalance he pulled
st red cigar.case from his pocket and askt
e his companion if she objected to smok
Then he arted and quickly returning Il
II red one to his pocket pulled forth anoth
u of blue color.
10 "How many cigars do you smoke day
r inquired the lady, evidently amazed at Il
IL sight of two cases.
T. The other colored, and it struck me til
y his voice slightly faltered and his han
70 trembled, as he made some laughing I
~ ply.
y Soon the storm came pushing down up
nj |