The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1873-11-04
Seleef Stnrr.
From the Overland Monthly.I
THE CORNEL1AN CROSS.
(CoNcLUDED


elapsed, Henri suddenly and eagerly con
cluded to acquaint the project of police
with the story,in all its bearings.real and
suppository. That astute functionary
proved to be an intelligent and patient
listener, and was only too glad to detail
two subordnates to further a scheme
that promised to result in the capture of
the criminal who had succeeded in elu-
ding the pursuit of justice Early in the
morning, 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 under
standing that she was not to return until
he came for her Following close upon
her departure cume the arrival Of two
gendarmes, who we're forthwith secreted
in her but recently vacated bedroom,
thereafter to make their re entree in the
presence of the expected stranger or not,
as he might or mightnot crimlnate him
self in the interview with Henri.
All the preliminary arrangements be
| ing made, our artist detective took his
sta:ion at the window, and behind the
closed blinds became silent and intent
watcher. He was brave and resolute
man, but,nevertbeless,an occasional mis-
giving fitted across, his mind The bu
siness before him was OF an extremely
hazardous nature Should the supposed
criminal prove to be the real criminal,
his capture would he likely to'be prelu-
ded by desperate encounter If fatal,
fatal to whom2 Henri thought of this,
then of Irene, and closed his eyes. Then
he thought of the gendarmes in the next
room, set his jaw, and in spirit OF grim
defiance put all ;forebodings from him =
Morning, noon, afternoon and evening
glided by with no result Henri yawned
with impatient encouragement. His al
lies took to the bedroom door and cards
early in the forenoon. Hitherto the ex
citement of the chase had been quite
strong enough to sustain Henris inter
est. But now would the expected not
come at all? A brief consultation with
the officers, who adhered 10 the opinion
that he would come, and was much more
likely to make his appearance in the next
three hours than at any time previous
during the dav, especially if lie was a
rogue, and was not lacking in the usual
cunning, braced Henri somewhat Light.
ing lamp for the quondam gamesters,
and another for himself, he camped ON
the lounge He had got but comforta-
bly, settled, however, before resonant
rap on the street Goor brought him in
stantIy to his feet Schooling himself
TO meet the probable crisis with quiet de
liberation, he leisurely proceeded to the
door and opened it From lrene's graph
| ic description he had no difficulty in re
cognizing his visitor The expected man
of the cross stood before him His heart
gave tremendous thump against his
breast; bat his voice was steady and
quiet as he saluted the stranger with,
.Good evening, SIR" .skl
"Good evening, sir" responded the
visitor, scrutinizng Henri closely. us
the madame at home 2" Yas D
"My wife is the lady to whom you re.
fer,I presume" said Henri. "She is alb
sent on a visit. Can serve you in any
thingY Will you not step in. sir p
Henri threw the door wide open that the
man might see the room was vacant. and
hence might imagine him to he alone
''Ah! you are the husband of the la
dy," remarked the stranger, who, after
peering in. walked in F !. j. y
Il have the honor PRAY he seated "
II will trespass upon your hospitality
but few moments .s YIls"1.
"No trespass, assure vou Solitude
| Is not the best companion." Es
Without removing his hat the stranger
took the proffered chair Il can tarry
but short time" he said. Probably
vour wife has informed you of All offer
she received agweek ago, for sna fan
ciful cornelian cross tina, was in her pos
session p l Jda HEtrj
aYes, she did mention the matter to
me, and we both wondered at the strange
fancy OF the man, and the excessive
price he offered"
Well" replied the stranger, with a
forced laugh, 1.-The fancy cannot matter
to you; and as for the price, if you oct
it tina, ought to satisfy you on that point
l am the man, and renew the Off"
"Ah! No, certainly the fancy does
not coucern US; of course not, and
Henri eyed the stranger keenly. ''But
you know that unusual occurrences will
set the least curious of rnortas to sur
missing" ~ '9E3s
'sOf course, of course" said the stran-
er,wilh strong symptoms of uueasiness
"Peorle cannot help thinking; that's
what brains were made for. But to the
point; If YOU stiA possess the cross, and
will exchange it for the sum offered, that
sum is yours. Your answer2 You will
excuse my seeming abruptness; l am
pressed for time and canno, daily" -. .r
II hold you perfectly excusable," said
Henri, drawing the coveted cross from
his pocket. and noting the eager flashing
of the strangers eyes as his gaze fell
upon it. Deciding to thrust the probe
home at once, he deliberately added
Another reason, other than want of
time, may exist to occasion your abrupt
ness, my friend-want Of confidence"
"What, sirl, calculated the an,start
i ing up in threatening, apprehensiye
way. "What do you mean by that re
mark p
"Listen, and will tell you," replied
Henri, ,fally convinced that le was on the
right track. as his isitor,indecisively sat
down again. Listen, and l will tell you
what mean This eross,for which you
have taken such an inexpliceble fancy.
came into my possession under very pc,
culiar circumstances es--circumstances that
invest it with extraordinary interest" =
Pausing a moment 10 note the effect OF
his language, Henri fxed his burning
eyes on the strangers. Speaking slowly.
and emphasizing every word, he contin
ued: IL found this cross on the Sd OF
January, lS49, on the Rue de Germaine
on the very spot on which, three days
previous,t the Comte de St. Armande had
been brutally murdered
During the utterance of the conclu
ding words OF the above, the counte.