Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-11-06

old acqualntanccS, ana ne Woulu reaul'y s'tC-
riGce several times the five hundred francs to
compass its possession. Why? Simply be-
cause 50 long us it remains in other hands
than his own, he is painfully conscious that it
may at any moment rise up in JUDD gment De-
fore him, and cost him the more irrcparablc
sacrifice of his head"
"And you have kept all this dark mystery
from me" complained Irene.
II have, but will NJ longer. [ have re-
Trained from making you acquainted with the
circumstances that are associated with my
finding of the trinket solely from fear that
the knowledge might cause you to conceive a
morbid dislike to it, and, rs it is really a
pretty toy, like to see you wear 1t. And
now for the mystery. DO you remember the
murder, six years ago, of a nobleman OF the
name of Comte de st. Armandc, in the Rue
de Germaine ?"
"Distinctly," replied Irene. All Paris was
thrilled with horror at the mystery and bar
baritv of the deed. But what association can
this cross have with that dreadful affair?'
can intimate association. That cross was
found by me on the Identical spot of the MUIR
der, and but three days thereafter. If you
will closely examine the undcrside, you will
observe small drilled hole at each extremity.
From these holes am led to infer that it was
worn by the unknown assassin on the fatal
night in question; and, furthermore, that it
was wrenched from its fastening by the hand
of the hapless Compte in his dying struggle.
Naturally enough, it fell to the ground, where
1 found it. 10 this day, in spite Of the super
human efforts of by no means obtusc police,
and the incentive of Il fabulous reward by st.
Armande's relatives, the murderer IS undls-
covered, and the whole affair remains wrapped
in impenetrable mystery. After all these un-
revealing years, who shall say that the COM
ing together of this man and the cross is not
the working of retributivc fate? Too well
does the man of inexplicable fancy know that
the little toy he so covets is adequate if 1t
falls into proper hands, to work the cruciix-
ion of great scoundrel."
"Ugh!' shuddercd Irene. "And I have
been wearing it all this time, and admiring it,
totally ignorant Of the terrible thing its blood
red color symbolizes. can year it no longer.
Here e"-removing from her shrinking neck
the chain by which it was suspended-"l can
now view it with no interest but that OF hor-
ror;" and she threw it nervously ly into her hus-
bands lap.
"Why, you little fool" said Henri, in ajo-
cosc tone, "are you going to faint? Are you
afraid of it? 1t is just as harmless as it has
been, and just as beautiful"
81 do not fear it," replied Irene, shrinking
from it nevertheless. 81 am not that foolish.
But l dislike it. Its innocent charm is lost
to me forever"
After weighing the matter in his mind until
the specified week had nearly elapsed, Henri
suddenly and sagely concluded to acqualDt
the prefect of police with the story, in all its
bearings, real and suppository. That astute
fuuctionary proved to be an intelligent and
patient listener, and was only too glad to de-
tail two subordinateS to further scheme that
promised to result in the capture Of the Grim
inal who had succeeded in eluding the pur-
suit Of justice. Earlyi the morning, a week
subsequent to that on which the supposed
criminal had called, Henri sent Irene into the
city on visit to some friends, with the eX-
plicit understanding that she was not to re-
turn until he came for her. Following close
upon her departure came the arrival of two
yendarmes, who were forthwith secreted in her
but recently vacated bedroom, thereafter to
make their rcGntry in the presence of the en-
pected stranger or not, as he might or might
not crimnate himself in the interview with
Henri.
All the preliminary arrangements being
made, our artist detective took station at the
window, and behind his closed blinds became
a silent and intense watcher. He was brave
and resolutc man but, nevertheless, an occa-
sional misgiving fitted across his mind. The
business before him was Of an extremely haz-
ardous nature. Should the supposed crim-
nal prove to be the real criminal, his capture
would be likely to be preluded by 4 desperate
encounter. If fatal, fatal to whom? Henri
thought of this, then of Irene, and closed his
eyes. Then the 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 impa-
tient Encouragement His allies took to the
bedroom floor and cards early in the forenoon.
Hitherto the excitement Of the chase had
been quite strong enough to sustain Henri's
interest. But now would the expected not
come at all ? y brief consultation with the
officers, who adhered to the opinion that he
would come, and was much more likely to
make his appearance within the next three
hours than at any time previous during the
day, especially ifhe was Il rogue, and was not
lacking in the usual cunning, bracca Henri
Lighting lamp for the quondam
gamesters, and another for himself, he camped
on the lounge. He had got but comfortably
settled, however, before Il resonant rap on the
street door brought him instantly to his feet.
Schooling himself to meet the probable crisis
with quiet deiberation, he leisurely proceeded
to the door and opened it, From Irene's
graphic description he had no difficulty in re-
cognizing his visitor. The expected man Of
the cross stood before him. Ills heart gave Il
tremendous thnmp against his breast; but his
voice was steady and quiet us he saluted the
stranger with Good evening, sir"
"Good evening, sir" responded the visitor,
scrutinizing Henri closely. "Is the madame
at home p
"My wife is the lady to whom you refer, I
presume" said Henri. "She is absent on a
visit. Can serve you in anything? Will
You not step in, sir?" Henri threw the door
wide open, that the man might sec the room
was vacant, and hence might imagine him to
he alone
"Ah you are the husband of the lady" re-
marked the stranger, who, after pcering in the
room, walked in.
81 have the honor Pray be seated"
81 will tresspass upon your hospitality but
for few moments"
"No trcspass, l assureyo Solitude is not
the best of companions"
Without removing his hat the stranger took
tbo ,roaoro1 ohoir HT ron torrv hnt q chort