The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-02-03
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WIS euspenueu--' can now view IL WIN
no interest but that of horror and she
threw it nervously into her husbands lap.
"Why, you little fool p said Henri, in
jocose tone, care you going to faintP Are
you afraid of itP" 1t is just as harmless as
it thas been, and just as beautiful"
81 do not fear it," replied Irene, shrink
ing from it nevertheless. I" i am not that
foolish. But 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
acquaint the project of police with the
story, in all its bearings, real and supposi-
tory. That astute functionary proved to be
an intelligent and patient listener, and was
only too glad to detail two subordinates to
further scheme that promised to result in
the capture of the criminal who had sue
ceeded in eluding 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 a
visit to some friends, with the explicit un-
| derstanding that she was not to return un-
til he came for her. Following close upon
her departure came the arrival Of two gen.
darmes, who were forthwith secreted in her
but recently vacated bedroom, thereafter
to make their entree in the presence of the
expected stranger or not, as he might or
might net criminate himself in the inter
view 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 resolute man but, never
theless, an occasional misgiving 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 be
likely to be preluded by a desperate en-
counter. If fatal, fatal to whom Henri
thought of this, then Of Irene, and closed
his eyes, Then he thought of the gen
6armes in the next room, set his jaw, and
in a spirit of grim defiance put all forebod-
ings from him. Morning, noon, afternoon
and evening glided by with no result.
Henri yawned with impatient discourage
ment. His allies took to the bedroom floor
and played cards early in the forenoon.
Hitherto the excitement of the chase had
been quite strong enough to sustain Hen
Ii's interest. But now would the expected
not come at all? A brief consultation with
tho 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 if he was rogue,
and was not lacking in the usual cunning,
braced Henri somewhat. Lighting lamp
for the quondam gamesters, and another
for himself, he camped on the lounge. He
had got but comfortably settled, however,
before resonant rap on the street door
brought him instantly to his feet. School
ing himself to meet the probable crisis with
quiet deliberation, he leisurely proceeded
to the door and opened it, From Irene's
graphic description he had no difficulty in
recognizing his visitor The expected man
of the cross stood before him. His heart
gave tremendous thump against his
breast but his voice was steady and quiet
as he saluted the stranger with "Good
evening, SIR"
"Good evening, sir" responded the
visitor, scrutinizing Henri closely. "Is
the madame at homeP'
"My wife is the lady to whom you refer,
presume" said Henri. "She is absent
on visit. Can serve you in anything {?
Will you not step in, sir?" Henri threw
the door wide open, that the man might
see the room was vacant, and hence might
imagine him to be alone.
"Ah you are the husband of the lady"
remarked the stranger, who, after peering
in, walked in.
81 have the honor. Pray be seated"
81 will trespass upon your hospitality
but for few moments"
"No trespass, assure you. Solitude is
not the best of companions"
Without removing his hat the stranger
took the proffered chair 81 can tarry but
short time" he said Probably your
wife has informed you of an offer she re-
ceived week ago, for small, fanciful cor
nelian cross that was in her possession 9''
"Yes, she did mention the matter to me,
and we both wondered at the strange fancy
of the man, and the excessive price he
offered"