The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-09-15
WHO WAS TIE ROBBERS 2

locks clustering in a pretty confusion OF
short curls about her forehead proclaimed
her no longer young, though the fair
blooming face and shapely form were far
more suggestive Of youth than of old age.
Altogethet Madame Ierdrix was a lady of
most attractive appearance. on
She approached me with nervous haste,
her eye fixed on mine.
al sent for--you are" she faltered al
most inaudibly, and then paused in pitt
able state of agitation, her slender fingers
slowly INTERVIEWING themselves, and her
whole frame trembling.
detective Ashton" l responded, hasti-
ly, drawing forward a chair. l.e...
She sunk into it, and by silent gesture
invited me to be seated. Presently she
murmured in low quivering voice;
Monsieur, am in great distress. My
-" and again paused, overcome by
her emotions. .-.
waited aminute in expectant silence,
and then said:
GA case of robbery, understand, Mad
anne. Permit me to ask whether your
servants are entirely honestP"
Entirely" she answered brokenly.-
"They have served me for twenty years."
"And your pupils ?"
Not shadow of suspicion may touch
them"
And the resident teachers?'
She gasped once or twice, and then con-
trolling herself with mighty effort, an
swered TREMENDOUSLY.
"Pardon my agitation. l am worn with
trouble and anxiety" adding presently,
in more even tones, "I will tell you about
it, Monsieur. My school is, as you doubt
less know from report the best, and, con-
sequently, the most flourishing in the
city. make mnch money, and often keep
large sums by me. This is my private
business room, and in yonder cabinet
store my surplus funds"
" A rather unsafe place." ] commented.
Not at all, Monsieur" she answered
decidedly. 1T is furnished with secret
receptacle Discover it If you can"
And rising, she led the way to the cab
met, and threw open the desk.
But / exhausted my wits to no purpose.
Madame looked on in silence till drew
back and folded my arms. She then oui-
city asked
"You would not suspect the fact have
stated?''
"If the secret compartment is here,
most certainly not.'
1t fs here" she replied, briefly and en-
phatically, as she closed the desk.
We returned to our seats. reflected a
minute, and then asked
Chow many times have You been rob-
bedP" l.n.
Nightly, for the past week." she an.
swered, excitedly. 6" A large amount was
taken the first night but since then only
a few counterfeits which / deposited in
hope of detecting the thief without assist
ance."
Has any one under your roof a knowl-
edge of the secret of the cabinet ?" l in
quired, after little interval of silence.
" But oneP' she cried, bursting into
tears, and wringing her hands in an agony
OF distress. "But one, but one alas p
again deliberated moment, and then
said firmly
Madame, have not doubt that l
can, in time, clear up this matter without
assistance, but no less certain that perfect
candor on your part will greatly aid me-"
1t was some minutes before she could
compose herself sufficiently to answer
When she did it was in heart-broken
tones.
" You are right, Monsieur. must tell
you. My suspicious point to one who has
for years been my all namely, Mademois-
ellie Antoinette De Gray Madeoiselle De
Gray has been my protege since the death
of her parents, which occurred while she
was yet an infant. In her have hitherto
reposed the most unlimited confidence
now am distracted with doubts It Is i'm.
possible to silence.
" But, Monsieur have not sent for Won
to unravel the web of mystery with any
intention of giving publicity to her guilt
Heaven knows only desire to know the
truth for her own dear sake, / would not
wrong the innocent even in thonght the
guilty would increasingly labor to re.
store"
Then with sudden burst of grief she
exclaimed
My poor Antoinette She is so young
so winning and so beautiful 70
Does Mademoiselle De Gray know of
ngaT Z