The Morning herald., 1877-09-14
why did you forbid your valet 10 cali in

have restored me to my former position
as Viscount de Valcourt."
"But. you behaved in strange manner
destroyed your papers and letters?"
Il had made up my mind to quit tho
house. I think my having taken that res
olution explains anything eccentric in my
conduct"
To all these questions Of the magistrate,
Albert answered promptly, in firm, clear
voice, and without the slightest embarrass-
ment.
"I'm on the wrong tack" thought Mon
sieur Daburon. Questioning him on
these minute details won't dol must
strike blow!" Then he said, aloud and
promptly, "What were you doing last
Tuesday evening, from six o'clock until
midnight"
For the first time, the prisoner seemed
disconnected, and his eyes fell before
those Of the magistrate. ~-"
"What was l doing last Tuesday even
ing?" he stammered, repeating the phrase,
in order to gain time. b. A'..' '.. I'D
"I've got him!' thought Monsieur Da-
buron, with start of triumph. Then,
aloud, "Yes; last Tuesday evening, from
six to twelvew
"Well, to tell you the TRUTH" said the
young man, smiling-what a haggard
smile it wasl-"I have very bad men,
ory"
'Oh. come, come, sir" interrupted the
magistrates; "Pm not taxing your memory
rs to years ago. To-day is Friday; sure
y you can remember what you did on
tuesday, 7-
Il recollect, now. / went out in the
,vening," m1rmured Albert. .. +.
"Be more exact. Where did you diner
"At home, as usual"
"Nc; not as usual At dessert, con-
trary to your custom, you took brandy
and water, instead of claret; and, what's
more, you nearly finished the decanter
which, am told, contained pint. YOU
no doubt wished to brace up your nerves
for some ulterior project--some business
that required all your courage and ener
gy."
II had no necessity for a stimulant o.
any sort" answered the prisoner, in 8
voice that visibly faltered. VI.
"You must be mistaken. Let me re
fresh that defective memory OF yours
Two friends called upon you-before din
ner, believe-asking you to accompany
them to the opera. You refused, on th'
plea of pressing engagement"
"Oh, that was only polite excuse tt
get rid Of them
"But whyr
"Can you ask me such question: .!
was resigned, but still heart-broken.
was endeavoring to school myself down t.
endure the dreadful shock I had received
Don't the strongest of us long for solitude
in the great sorrows Of our life3"
"The accusation .supposes that yol
wished for privacy that evening, in orde
to go to the village of La Jonchere. Dur
ing the day you We're heard to mutter tt
| Yourself, She must see me. She'll neve
be able to refuse me- Of whom were yol
speakingl"
"Of lady to whom had written, pre-
viously, and who had just replied to my
letter."
"what have you done with that letter''
81 burnt it."
ut compromised the lady, of course7'
A flush, that looked very like flush o1
anger, darkened the prisoners face.
"A true lady seldom compromises her
self; and the lady speak of is one in thu
truest acceptation of the word"
The magistrate jumped at conclusion
The letter was from Clare d'Arlange. Fol
a moment, his heart failed him. lie lovec
her still, and her very name went like
dagger to his heart.
| He turned his back for moment, ant
pretended to be arranging some papers.
"Give me the name Of your correspond
ent"2
II cannot;"
"Sir," said the magistrate, pulling him,
self up to his full height, and speaking II
severe tone, IL will not hide from yol
that your position is aggravated by the
most culpable reserve. According to the
laws of our country, you are here to ans
wer every question l ask in PLAIN anc
straightforward manner"
"Yes-uuestions that concern my oWr
reputation, but not the reputation Of
others"
Albert made this last answer in an an
rrv tone. He was bewildered, astounded
irrtated by this close questioning, whlcf
hardly left him time to breathe, ,
The Interrogation Of the magistrate tcl
lupon his head like the blows Of black
smiths hammer upon the red-hot lror
that he is fashioning into shape. !,
This appearance Of rebellion upon! tn!
part of the prisoner seriously disGuletot
Monsieur Daburon. Besides, he telt sur
prised and almost annoyed to find thF
perspicacity of his friend Old Colksrrev
at fault. Just as if the volunteer detec
tive was infallible!
Old Corkscrew, alias Daddy Tabaret
had predicted an alibi; but here was nj
nlibi forthcoming! Had this cunnnIE
criminal some other card to play Whlcl
would upset all their plans3
.Gently--gently!' reflected the magls
trata. Il haven't got him yet! But t.