Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-07-14

him. his Idea pleased me IOr IL seemed
to SAVIOR of retribution. l took up lie
,Soir, turned over the pages carelessly,
almost unconsciously, and was just about
to lay it down when on the last page my
eye caught this heading:
"Fmerm Of he BeaUtitM Marquise de Bien,die."
The words startled me, for had heard Of
the beauty of the lady about whom all
male Paris had been raving for some
months. l had never had an opportunity
to do 80. did not know she had been
i'll, and TO enrn suddenly that she was
dead and buried shocked me not n
little. read the article with considera
BILE interest. 1t stated that the Marguise
Ind died four days before of diphtheria
after only short illness. The last part
of the article gave n brief description of
the lady's appearance. As / read on L
became more and more engrossed, for |
could not but believe that the murdered
woman and the Marquise were one. The
recognition of this fact frightened me. l
could not help seeing that such n charge
made against u man occupying the rank
and station of the Marquis de Benville
would need more substantial proof than
was to be found i'll my extraordinary
story.
1t was with great difficulty that could
manage to eat part of my dinner. That
done went back to my studio, took my
sketch and set off for the office of the
Minister of Police. / inquired for him,
and after having stated to one or two
minor officials that my business was OF
the utmost secrecy and Importance l was
informed that he had gone home.
Gould not communicate my wishes
to his representative?
On my replying negatively | was told
that if | particularly desired it could
be taken TO the minister's house, or l
could see him at his Office the next morn
ing. dreaded u night with that fearful
secret still undsclosed, 80 | chose the
former alternative.
trembled little when was ushered
into the presence of the famous Minister,
but his calm, quiet manner soon treasured
me.
"What is it that you have to disclose,
Monsieur ?" he asked
"The secret of murder, Monsieur"
"Well?"
II wish to confide it to you alone"
said rs l glanced at the gentleman who
had accompanied me from the Office.
|
in possession Of all the secrets of my de.
partment. Even if l were to hear you
alone now, should be compelled to uon-
fide in others before l could act upon
your story Why do you hesitate"
because, Monsieur, my accusation
will appear almost incredible. charge
the Marquis de .3ienville with being the
murderer of his wife"
The Minister, who prided himself on
his perturbability, could not resist show
ing his surprise. He glanced at NJ. Bon
teaux with an air of pity and contempt.
/ am sure he thought that was mad.
"Madame Ia Marquise died of diph-
liberia My wife knew her well and was
l greatly grieved at her illness and death.
On what grounds do you base such 6
charge ?"
' told my story as britly rs could
Both my hearers listened attentively, but
| felt, incredulously. When had finish
. ed, the Minister asked:
"What proof have you of this extraor
| binary tale ?"
"None," answered, except the sketch
I I made. I had never seen the Marquist
l in life, if it be indeed her likeness, nc
J other proof of my truth is needed.
Il knew her well, said the Minister.
"Show me the sketch"
: unpacked it and placed it before him
' He started as if he had been violently
: struck.
Y at is indeed the Marquis" he muir
} INJURED. Then turning to me he said
( Describe the man who came to see youl
1 studio."
e 81 could not see him well. think he
: had moustache he was tall and thin
J and spoke in low, sad voice"
"That would be n rough description O
the Marquis, ell, NJ. BontAux!"
Eyes, Monsieur | have heard tina
s the Marquis was overwhelmed with grief
+ aud that some of his friends feared fo
t his reason.
| "a needless fear" said CHS grief il
: only remorse or perhaps dread of dis
V covery"
The instincts of the detective, who dis
i trusts everybody and everything, wer'
@ beginning to be aroused in me.
IN. Godin, Justice is indebted to you
4 All that can be done tonight shall b,
4 done. In the morning l shall agail
a claim your aid. Go to your rooms n
! once, and do not leave them or spenk t.
any one till send for you and lest yol
n should be in any personal danger, vii
r have the entrance to your apartment
7 watched"
a thanked him for his courtesy, thougl
q l could not help knowing that he was &C
a tuated quite as much by desire not t,
q have me escape a, by his wish to protec
!. me-"
NJ. Bonteaux called for me in the morn
ing. He told me should have to accom-
II pany him to the cemetery OF Pere !
" Chaise, as the Minister had decided t.
J., have the coffin of the Marquise take
n from the family vault and opened. l
Y had been brought into room OF til
a mortuary chapel, when we arrived. Tn
7 Minister aud two or three assistants wer
, examining tho body. The wound ha,
i been found exactly as 1 described.
:, l was cordially received by the Minis
y ter and told that the Marquis had bee
~ sent for under the pretext that there ha
;, been some informality about the registe
~ of the interment. Orders had also bee
~ given to bring the doctor who had signe
! the certificate of death, and also one G
i the surgeons attached to the department
" of justice.
felt elated at my success and import
n ance, and had no longer any qualm
= about my broken promises. All Paris,
i was sure, would soon be ringing wit
" praises of my shrewdness and courage
4 Presently gentleman entered, whis
i perel to the Minister and handed hin
!. something wrapped in paper. 1t prove
n to be the dagger had described
" "Let the Marquis be brought in, sal
;, the Minister.
- All eyes were ON the door. The Mar
q quis entered looking pale and thoughtful
!. When he saw me his look changed to on
, that tried hard to think showed feai
!, !, but still it seemed to me only like con
a tempt.
ttAh NJ fnl;,t I