The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1882-07-13
'crecy. But then 1 told myself 1 was

scCrcCy. DuG GHen L tOlu myself L WIS
not compelled to keep that when the
doing S o would involve the escape of a
murderer. At last exhausted nature,
which had been subjected to the most
severe tension for twelve hours, claimed
were hideous. The figure of the dead
woman rose ever before my fancy. She
pointed to the dagger in her breast and
seemed to entreat me to speak, although
l heard no words and could not distin-
guish any sound.
1t was again nearly dusk when Iawoke,
mind fully made up to tell the police all
/ knew. 1 understood the necessity for
acting with all possible dispatch, but I
was hungry and felt that l needed some
thing to give me strength aud confidence
before 1 undertook to make my extraor-
binary revelation. After 1 had once
decided on a plan of action 1 felt easier.
The dread of the ever-haunting presence
of the dead woman began to disappear.
[ went to a restaurant 1 had Deer in the
habit of frequenting when richer. Some
cf that villains thousand francs should
help to give me the strength to denounce
him. This idea pleased me, for it seemed
W SJNOE il lcUIlUllUlOu. lUODh up LIZ IJOCB,
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:
q Funeral of the Beautiful MarQuise de BieA-
ville.'
The words startled me, for l had heard
of the beauty of the lady about whom all
male Paris had been raving for some
months. L had never had an opportu-
nifty of seeing her, though 1 had much
wished to do so. I did not know she
had been ill, and to learn suddenly that
she was dead and buried shocked me not
a little. l read the article with consid-
cradle interest. 1t stated that the Mar
quise had died four days before of diph-
liberia after only a short illness. The
last part of the article gave a brief de-
scription of the lady's appearance. As
| read on | became more and more en-
crossed, 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 a charge made against a man
occupying the rank and station of the
Marquis de Bienville would need more
substantial proof than was to be found
in my extraordinary story.
1t was with great difficulty that l 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: 1 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.
could | not communicate my wishes
to his representative"
On my replying negatively I was told
that if l particularly desired it 1 could
be taken to the Minister'S house, or l
could see him at his Office the next norm
ing. dreaded a night with that fearful
secret still undisclosed, so 1 chose the
former alternative.
Itrembled a little when 1 was ushered
into the presence of the famous Minister,
but his calm, quiet manner, soon reas-
sured me.
"What is it that you have to disclose,
Monsieurp' he asked.
..The secret of a murder, Monsieur"
"Wellg'
81 wish to confide it to you alone" I
said as [ glanced at the gentleman who
had accompanied me from the office.
THAT is impossible. NJ. Bonteaux is
in possession of all the secrets of my de-
partment. Even if [ were to hear you
alone now 1 should be compelled to on
fde in others before [ could act upon
your story. Why do you hesitateP"
because, Monsieur, my accusation
will appear almost incredible. l charge
the Marquis de Bienville with being the
murderer of his wife"
The Minister, who prided himself on
his imperturbability, could not resist
showing his surprise. He glanced at
M. Bouteaux with an air of pity and con
tempt. l am sure he thought that l was
mad.
MADAME la Marquise died of diph-
liberia. My wife knew her well and was
greatly grieved at her illness and death.
On what grounds do you base such a
charger"
1 told my story rs briefly as I could.
Both my hearers listened attentiyely,
but, I felt, ineredulously. When l had
finished, the Minister asked:
'sNhat proof have you of the truth of
this extraordinary tale?"
'.None." l answered, ''eNcept the
sketch / made. 1 had never seen the
Marquise in life, if it be indeed her like
ness, no other proof of my truth is
needed.n
81 knew her WE'LL" said the Minister.
tShow me the SKETCH"
Iunpacked it and placed it before him.
He started as if he had been violently
struck.
at is indeed the Marquise," he muir
INJURED. Then turning to me he said:
describe the man who came to your
studio.n
al could not see him well. think he
had a moustache; he was tall and thin,
and spoke in a low, sad voice"
That would be arough description of
the Marquise, eh, NJ. B~onteaux?"
'sYes, Monsieur. / AVE heard that
the Marquis was overwhelmed with
grief, and that some of his friends feared
for his reason"
"A needless fear" said (; .'his grief is
only remors OF perhaps dread of dis
covery."
The instincts of the detective, who
distrusts everybody and everything,
were beginning to be aroused in me.
an. Godin, Justice is indebted to you.
All that can be done tonight shall be
done. In the morning 1 shall again
claim your aid. Go to your rooms at
once, md do not leave them or speak to
any one till rsend for you; and lest you
should be in any personal danger, I will
have the entrance to your apartment
watched"
thanked himfo this courtesy, though
1 could not help knowing that he was
~actuated quite as much by a desire not
to have me escape as by his wish to pro-
tect me.
M. Bonteaux called for me in the
morning. He told me 1 should have to
accompany him to the cemetery of Pere
la Chaise, as the Minister had decided to
have the coffin of the Marquise taken
from the family vault and opened. II
had been brought into a room of the
mortuary chapel, when we arrived.
The Minister and two or three assistants
were examining the body. The wound
had been found exactly as L described.
1 was cordially received by the Min,
lister and told that the Marquis had been
cont for up6ar tho pratavt that thara haG