The Osceola times., 1883-06-09

supposed murder that had been commit
ted in the Rue des Invalides. Madame
de Brahal had been found in her bed
cold in death, with a poignard still i'm
bedded in her heart.
Bertrand thought that he would be as
signed to this case, and accordingly made
preparations. But in this he was mista-
ken, for as soon as the examining magis-
trate returned from the scene ofthe muir
der he informed Bertrand that his servi-
ces would not at all be necessary, as the
murderer had been found. This worthy
parsonage was no other than the groom
of the unfortunate lady.
"And to think that the wretch could
be so ungratefu!' exclaimed the magis-
trate-Madame de Brahal had been so
kind TO him. But how could he be such
fool rs to leave the poignard, with the
initials on, in the bosom of his victim?
However, we have him safe in his cell.
Monsieur lie Juge will see how swift JUS
tice was in this CASE
So saying the examining magistrate
departed for his private Office TO make out
his report of the case
Left alone, Bertrand pondcrcd to him
self
"Why will these people do wrong2
Why commit crimes? They must know
sooner or later their dark deeds will be
brought TO light. | would really like to
see this groom, who would leave the inn
plement of his crime, with his initials
on, in the bosom Of his victim
1t was but the effort of moment to
have his wish gratiiied. Arrived at the
cell in which the young man lay, Ber-
trand, who expected to find some stupid,
numbering fellow, was astonished to find
a young man whose cDuntcnance and
actions showed him to be possessed OF
considerable intelligence and frankness
That is not the face of a brutal butch
er," muttered Bertrand "Why did YOU
commit so terrible dced?' asked he.
shrug of the shoulders was the an
swer-
Looking the prisoner straight in the
eyes, Bertrand then said:
81 do not believe that you murdered
Madame de Brlhal"
The young man started toward the de-
tectlve eagerly, then stopped, and casting
his ewes to the ground, said:
Was not my dagger found in Mad
ame's bosom?"
How did it get there2" inquired Ber-
trand.
MY Cod Ii stabbed her.
The detective. withdrawing, muttcrcd
to himself
Strange, indeed. | cannot believe in
the guilt of this young man. He Ia sac
rificing himself osave some one. Per-
haps he has mistress among the maids
of Madame, and her he wants to pro-
teot. | will find out. | will 20 to the
house of the murdered woman and as
certain all can"
So saying he went to his private room,
and donning . complete disguise, he pro-
ceoded TO the Rue dcs Invalides. Ar
irving at the mansion, he asked the por-
ter who answered the bell for Monsieur
de Brahal, stating that with monsieur he
had important business, He was inform
ed that monsieur was not at home-in
fact, monsieur was not in Paris.
Them said Bertrand, monsieur is
not aware of the terrible misfortune that
has befallen him in the death of his
wife"
"No, monsiourn answered the porter.
Monsieur de BrahaI left Paris the day
before the murder of his wife for Havrc,
and has not returned, although Madame
Rhodes, the hOusckeeper, has sent him
word"
"Ah! perhaps from this English house
keeper ! can learn something" mutter-
ed the detective to himself Then to the
porter; Madame Rhodes, perhaps, can
give the information desire"
Bertrand was shown into the reception
room of the mansion, Presently the
rustling of woman's dress was heard,
nd the form of woman was before
him,
What does monsieur desire of me?"
asked Madame Rhodes.
The voice made the detective start as
If he had been struck by an electric
shock, and, taking step forward, he APP
preached almost near enough to touch
the woman's face. Then, starting back,
uttering cry of mingled surprise and
rage, he taltered;
"Susanne!"
The woman shrank back As if she had
trod upon a serpent. She did not rec
ognise him.
81 have found you at last" muttered
Bertrand.
81 never saw you before. and am not
at all anxious to clear up this ridiculous
mistake" said she.
II Will recall your recollcctions."
Like a flash he tore Off the disguise.
Justin she murmurcd; the dead
come to life! What do you want cfme?"
she said haughtily.
What do ! want" he asked, with q
tingc of sorrow in his voice. II want my
son.
What if | should refuse to give Kim
up?"
"Then, woman, will tear the secret
from your heart" And advancing men
acingly toward her as if to execute his
threat he stopped, and as though touch
ed by q sweet recollection of happy days
gone by, he murmured. "Susanne. give
me back my son and | will forgive you
all the evil you have done me-"
Il do lot want your pardon. All that
| ask is that you leave this house and
never modest me any more; or if you
do"
81 will not move until have my son.
You base woman, now believe you to
he the accomplice OF a mur-"
An internal smile contracted Susanne's
pallid lips
Your son!" she said, in harsh voice.
"You want to know him?"
"Tell me where he is and | swear will
leave You forever"
your son Phillip is at the Prefecture
with the blood of Madame de Brahal on
his head. He was her groom"
Bertrand's lips trembled and he had
not strength to answer. Then, gathering
enough strength together, he left the
wretched scene and FASTENED to the pre-
lecture. 1t was the work of an instant
for him to reach the cell where his bov
was. Bursting in upon him to the amaze.