The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1888-10-19
CHAPTER XII.


As soon rs we were on the sidewalk, I
had but one idea.
To rush 10 the Rue du Roi.D Dore and
arrest this Victor, the real criminal, was
evidently the first thing TO be done
a few words from NJ Mechinet fell
upon my enthusiasm like a shower bath.
And the law" said he. Without n
warrant from the examining magistrate,
can do nothing. We must 60 to the Pa
lais de Justice"
But we shall meet Madame Monistrol.
and IL she sees US she will warn her ac-
complice."
''Be it so,' replied NJ Mechinet, with
ill-disguised bitterness, ''be ii so. The
criminal will escape, and the forms of
law viii be satisfied. But can avert the
danger. Walk on, walk faster"
And, in fact, the hope OF success gave
him the speed OF deer On reaching the
Pala!s de Justice, he went up the steep
staircase leading to the magistrates
rooms four steps at n time, and speaking
to the head sheriff, asked IL the magis-
trate who had charge of the little old man
Of the BGtfgnolles was in his office.
YES" replied the officer, with n wit
Mesa young lady dressed in black"
That's undoubtedly she, said myconl-
panion.
Then, turning to the officer, he contin-
ned:
"You know me. Give me some materi-
ais TO write n few words for you to take to
the magistrate"
The officer went away with the note,
and soon returned to tell us that the
magistrate would see us in No g.
To receive NJ Mechinet he had bor-
rowed the Office of one of his colleagues,
leaving Nine. Monistrol in his own room
under the care of his clerk.
What is it," he asked, in n tone that
enabled me to measure the gulfthat sepa-
rated = magistrate from n poor detective.
NJ. Mechiuet briefly and clearly related
the steps we had taken, their results and
our hopes.
Need say that the magistrate did not
appear TO share our belief,
But since Monistrol confesses," ;" he re-
peated with an obsrinacy that exasperated
me
However, after numerous explanations,
lie said:
81 will sign n warrant"
Once in possession of this Indispensable
document. NJ Mechinet went away so fast
that | nearly fell as / rushed down the
st2ircase after him. A JfGcrc horse could
MT have kept mp with US. i doubt il we
were fifteen minutes in going 10 Ihc Rue
du Roi- -Dorc. I
But when we were once there, 'I8e care
full" said NJ Nechiret And wiz -
calmest air in the world, he entered the
narrow hall OF the house bearing the num-
Der %
Monsieur VictorF' he said to the con-
cicrge
Fourth floor, right hand door"
''Is he at homer"
''Yes"
NJ Mechinet took step toward the
staircase, then seeming to change his
mind, turned again to the concierge, say
ing:
~ must treat this worthy Victor TO
bottle OF good wine. Do you know to
what shop he Roes9"
''The one opposite"
We rushed across the street, and ".
Mechinet with the air OF 4 customer, or
dered-
cone bottle If you please, OF the best;
the green seal"
Upon my honor, that idea had never
occurred to mo during all this tiro! And
yet il was very simple.
The bottle having been brought, my
companion produced the cork found ON
NJ. PiRoreau's floor, and it was easy for
US to prove the identity of the wax
Positive certainty WAS now added to
moral conviction, and ". Mechincs
knocked nt Victor's door with firm
hand.
Come in called pleasant VOC
The key was in the door. we entered,
and in a very neat room I saw n Plan
about thirty years old, with slight fig
ure, pale complexion and fair Eair, who
was working at 4 bench.
Our presence didn't seem 70 disturb
him
NJ Mechinct advanced, and, sciz'ns
him by the arm, said:
az arrest you in tho namc ot thc law ~
The man turned livid, but did not lower
his eyes.
Are You playing trick on mc:'' 10
said ins lcnrly. "What have / done;"
NJ. McchiHct shrugged his shoulders.
''Don't act like child" !" said he, "your
account is settled. You were seen TO
leave Pere Antenor's rooms, and havo
in my pocket the cork you used to pre-
vent the point OF your dagger from
breaking"
THIS WAS like blow to the rascal's
neck. lie sank into his chair, stamnlcr-
ing:
81 am innocent