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

A11A ~ kTcdI DlcCc
OF imprudence, but, nevertheless, had
found the weak point in the armor, tho
Joint by which tho most solid system OF
defense could be shattered.
j, a volunteer, had seen clearly where
the old stager in the detective force was
merely Groping his way.
Another man would have been jealous
and borne me grudge. lie was not one
OF that sort
He thought only of turning my lucky
discovery 10 account, and as he said it
ought not TO be impossible now that the
case turned upon a fixed fact
We therefore entered neighboring
restaurant TO consult about the matter
while breakfasting.
This was the state of the problem,
which an hour before had seemed insol-
uble-
1t was proved that Monistrol was in
nocent. Why had he declared himself
guilty,
We thought we could guess, but that
was not the question at present.
We were equally sure that Nine Monis-
troll had not stirred from her house on
the evening OF the murder. But every
thing proved that she had been aware of
II, even if she had not advised and
planned it, and consequently was well
Win tue 0SSslSSAn-
Who was this assassin
A man whom Monistrol's dog followed
rs il did its owners, since lie had made il
follow him when he went TO the Batig-
nolles.
So IL was some one who was an intimate
friend Of the Monistrol family.
He must hate the husband, however,
since he had combined all the circum-
stances with internal skill to throw sus-
picion upon the unfortunate man.
On the other hand, he must he very
dear to the wife, since, knowing him, she
would not give him up, unhesitatingiy
sacrificing her husband.
Then
Oh. the conclusion was reduced to 4
formula. The assassin could only be a
miserable hypocrite, who had abused the
husbands affection and confidence to
win the love OF the wife.
In short, Nine. MonistroI, belying her
reputation, undoubtedly had n lover, and
Jhis lover was necessarily the criminal.
Full of This certainty, / racked my
brains to discover some infsllible strata
gem that would enable Us to reach the
scoundrel.
''This is the way we ought to operate,
Think sal to NJ Mechinet.
Madame Mouistrol and the murderer
must h,va agreed that after the crime
they would not SEE each 9th for some
-'une; this is the most elementary prud-
y -. But ere long ~" woman will grow
impatient and want to see her accomplice.
Let us station Il spy near her To follow her
everywhere, and before forty Eht hours
the a-air Will be settled"
NJ. Mcch!net paused moment before
replying, mumbling few unintelligible
words.
lyon haven't hit IL. You have the
genius OF the profession, that don't deny,
but you lack experience. Fortunately
have it. What! a remark about the
crime puts you Oh the scent, and you don't
follow it up"
''This faithful dog must be utilized"
81 don't understand"
Then learn to wait. Madame Monis-
troll will go out about two o'clock, to
reach the Ps,lais de Justice about three;
the little servant will be alone in the shop
you'll see, that's all / shall tell you"
In fact, my entreaties were useless: he
would say nothing more. avcnging him
self for his defeat by this very innocent
bit Of malice. Willing or not, / had to
accompany him to the nearest cafe, where
he made me play dominoes.
1 played badly, being absorbed in
thought, and he was shamefully taking
advantage OF it to beat ne, when the
clock struck two.
"Up TO our posts" he said, dropping the
dominoes-
He paid the bill. we went ont, and the
instant after were again standing like
sentineis in the doorway. from which We
had watched the approaches to Monistrors
shop
We had not been there ten minutes
when Mime. Monistrol appeared on the
threshold. dressed in black, with large
crepe veil. like widow.
"A beautiful toilette in which to appear
before the magistrate" grumbled NJ.
hech:net-
She gave her little servant a few orders
and walked rapidly away.
ME comranion waited patiently Eve