The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1890-02-28
CHAPTER Y.

a swear to you, by all that hold most
precious-my wife, my child-that l have
told you the truth, said Roger, almost stihed
by the violence of his emotion.
"How can the law believe you, Laroque, if
you take away tho only means possible of
proving your innocence!'
"By the grace of God. Let my destiny be
accomplished" said Roger, in a firm tone,
and rising to his feet. ARREST me. am
ready to follow you but remember, have
nothing more to say"
Strange obstinacy," murmured NJ Lie
nard. Then aloud: "Then / must arrest YOU
You wished it, and have forced me to do so. -
The magistrate put his notes in order and
made Laroque sign his responses, received
the declaration of Jean Guerrier, and with
the report of the expert and the notes that
formed part of the accusation, made packet
which was to go to Versailles to the Judge
who was charged with the signing. At this
minute the clock struck IL.
Follow me-" said Lienard.
In passing through the counting room
Roger found assembled all the employees, with
Jean Guerrier, and all having presentiment
of coming trouble. They all gathered around
him.
my friends" said Roger, II am arrested,
lowed by robbery. ! am going to leave you,
but be assured shall not be gone long.
shall have soon established my innocence.
Continue in my service. Jean, leave you i'm
full charge. Goodby, my children"
Guerrier was the only one who embraced
aim
"This accusation is ridiculous" said he,
eonsolingly. You will justify yourself
easily"
Laroque smiled, though he had no faith in
establishing his innocence. In the courtyard
were gathered all the workmei,, and the word
passed like wildfire 1.-THE patron is arrested"
Laroque walked between the two detectives,
who held his arms. His men adored him for
mis- uniform justice, kindness and upright
character. In one moment they were sur
rounded by these strong workmen, and La
rogue would have had to make but sign to
be free. Lienard understood this, and ex-
perienced u moments uneasiness
BE calm, my Children" said Roger, "and
lea"e us. am the victim of some mistake,
and tonight, or at least tomorrow, shall be
here Do not be uneasy about your pay,
which you will receive to-nigh. from your
foreman"
The busy fabric was still, for it was the
dinner hour, and Roger turned at the gate
and looked back at the building with u heart
full of despairing grief, sinister PRESENT.
ment. II shall never see this again" thought
he. And leaning from the carriage he looked
back at the dusty windows with aching eyes.
During the return voyage to Versailles,
which he made between the two detectives,
he thought of nothing but his wife and child.
When the train passed before Vile d'Avray
his heart sweled. There but few steps from
him were the two cherished loves of his life,
and as the windows of the car were lowered
ON account of the heat he had sort of hallu-
cination. he was SO far from the TRUTH
He imagined he heard the silvery voice of
Suzanne, while she ran gayly among the
flowers. Then he closed his eyes and wept In
silence
Roger Laroque had married Henrictte, the
only child of George Bernardo, proprietor of
the machine workSat Rue Saint Maur. His
marriage with Henriette was the occasion Of
his being taken into partnership with his
father-in-law, who was in poor health And
soon tbs death OF M. Bernardo made bin sole
master VI the great works. IL was not great
fortuna but perhaps was the means Of future