The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
ROGER LAROQUE.
Adapted and Translated from the French
Of Jules Mary.
BY OLIVE HARPER.

If that is all we will talk of other things
Roger shook his head He did not know
what TO say. There was but one thing clear
in his mind, and that was that be could not
hermit Lucien to defend him. The lawyer
took one of the prisoners hands in his own.
He read that there were combats in that suf-
fering soul, but could not divine the cause.
You do not understand me, then, Lucien.
am obliged at last to avow the truth. / did
Xii Larouettew
Are you craZyT
1T is the truth, and do not wish you to
defend me, Lucen, for 1 do not wish to be
saved, and l am not worthy Of your Defense
$50 you admit that you are the assassin,
And all these reproaches, these tears and
groans, these denials before the judge?"
Comedy To make them believe me inno-
cent"
We'll, then, you authorize me to tell NJ. De
Lignerolles, SO that when the case comes on
We can plead guilty and throw ourselves on
the mercy of the court. Is that itl'"
Roger made a sign of assent.
Now, Roger, you know very well that
don't believe one word of that"
This was too much for Roger, this proof of
grand affection, and he gave up utterly all
attempt at subterfuge But fms strange OBJ
stinacy had given birth to an underlined sus-
picion in the mind of Lucien; more all un-
easiness than a suspicion, but like the unrea-
sonable fear of a coming trouble Later that
scene came into his mind.
Now, since you have done with childish
ness, wish you to answer my questions. All
that you have said to the three magistrates ia
true, is it not? You have omitted nothing,
added nothingW
Nothing, l assure you"
Lucien then questioned him infinitely upon
the whole affair from beginning to end, and
he noted down such few facts as he thought
might help him. After all that had been
written he said:
Now, the next question is, from whom did
you receive those hottest This you must
tel me-"
do not insist, Lucien. That 1 cannot tell
you"
'Whym
Honor forbids.n
Rogers head dropped. Lucien kept silence
moment. but he watched Roger closely, and
then with nervous laugh exclaimed:
Il will bet you tl.:,t ! !,I,.:r."
Roger shuddered. "Lueien your gayety
hurts me-"
"DlVlQe your secret Win me ana Will
weep with you, if you wish Only last night
was talking with Julia and told her was
sure there was woman in this"
MY Godl My God!' murmered Roger, a
prey to the most inexpressible gloom.
"A married woman, doubtless" said Luz
cien. continuing his torturing questions !
am disappointed in you, Roger, but must
pardon. But tell me who she is and 1 will
go to her secretly and find out what she
knows of whence the money came"
Have mercy, Lucien."
"Roger, must think not only of you, but
OF Henriette and Suzanne. So, it being a mar
ried woman, you fear the husbands anger
will fall on her and the dishonor for all par
ties. 1t is always so, sooner or later, in these
matters. Were you friend to this woman's
husband?'
Roger thought moment, and remember
ing that at that time Lucien was scarcely
known TO him, he said no. But, in spite of
all Lucien could say or do, Roger would not
divulge the name.
"You are very wrong. know you are in
nocent, and ] fear the worst if you persist.
Come, l will leave you to reflect, and in the
neanoime | will go about your vindication,
and shall see you before the day of trial"
Lucien went away after more consolatory
words, but the noise his crutches and wooden
legs made on the marble hall outside seemed
just so many blows struck on Rogers heart