Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1891-10-23
Calcatroni's Revenge.

OF course you remember that affair
which caused so much gossip, four or
five years ago, at the wedding Of AntOnin
Leroux. the bankers son, and Mademoi-
selle Combe aux FOntaines.
Leroux had formerly been associated
with an Italian count named Calcatroni,
who was often numbered among the
bankers guests. He is seen there no
more, however.
There were rumOrs aaoat casting
doubt on the solvency Of the bank, and
many persons predicted that the mar
riage would never take place, yet it did,
and the presents were magnificent.
Among the guests was an old friend of
the family, the learned Desroches, libra
riau of the Gardc Meu5le, a man whose
position obliged him to cultivate two
very different qualities; it was neces-
sary for him to be at the sane time the
most courteous, and the most suspicious
of men, to treat every reader in the
library as q brother in science, an es-
teemed friend, but man who must be
closely watched, and whose pockets must
be probed with glance.
Il know many good women and
honest men, he often said, "but there
is no human being on earth who is
not, at some time Of life. tempted
to walk off with valuable book"
To return to tne wedding. On leaving
the church the bridal party and guests
went to Madame Leroux's home where a
COLLATION. was served. In ore of the
parlors the presents were on exhibition,
according to despicable custom which
forces every guest to contribute with
generosity often involuntary. Among
the jewelry was a diamond necklace, the
gift of the bridegroom's father, which
attracted every eye, and put to fight all
doubts as TO the state of the bankers
finances. 1t cost ten thousand crowns
at the lowest estimation.
While every one was busily engaged
in the diniDg-room sudden clamor
arose, and whisper passed from one
guest to another.
"The diamond necklace is stolcnm
SIr. Leroux behaved like true aristo-
crat. When the catastrophe was reported
to him be turned red in the face for an
instant, but recovered himself immedi-
ately and said in a tone Of calmness.
"Do not excite yourselves, my friends,
a mere money loss is not mortal wound.
I do not want a trifing disappointment
to cast gloom over day like this. My
dear children, may this slight and unfor-
seen shadow be the only one to fall across
your life's pathway"
"He is plucky dog" muttered
philosophical guest, but all felt the
situation painful one, and most OF the
guests breathed more freely on finding
themselves outside the house.
In ten minutes the rooms were empty,
and then a servant informed Mt. Leroux
that gentleman wished to speak to him
in the library Hurrying in, he found
Desroches, who was evidently much ex-
cited.
.tMr. Leroux." said the old librarian,
"the duties of my profession have caused
me to acquire the habit Of watching the
people round me. saw the diamond
necklace stolen. The thief is q man of
about fifty, tall, slim and very dark. He
must be a friend OF yours for I noticed
him shaking hands with you repeatedly
in the sacristy, after the marriage. l
have been following him aud was about
to speak to him when we were separated |
by the crowd in the street and he got
into cab and escaped me. took the
number, however, and you will have no
difficulty in tracing the fellow. Oicourse
I shall be delighted to testify. Shall we
we go to the police at oucel"
At the last words Leroux spraug up
and stood barring the door, as If he
thought Desroches himself the thief.
swat minute, please, " he exclaimed,
al think l know the person you sus-
pcct---"
"Suspectl The deucol" Interrupted
Desroches, 'sI tell you saw it. Thanks
% mirror, distinctly saw him put the
diamonds into his pocket. He will
sleep in jail tonight, that is, If he, is
sleepy. Only, we must not lose any |
time"
~ beg your pardon, Mr.. Desroches, ]