The Redwood gazette., 1893-06-08

ana cnalr anu enJereO into some Orul-
nary conversation. At sSngth said:
We'll. but. C.. what of the pur-
loined letter? presume that you have
at last made up your mind that there is
no such thing as overreaching the minis
teri
''Confound him, say I-yes. I made
the re-examination. however. as Dupip
suggested, but it was all labor lost. as /
knew it would be-"
''How much was the reward offered.
did you say?' asked Dupin.
''Why, very great deal-a very lib
eral reward don't like to say how
much precisely. But one thing I will
say-that I wouldn't mind giving my in
dvidual check for $4,000 francs to any
one who could obtain me that letter
The fact is. it is becoming of more and
more Importance every day, and the re-
ward has been lately doubled. If it were
trebled, however, could do no more
than have DONE"
"Why, yes" said Dupin drawlingly
between the whiffs of his meerschaum,
II really-think. G. you have not
exerted yourself-to the utmost in this
matter. You might-do little more.
think. Eh?''
"How? In what way?"
"Why-puf, puff-you might-puf,
puff employ counsel in the matter, eh?
puff, puff, puff. Do you remember the
story they tell of Abernethy?"
mo; hang Abernethy!'
Ito be sure; hang him and welcome.
But once upon a time certain rich
miser conceived the design of sponging
upon this Abernethy for medical opin-
ion. Getting up for this purpose an
ordinary conversation in private COM
pany, he insinuated his case to the ply
sician as that of an ordinary individual.
"'We will suppose said the miser,
that his symptoms are such and such.
Now, doctor. what would you have di-
rected him to take?'
'Taker said Abernethy; why, take
advice, to be sure"
But" said the prefect, a little dis
composed, Il am perfectly willing to
take advice and to pay for it. would
really give $4,000 francs to any one who
would aid me in the matter"
''In that case," replied Dupin, opening
q drawer and producing a checkbook,
''you may as well fill me up check for
the amo,nt mentioned. When you have
signed it. will hand you the letter."
was astounded. The prefect ap-
peared absolutely thunderstruck. For
some minutes he remained speechless
and motionless, looking incredulously at
my friend with open mouth and eyes
that seemed starting from their sockets.
Then, apparently recovering himself in
some measure, he seized pen, and after
several pauses and vacant stares finally
filled up and signed check for SO, 900
francs and handed it across the table to
Dupin. The latter examined it care
fully and deposited it in his pocketbook,
then unlocking an escritoire took thence
a letter and gave it to the prefect.
The functionary grasped it ina perfect
agony of joy, opened it with trembling
hand, cast a rapid glance at it's contents,
and then, scrambling and struggling to
the door. rushed at length unceremoni-
ously from the room and from the house
without having uttered q syllable since
Dupin had requested him to fill up the
check.
When he had gone, my friend entered
into some explanations.
"The Partisan police" he said, ''are ex-
ceedingly able in their way. They are
persevering, ingenious, cunning and thor
oughly versed in the knowledge which
their duties seem chiefly to demand.
Thus when G. detailed to us his
mode of searching the premises at the
Hotel D. felt entire confidence in
his having made satisfactory investi-
cation, so far as his labors extended"