The Olneyville tribune. (Providence, R.I.) 1893-189?, 1894-05-05
young daughter OF the charcoal burn

er.
Nevertheless, Judge Sourdat hac
given the order to re-examine one OF
the men, stolid boy OF twenty, who
bad once had falling out with the
murdered guard and the Judge had
also cited the charcoal burner :
daughter to appear before him. Just
here the affair commenced to be pc
cuiar. The girl had not responded
TO the summons. She had evidently
hidden, no one knew where. The
Judge had been obliged to send u coz
stable to look herup, and he was now
awaiting the result OF the search.
Toward 10 o'clock the door Of his
cabinet opened, framing the cooked
hat and yellow shoulder belt OF the
constable
"Eh well?" grunted the Judge.
"Eh well Judge. / cannot find
the girl. She has disappeared. The
charcoal burners pretend utter igno-
rance"
"Pure acting" irritably cried
Judge Sourdat. "These people are
mocking you. You are but a stupid
The Judge consulted his watch. The
business was Mt standstill; the case
could not be called, and he wished to
give a glance OF oversight TO the mat
ter OF the dining room before the ar
rival OF his guests. He disrobed him
self and hurried home.
The pleasant dining room, bright
ened by the June sunshine, presented
most attractive aspect with its
white woodwork its gray curtains;
its high stove Of blue faience with
its marble top; and its round table
covered with dazzling white linen
cloth, upon which were placed three
covers, artistically trimmed. The
little rolls Of white bread rested ten
derly upon the bright red napkins.
Flanked on the right with II lettuce
salad, ornamented with nasturtiums;
on the left by cluster Of shcll-fish
from the Meuse the trout was eX-
tended in platter engirdled with
parsley. Its blue back cut trans
versely, revealed its rich salmon
color, and it held full-blown rose in
its mouth. BY its side, IA bowl Of
court -bouillon was just taking chill,
and exaling abroad fine odor Of
thyme which rejoiccd the nostrils
This spectacle somewhat softcncd
the ill-humor of the Judge, and he
was calming, little by little, when
the hall door opened violently, and
he heard i'm the vestibulc girls
voice which cried, ~ tell you ! wish
TO speak to the Judge. He expects
me.
At the same time half-nakcd arm
made the recorder TouchbTuf spin
through the open door. He had just
arrived, being one Of the invited
guests A strange visitor was ush-
cred by him into the dining hall. 1t
was young girl, almost II child, thin
and brown, with uncovered head and
with her hair streaming on the wind.
Her stockinglcss feet were thrust
into mems boots gray blouse and
II skirt Of blue cotton formed her sole
attire. Her rapid walking had
flushed her checks; her gentle brown
eyes were sparkling under the un~
combcd tangles Of her chestnut hair;
her nostrils were dilating and her
parted lips trembled.
what does all this racket mcan?"
growled the Judge, scowling.
"It is that little charcoal burner"
responded the recorder TouchbUuf.
"She arrived at the Polais Just after
you left, and she has followed me as
far as here, in II state of wild excite
ment, in order that you may take her
deposition"
"Eh!" groaned the Judge. "Iou
are in great hurry, my girl, after
keeping me waiting three days. Why
did you not come sooner?'
IL had my reasons" she said, cast
ing hungry eyes upon the table.
1--WE can better appreciate your
reasons later" replied the Judge,
furious at the interruption. "Mean-
while we can listen to your report. "
He drew out his watch. 1t was
quarter to eleven. YES, we have
time, Touchbmuf. You will find
ut your side all that is necessary for
writing. We will question her"
The notary seated himself at the
writing table with his paper and ink
stand, and his pen behind his ear
waiting. The Judge, sitting squarely
in a squarc-seated armchair, fixed his
clear, hard eyes upon the girl, who
remained standing near the stove.
"Iour name ?" he demanded.
incline Sacael."
"Iour age, and your residence ?"
sixteen years. | live with my
father, who burns charcoal at the
clearing Of Onze- -Fontaines.
"lou swear to tell all the truth ? y
II came only for that"
Raise your right hand. You were
near your home on the night when
the guard Seurrot was murdered Re-
late all that you know"
This is what | know. Our folks
had set out to go with the charcoal
to Stonay. | watched near the fur
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