Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1896-03-19

Suppose I trere to tell you that she is
dedd3''
turb you. That / do so now is due to
the fact that every other resource has
been tried and has failed me. &"
proceed, SIR said the host, with a
courteous bow.
Il am seeking certain information
about a woman who was known as La
Montalbon, and''- An instantaneous
change came over the face of Mr.. Neuilly
His hospitable smile OF welcome vanish
ed. He rose erect and stifiy said
81 know nothing of that woman, and
must wish you very good morning"
with which he deliberately began to
walk from the room. Mr.. Barnes for a
moment was nonplused, but saw that
he must act quickly or lose all chance of
gaining any information from this man.
lone moment, Mr.. Neuilly, " he said.
"You certainly would not refuse to help
me convict her murderer. As he ex-
pected, the last word brought him back
Murderer? Did you mean to init
mate that she has been murdered?" Say
ing this he stopped for a second, and
then slowly returned and sat down
again.
Rose Montalbon was murdered in
New York some months ago believe
that 1 am on the track of the guilty
man. Will you aid me?"
"That depends upon circumstances.
You say the woman is dead. That alters
my position in this matter very much.
had reasons, good ones to me, for re-
fusing to converse with you ON this sub
ject. But if the woman is dead the OBJ
jections vanish" Mr.. Barnes thought
he understood. Here was one of those
who had been ruled by fear, as Cham
bers had said.
what want from you, Mr.. Neuilly,
is very simple. You either can or you
cannot give me the information that
wish. Did you know a man named Le-
roy Mitchell who was at one time this
woman's husband?"
II knew him very well he was
scoundrel of the deepest dye, for all that
he had the manners of the polished gen
tleman."
"Do you know what became of him?"
mo; he left this city suddenly and
has never returned.
"Did you know little Rose Mitchell"
MANY time has she sat upon my
knee. This man was her father. He
wronged one of the sweetest little girls
that ever lived -
"You knew this girl? Knew her
name?'
"I did"
"What was it?''
THAT is a secret have guarded for
too many years to be willing to yield it
now to stranger. You must show me
good reasons for giving it to you before
I tell it. "
81 will explain. This man Mitchell is
now in New York He is about to mar
ry a sweet, good woman. Yet l think
that he murdered Rose Montalbon, or
Mitchell, to get her out of his way.
think that she was blackmailing him.
Besides, he has his child with him."
Mr. Neuilly started mp and paced the
room for some time, much agitated.
Finally he stopped and said:
"You say he has the child with him?"
"Yes. Here is her likeness. He
handed Mr.. Neuilly the photograph
made by Lucette.
Mr.. Neuilly looked at it, muttered
every like, very like!' then remained
silent for some moments; finally he
said:
"And you think he murdered this
woman, Montalbon?"
81 do"
"It would be terrible to hang that
child's father. What dishonor What
dishonorl But justice is justice!" He
to be talking rather to himself
than to Mr.. Barnes. Suddenly he turned
and said:
81 cannot tell you the name for which
you ask. But will go with you to New
York, and if this story of yours is true
will move heaven and earth to see
justice done. That villain must not ruin
another young life"
Good" exclaimed the detective, de-
lighted with the result of his visit.
lone more point, Mr.. Neuilly. What
Mr.. Leroy Mitchell"
"I never met him, though knew of |
him. There was a mystery about that
which I never could unravel I think |
that he loved this same girl At any |
rate, shortly after she died he lost his |
reason, and is now in an insane asylum.
OF course he cannot help us. "
Mr.. Barnes, after arranging where to
meet Mr.. Neuilly, returned to the st. |
Charles to make his own preparations |
for going north. Up in his room he |
found Chambers awaiting him.
''Well," said the detective, what
have your learned?"
Nothing that will please you, am |
sorry to say Only have found the other |
Mitchell. He is lunatic in an asylum |
out in the suburbs. But the fellow up /
north is your man sure. This one, they |
say, went crazy because his sweetheart |
gave him the mitten.
Ibid you find out the woman's
"I could not do that. 1t seems as
carefully hidden as though it was state
secret. That gives you an insight into
what the creole pride is. -
Every we'll I think you have worked
FOR me faithfully. Here is 800 bill
Will that satisfy you?"
Perfectly. wish you luck. "
An hour later telegram was handed
to Mr.. Barnes, which read:
Have found the child. LUcETTE.
In the afternoon Mr.. Barnes started
for New York accompanied by Mr..
Neuilly. That same night Mr.. Robert
Leroy Mitchell received telegram which
,ead:
Barnes off for New York. Has old Neuilly |
With him. II the last named knows anything,
-ou must be careful. SEXTON.
After reading this Mr.. Mitchell COM
,leted his toilet, used the dispatch to
light a cigarette and then took his
iancee to the opera.