The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-11-07
THE MISSING PRINCE
ADVENTURE OF AN AMATEUR DETECTIVE.
By MAJOR ARTHUR GRlFFITHS.
Copyright, 1897, S S. Mcclure CD

1--WE are, with profound respect and
the assurance of our deep and abiding
sympathy, your hishness's servants,
''Phillidor de Fivas.
"Ac:tc.c M;-abel."
The confesseion, which was full and
explicit, bore the princes signature, the
attestation of the witness thereto, and
the words "copie conforme,' with the
seal and signature of the notary public,
LA Ramie PauD, Place de la Sahara,
| Biskra.'
do you believe all this?' / at once
asked the partners, Black and Bright
smith at rings rather false" said Harr
smith.
at rings rather false" said Harry.
"But the facts are precise, and Prince
| Casimir, who is our client, takes the
very gloomiest view of the situation.
| He has heard nothing from his son for
some weeks-months, indeed, and except
| for the letters of credit that have turned
| up pretty regularly-at least, until six
weeks ago--has had no idea of his
| whereabouts. We rather think he dis
trusts his son, or, at least, is so furious
ly angry at the scandal, that he will not
| look at the case calmly"
what is he like, this young prince?
Good sort? Bad lot? Which?
Frankly, / am on his side. Black
here" (Black was a tall, solemn chap,
preternaturally and prematurely grave,
with slow voice and dropping eyelids)
"has been rather against him."
mo, no; not quite that" protested
Black; "but l have thought him too
frivolous and fond of pleasure. Not
sufficiently alive to the obligation of
noblesse oblige."
"Well, anyhow, there is an element Of
doubt" I said. cit seems highly inn
probable that young prince just out Of
his teens is a professional Greek, skilled
in dirty tricks with the cards. That, on
the face of it, first. Then the fact that
Prince Casimir has heard nothing direct
from his son-no appeal, no apology, no
attempted exculpation. This rather tells
in the lads favor, / think. If | am
asked, / should say, Don't pay-or, at
least, till the story is verified"
''nis highness will not run that risk.
He insists upon the money being sent
out, and every stipulation fulfilled to the
letter. 1t drives him wild the idea of a
Medea posted as a cheat through Eu-
rope" answered Brightsmith.
II don't say refuse. But, at least, be
certain that the case is clear. There
should be time to settle that question
between now and Nov. %. / should like
look into it, on the spot, at once"
"At BiskraY
Certainly. There is time, / believe,
for me to pay visit to Biskra, to make
Inquiries, hear all about this De Fivas
and Mirabel and the crest Above all, to
see the young prince and hear his own
version"
He has given it here" said old Black,
hitting the confession with his knuck-
les, as it lay upon the table.
HE is said to have given it there.
That may be forgery. The signature,
the Official stamp of the notary. both
might have been obtained by some ne
farious dodge. The young prince may
be under coercion"
"My dear Maj. Macnaghten-Innes,"
broke in Black, impatiently for one so
sedate and stolid, ''in my experience, an
ounce of fact is worth a shipload of con-
lecture. / think that the safest course
is to send the money-exchange it for
the confession. Let us carry out the
contract. That, moreover, in fact, is
what our client wishes-silent compli-
ance and no risk"
Brightsmith, having fuller confidence
in my skill, took my view, and after
much debate it was decided that Prince
Cashier should be consulted. He came
up to Gresham Street, rather limp old
gentleman, to whom this was a crown
ing bitterness in a life Of disappoint-
nent, and we had some difficulty in per-