Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-06

We do not even know that Prince Stanis-
las has ever been in Biskra. 1 question
that, even"
Would you have known"
las a matter of course l think he would
have come to me; think he would have
allowed me to show him some attention.
In any case, the hotel registerS-you know
Cur French system? -would certainly have
told me. No Prince de Medea has been
recorded among the arrivals at Biskra, be-
lieve me; 1 should have heard"
But if he was ireognito, for reasons of
his OWN"
I'VE will have the registers. Let US
see If there is any one like him on the
lists. But you tell me you have yourself
inquired at the hotels. L fear this will
lead us TO further"
The lists were brought, but, as the baron
prophesied, they told us nothing.
No" he said, Il see only one spot Of
firm ground anywhere, point from which
possibly we may travel in the right direc-
ton
The notary public?"
Exactly. M. La Ramie is a real. tangible
fact-the only notary public in Biskra.
know him personally little. by reputation
still better, as an honorable. straightfor-
ward functionary. who would hardly lend
himself to anything underhand. Frers:h
rotaries. as a rule. bear deservediy high
character. We had better see NJ. La
Ramie. He can, at least, tell you the
truth about the confession. A record of
the copy. made and attested, will be kept
in his office, if it ever was made. which
1 Doubt
We walked down without delay to the
Place de la Sahara. and We're shown in
at once. All doors opened before the COM
mandant of the garrison.
NJ. La Ramie, an aged man, who was
In slippers and wore black skull cap
was most courteous and obliging, pre-
pared to give us any information in his
fession made by Prince Stanislas de MEDIA.
Nothing of the sort had been brought to
his etude he had never heard of De Fivas
or Mirabel.
Then laid the copy before him, asking
If that was not his Office seal, his sigma
ture.
1.-The seal. yes. The signature, no. The
first has been stolen, l know by whom
the second forged-undoubtedly forged by
the same coquin, voleur, escroc, sacripant,
faineant." The staid old notary grew pur-
pie with rage as he rolled out abusive
epithets, then paled suddenly with another
emotion, alarm aud mis- giving. He will
ruin me yet, disgrace ne utterly, for who
shall say where his distractions. his mis-
use of my confidence will ceasc?"
Was he one of your clerks?' asked the
colonel.
My first clerk, Picpus, whom I drove
cut of my etude some two months back
for fragrant misconduct. Liar. rogue. thief
gambler, Greek, he wasted his substance
and mine in every low he'll, at the roulette
tables in the market place. in the dancing
dens of the Ouled Nail"
nat became or h1m!'
Il heard that he had gone down to the
coast. to Algiers or to Constantine, and
again that he was lurking somewhere near
He was seen at Sidi Okba, drunk in the
bazaar. and covered with flies. Another
said he had gone on to Touggourt and
meant to go over to the"
Il do not believe myself that he has left
Biskra-neither he nor his fast friend and
boon companion, the croupier of the Cercle
ell Salahin."
Della Grocer" quickly asked Raron
d'Hautrive. and also pricked up my ears
at the mention of the club. We had
struck another clue.
This Della Croce.' my friend the col
onel told me as We walked away from the
hotary's. lis probably at the bottom of
this business. He was once in a good
position, had money, and, l believe, rank
Della Croce is not his real name-5ut he
lest 1t all at play. When he was bank
lupt In cash. and almost in character, he
was brought out here this last sea son to
act as croupier at the Casino, just to keep
him from starvation. I heard of aim.
never saw him, fer, as you will under
stand, do not frequent those places; heard
of him as a man with history, man
who had been in good. in the best society,
knew men and cities. but had sunk into
d'industrie. 1t Is possible that he knew the
prince by sight. had met him or heard of
him in Europe. and when he came up here
If he ever came"
mot to my satisfaction. You stick to
your point. however; it is like you English
But Will you explain why no one, none of
US at any rate. has met him or heard of
him? Biskra is a small place. Why are
there no traces of himT'
THAT is the darkest part Of the business,
to my mind
''You shall not say. monsieur. that we
have not tried our best to clear up that.
There shall be no imputation of foul play