The Iola register., 1902-04-18

"Well said NJ. Prosper, and, to be
frank, | fully expected that this would
be your purpose. | have therefore al
ready begun to think and act for you.
l have plan. In the first place. you
will sell this furniture, quit this house
and disappear"
"Disappear!" crieG Prosper indig-
nantly. Disappear! Why, monsieur?
Do you not see that such a step would
be a confession of guilt-would au-
thorize the world to say that l am
hiding so as to enjoy undisturbed the
stolen fortuneY
"Well, what then" said the man
with the red whiskers coldly. did you
not say just now that the sacrifice Of
your life is made? The skillful swim
mer thrown into the river by malefac-
tors is careful not to rise to the sur
face Immediately. On the contrary,
he dives and remains below as long as
his breath holds out. He comes up
again Mt great distance and lands
out of sight. Then, when he is sup
posed to be dead. lost forever to the
sight of man, he rises up and has
his vengeance. You have an enemy?
Some petty imprudence will betray
him. But while he sees you on the
watch he will be on his guard"
1t was with sort of amazed submis-
sion that Prosper listened to this man
who, though friend of his father, was
an utter stranger to himself.
He submitted to the ascendency of
nature more energetic than his own.
In his helpless condition he was CRATE
| full to find friend.
II will follow your advice, monsieur"
he said.
81 was sure you would. Let us de-
eide upon the course you shall pursue.
And remember that the proceeds of
the sale will be needed. Have you any
ready money!? No. but you must have
some. Knowing that you would need
1t at once, l brought here furniture
dealer, and he will give 10000 francs
for everything except the pictures"
The cashier could not refrain from
struggling his shoulders, which NJ. Yer
dWet observed.
"Yes," said he, at is hard, I will ad-
init, but it is necessary. Listen. You
are the invalid and l am the doctor
charged to cure you. If l cut to the
quick. you will have to endure it. 1t
is the only way to save you"
"Cut away, then, monsieur" answer.
ed Prosper, submitting.
"Wcll, we will hurry, for time pass
es. You have friend. NJ. de Lagors?'
"Raou? Yes, monsieur, an intimate
friend"
"Now tell me, who is this fellow?"
The term fellow" seemed to wound
Prosper.
IN. de Lagors, monsieur" he said,
piqued, "ls NJ. Fauvel's nephew. He is
a rich young man, handsome, intelli-
gent, cultured and the best friend
have"
"Humw said NJ. Verduret. 81 shall
be delighted to make the acquaintance
of one adorned by so many good quail
ties / must let you know that wrote
him note in your name asking him
to come here, and he sent word that
he would be here directly"
"Whatw cried the astonished Pros
per. "Do you suppose
"Oh, suppose nothing. Only must
see this young man. Also l have ar
ranged and will submit to you a little
plan of Conversation
A ring at the bell interrupted NJ. Yer
duret.
The dickens Adieu to my plan!
Here he is! Where can l hide so as
to hear and seer
There in my bedroom. Leave the
door open and the curtain down."
A second ring was heard.
II must co." said Prosper.
"Now. remember, Prosper" said NJ
Verduret in warning tone, mot one
word to this man about your plans oil
about me. Pretend to be discouraged
helpless, hesiBting."
And he disappeared behind the cur
: tain as Prosper ran to open the door
Prospers portrait of NJ. de Lagors
had not been exaggerated. So hand
some face and manly a figure coult
belong only to noble character. Al
though Raoul said that he was twenty
four he appeared to be not more thar
! twenty. He had superb figure, wei
knit and supple; a beautiful white
brow, shaded by soft chestnut curly
hair, and soft blue eyes which beamet
, with frankness.
His first impulse was to throw him
q self into Prosper's arms. "My poor
+ dear friend" he said, taking Prosper
e hands. my poor Prospect"
2 But beneath these affectionate dem
e onstrations there was a certain con
l straint, which, If 1t escaped the cash
( Ter, was noticed by NJ. Verduret.
"Your letter, my dear Prosper" saiC
}. Raoul after being seated, "made mi
n i'll, was so frightened by it. l asket
myself If you could have lost you
p mind. Then left everything to com
I to you"
n Prosper did not seem to hear him