Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-02-27

G&Sk-J cell. \ lie UTSI lMU h6l . h"1
not appeared very long. He had re-
quested and been granted some sheets
of paper. numbered. which he was
obliged to account for, and he wrote
with sort Of rage plans Of defense
and memoranda of justification. The
third day he began to he uneasy at
not seeing any one except the con-
tlemned prisoners who were employed
10 serve those confined in secret cells
and the jailer WHO brought him his
food.
"Am not to be examined again."
he would ask.
"Your turn is coming" the jaler in
yariably answered.
Time passed. and the wretched man,
tortured by the sufferings Of solitary
confinement. which quickly break tho
spirit, sank into despair.
Gam l to stay here forever| he
snoaned.
The cell door opened, and the jailer's
gruff voice called out, Come to the
court Of Instruction.
He instantly obcyed the order. But
his step was no longer unsteady, as n
few days previous a complete change
had taken place within him. He walk
I'd with head erect, a firm step and the
fire Of resolution shining IN his eye.
lie knew the way now. and he walked
n little ahead Of the guard who escort
ed him. AS he was passing through
the room full OF officers he met the
man with the gold spectacles who had
watched him so intently the day he
was searched
Courage, NJ. Prosper Bertomy," he
said. 'If you are innocent, there are
those who will help YOU"
Prosper started with surprise and
was about to reply when the man dis
appeared.
"Who IS that gentlemanP he asked
of the guard.
Don't you know him? p replied the
policeman, with surprise. "Why, 1t is
III. Lecoq Of the secret service"
'fou say his name Is Lecoq"
"You might as well say monsieur
said the offended policeman. ut would
not burn your mouth. NJ. LecOq is "A
man who knows everything he wants
to know without it's ever being told to
him. II you had had him instead of
that imbeciie Fanferlot, your case
would have been settled long ago. No
body is allowed to waste time when
he has command. But he seems to be
friend of yours
81 never saw him until the first day
came here"
"You can't swear to that, because no
one is sure of the real face of NJ. Lee
COZ. 1t is one thing today and anoth-
or tomorrow. Sometimes he js a dark
man, sometimes a fair one, sometimes
quite young and then centenaran.
Why. often he deceives even me. ! be-
gin to talk TO a stranger--presto! 1t Is
NJ. Iecoq Anybody on the face OF
the earth might be he. II ! were told
that you were he, l should say, TT is
possible Hc can convert himself into
any shape and form he chooses"
The guard would have continued for.
ever his praises of N. Lecoq had not
the sight of the judges door pat an
end to them This time Prosper wa.
not kept waiting On the wooden bench
The judge, on the contrary, was wait
ing for him. His surprise was great
to see the cashiers bearing-resolute
without obstinacy, firm and assured
without defiance.
'Well," he said, "have you reflect.
3D."
''Not being guilty, monsieur I had
hothing to reflect upon
'Ah. the prison has not been a good
rounselor. You forget that sincerity
mud a Inn. Ia In
pssary to obtain the indulgence of n
Judge. VIII You be good enough to
ioll me-" he added. chow much you
have spent during the last year,
Prosper did not find it necessary to
ftop to reflect and calculate.
eyes, monsieur" he answered unhes-
ltatlngly circumstances made It
necessary for me TO preserve the great.
psf order in my extravaganza. ! spent
About 10000 francs"
"Where did you get it,"
"ln the first place, 1900 francs was
left to me by my mother. l received
from NJ. Fauycl 1900 francs as my
falary and share OF the profits. AT the
Stock Exchange / gained 5000 francs
The rest / borrowed and intend repay
ing out or the 1000 francs which
have with NJ. Fauyel."
who lent you the money!"
IN. Raoul de 1gors.'
This witness had left Paris the Day
Of the robbery and could not be found
For the time being NJ. Patrigent was
compelled to rely upon Prospers word
Well he said, 81 will not press this
point, But tell me why, in spite of tho
formal order Of NJ. Fauvcl, you drew
the money from the Bank of Franco
the night before instead of waiting till
the morning Of the payment"
because NJ. DC Clameran had told
me that it would be agreeable, even
necessary. for him TO have his money
early in the morning. He will testify
20 that fact If you ask him. knew
that 1 would reach my office late"
"This NJ. de Clameran is friend OF
yours?"
''By no means. ] have always felt n
fort OF rcpulsOn for him. but he is the
intimate friend Of my friend, NJ. La
eOrs."
zone more thing" said the Judge
"IIow did you spend the evening the
pight of the crimeY