Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-03-13
CHAPTER IN (Continucd.)

which | drove him to Provence street
to call on Nine. Fauvel."
What" exclaimed Prosper. after
the insulting language he used the day
of the robbery did he dare go to the
house,"
Yes. monsieur; he not only dared
this, but lie also stayed there until
midnight, to my great discomfort for
got as wet as a rat waiting for him.
How did he look when he came
out?" asked NJ. Nerdurct.
LESS pleased than when he went in.
After grooming my horses and putting
away my carriage | went TO see if he
wanted anything. | found the door
locked, and he swore at ME through
the kcyhole."
is that all?" questioned VI. verdu-
ret.
''All for yesterday. but this morning
my master rose late still in horribly
bad humor At noon Raoul arrived,
also furious. They at once began to
dispute. and such row! At one time
my master seized the other by the
throat and shook him like a reed
thought he would strangle him. But
Eaoul drew from his pocket a sharp
pointed knife, the sight of which made
my master drop him in hurry"
"But what did they say"
"Ah, there is the rub" said Joseph
pitcously. "1hcy spoke English. so
could not understand them But am
sure they were disputing about mon.
ey"
How do You know?'
Because l learned at the exposition
that the word argent meant money in
every language in Europe, and this
word they constantly used in their con-
verSation."
NJ. Nerduret sat with knit brows,
talking in an undertone TO himself, and
Prosper, who was watching him, Won
dercd if he was trying TO understand
and construct the dispute by mere
force OF reflection.
when they had done fighting" con.
tinued Joseph, the villains began to
talk in French again, but they only
spoke of trifles-a fancy ball which is
to be given by some banker. When
Raoul was leaving, my master said,
Since this thing is inevitable, and it
must take place today. you had better
remain at home, at Vesinet this even
ing Raoul replied, Certainly"
Night was coming on, and the room
was gradually filling with men, who
called for absinth or bitters, and
youths, who perched themselves upon
high stools and smoked their pipes.
1t is time to co." said NJ. Verduret
to Joseph, Your master will want
you. Besides, here is some one who
wishes to speak with me. i will see
you tomorrow"
The newcomer was no other than
Cayaillon, more troubled and frighten-
ed than ever. He looked uneasily
around the room, as if he feared the
whole Paris police force to appear and
carry him off to prison. He did not
sit down at NJ. Nerduret's table but
stealthily gave his hand to Prosper,
and, after assuring himself that no
one was observing them, handed NJ.
Nerduret package, saying:
She found this in a cupboard"
1t was a handsomely bound prayer
book. NJ, Nerduret rapidly turned over
the leaves and soon found the pages
from which the words pasted on the
letter received by Prosper had been
cut
Il had moral proofs" he said, hand
ang the book to Prosper, but here is
material proof sufficient in itself to
save you"
At sight of the book Prosper turned
pale as a ghost He recognized this
prayer book instantly. He had given
1t to Madeleine in exchange for the
medal. On the fly leaf Madeleine had
written, Souvenir of Notre Dame de
Fourvicres, II January. 1sGG."
This book belongs to Madeleinew
he cried.
NJ. Ncrduret did not reply, but walk
ed toward a young man dressed like a
wine merchant, who had just entered
the room. He glanced at the note
which this person handed to him and
FASTENED back to the table.
IL think we have got them noww he
said excitedly
Throwing FIVE franc piece on the
table and without saying word to
Cavaillon, he hurried Prosper from the
room.
What fatality"' he said as he has
tened along the street. I'VE may miss
them. ! fear we shall reach the st.
Lazare station too late for the st. Ger
main train
For heavens sake, where are you
going?" asked Prosper.
Come on. We can talk on the way"
Reaching Palais Royal place, VI.
Nerduret stopped before one OF the
hacks belonging to the railway sta
lion and examined the horses at a
glance.
How much to Vesinet?" he asked of
the driver.
Il don't know the road very well
that way"
The name of Vesinet was enough for
Prosper.
II will point out the road" he inter-
rnpted quickly.
well" said the driver, "at this time
of night in such dreadful weather it
will be % francs"
And how much for driving very rap
idly"
Il leave that to your generosity, but
n y. fpn i,,Ir