The Iola register., 1902-03-14

lOu,OOO III luc DHJlks
NJ. de Clameran evidently expected
this answer, for he muttered:
Naturally"
Although he only pronounced this
word, his voice, his manner, his face,
clearly said:
"This comedy is well acted, but new
ertheless it is a comedy, and don't
intend to be duped by It."
"Oh don't be alarmed, monsieur"
said the banker. "This house has 9TH
er resources. Have patience till my re-
turn"
He went out and up the narrow steps
leading to his study and at the end of
five minutes returned, holding in his
hand a letter and bundle of securi-
ties.
Here, quick, Couturier," he said to
one of his clerks, take my carriage,
which Is waiting, and go with mon
sieur to NJ. de Rothschild's. Give him
this letter and these securities. In ex-
change you will receive 100000 francs,
which you will hand to this gentle
man."
The iron founder was visibly disap-
pointed He seemed to wish to apollo
glze for his impertinence.
IL assure you, monsieur, that had
no intention of offending. For some
years our relations have been such that
u
Enough, monsieur" interrupted the
banker. 81 desire no apologies. In
business friendship counts for moth
ing. I owe you money. am not ready
to pay you. You are pressing You
have n right to demand what is your
own. Follow my clerk. He will pay
you your money"
Then he turned to his clerks who
stood curiously gazing on and said,
"As for you, gentlemen, resume your
desks"
In moment the room was cleared
of every one except those who belong
ed there, and they sat at their desks
with their noses almost touching the
paper before them, as II absorbed In
their work. Still excited by the events
so rapidly succeeding each other, NJ.
Andre Fauvel walked up and down the
room with quick, nervous steps, occa-
sionally uttering some low exclama-
tion. Prosper remained leaning against
the door, with pale face and fixed eyes.
looking rs If he had lost the faculty of
thinking. Finally the banker, after n
long silence, stopped short before Pros
per He had determined upon his line
OF conduct.
I'VE must have an explanation" he
said. Let us go into your office"
The cashier obeyed without word,
and his chief followed him, taking the
precaution to shut the door after them.
Nothing in the cashroom bore evi-
dence of the entrance Of burglars. Ev-
erything was in perfect order. Not
even paper was misplaced. The safe
was open, and on the top shelf hy sev-
eral rouleaus of gold, overlooked or
disdained by the thieves. NJ. Fauvel,
without troubling himself TO examine
anything, took a chair and ordered his
cashier to be seated. He had entirely
recovered his equanimity, and his coun-
tenaDee wore its usual kind expression.
"Now that we are alone, Prosper"
ne said, 'have you nothing 10 tell mefY'
The cashier started, as II the qDes-
tion surprised him. Nothing, mon
sieur, that 1 have not already told you"
"WhatP Nothing? Do you persist in
asserting fable so absurd and ridScu-
lous that no one can possibly believe
it2 II is foilyi Con6de In me. 1t is
your only chance of salvation. 1 am
your chief, 1t is true, but l am, above
all, your friend-your best and truest
friend. I cannot forget that here fif-
teen years ago you were intrusted to
me by your father, and ever since that
day have l had cause to congratulate
myself on possessing your faithful
service. Yes, 1t is fifteen years since
you came to me. was then just COM
mencing to build my fortune, and you
have seen it gradually grow step by
step from almost nothing to its present
size. AS my wealth increased l en-
deavored to better your condition, you
who, although so young, are the oldest
of my clerks. At each inventory in
creased your salary"
Never had Prosper heard his chief
express himself in so feeling and pater-
nal manner. Prosper was silent with
astonishment.
"Answer!" pursued NJ. Fauvel. "Have
| not always been like a father to you?
From the first day my house has been
open to you. You were treated as q
member of my family. My niece, Mad
eleine, and my sons looked upon you
as brother, But you grew weary of
this peaceful life. One day year ago
you suddenly began to shun us, and
since them
The memories of the past thus evok-
ed by the banker seemed too much for
the unhappy cashier. He buried his
face in his hands and burst into tears.
"One can confide everything to his
father without fear" resumed NJ. Eau
vel. "a father not only pardons, but
forgets. Do not know the terrible