The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-03-28


him. But while he sees you ON the
watch he will be on his guard"
1t was with a sort of amazed submits
sion that Prosper listened to this man
who, though a friend of his father, was
an utter stranger to himself.
He submitted to the ascendency of a
nature more energetic than his own.
In his helpless condition he was CRATE
full to find friend.
81 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
it 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. Ver-
duret observed.
YES" said he. at is hard, will ad-
init, but it is necessary. Listen. You
are the invalid, and l am the doctor
charged to cure you. If 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.
"Well. we will hurry, for time pass
es You have a friend NJ. de Lagors?"
"Raoul? Yes, monsieur, an intimate
friend"
"Now tell me, who is this fellow"
The term ''fellow" seemed to wound
Prosper.
IN. de Layers. monsieur" he said,
piqued, sis NJ. Fauvel's nephew. He is
a rich young man, handsome, intelli-
gent. cultured and the best friend
have"
HUMP said NJ. Verduret. 81 shall
be delighted to make the acquaintance
of one adorned by so many good quail
ties I must let you know that l wrote
him note in your name asking him
to come here. and he sent word that
he would be here directly"
what" 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 little
plan of conversation
A ring at the bell interrupted NJ. Ver-
duret.
'"The dickens! Adieu to my plan!
Here he is! Where can l hide so as
to hear and see?'
"There in my bedroom. Leave the
door open and the curtain down."
A second ring was heard.
81 must CO." said Prosper.
"Now, remember, Prosper" said NJ.
Verduret in warning tone. mot one
word to this man about your plans or
about me. Pretend to be discouraged,
helpless, hesitating'
And he disappeared behind the cur
tain as Prosper ran to open the door.
Prosper's portrait of NJ. de Layers
had not been exaggerated. So hand
some face and manly figure could
belong only to noble character. AL
though Raoul said that he was twenty
four he appeared to be not more than
twenty. He had q superb figure. well
knit and supple; beautiful white
brow, shaded by soft chestnut curly
hair, and soft blue eyes which beamed
with frankness.
His first impulse was to throw him.
self into Prosper's arms. "My poor,
dear friend!" he said. taking Prosper's
hands. MY poor ProsperT'
But beneath these affectionate dem
onstrations there was n certain con-
straint, which, If 1t escaped the CASH
Ter, was noticed by NJ. Verduret.
"Your letter, my dear Prosper" said
Raou after being seated. "made me
III, | was so frightened by 1t. | asked
myself if you could have lost your
mind. Then left everything to come
to you"
Prosper did not seem to hear him.
He was preoceupied about the letter
he had not written. What were it's
contents? Who was this man whose
assistance he had accepted?
"You must not feel discouraged"
continued NJ. de Layers. Sat your age
you may commence life anew. Your
friends are still left to you. Rely upon
me. I am rich. Half of my fortune Ia
at your disposal"
This generous offer. made at mo-
ment like this with such frank SIM
plicity. deeply touched Prosper.
"Thanks. Raoul," he said. with emo
! ton; thank you! But unfortunately all
the money in the world would be of
no use now"
"Why so? What are you going to
do? Do you propose to remain in
PARISH"
II know not, Raoul. have made no
plans yet. My mind is confused"
u will tell you what to do replied
! Raoul quickly You must start afresh
Until this mysterious robbery is ex-
planned it will never do for you to re-
main in Paris"
Sand II it 10 never explained"
"Only the more reason for your re-
naming in oblivion. have been talk
ing about you to Clameran You are
| unjust to him, for he is your friend.
! IF | were in Prosper's place. he said,
| 4 would turn everything into money
and embark for America. There
would make fortune and return to
crush with nay millions those who
: have suspected me-"
This advice offended Prosper's pride,
but he said nothing He was thinking
, of what the stranger had said to him.
"Wellf" said Raoul.
81 will think it over. I will see, I