The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-08
CHAPTER I.
A DESPERATE MAN NEEDED.

Ing In an attitude expressive or WEAKNESS
and detection against one OF the guard
walls OF a bridge over the Seine.
The spot. as might be inferred from
the remark. was far from the brilliant
lights and gay life OF the chief bridges.
the boulevards. the principal quays. 1t
was dark with the darkness loved by
criminals. Few people passed that way
st night. and had there been many
the young man would scarcely have
been noticed.
81 believe / have FIVE francs left" he
muttered TO himself. THE prospects are
delightful"
A shiver ran through his frame. He
looked down at the dark. forbidding
water. II swiried below his feet either
in invitation or derision. 1t depended
on the man.
Buckford Wallace was an American.
He was young. He had sought Paris
with well filled purse. heart fun OF
hope and ambition and a belief that he
was a born artist. Within less than a
year he had emptied his purse. lost hope
and changed his belief to this--that he
was a born fool.
At any rate he could not draw. neither
could he paint The full shock of the
realization did not come to him tii ne
had spent his money and learned that
the uncle who had been supporting him
in luxury had died and left his fortune
10 his nieces, none OF whom was on
marrying or even friendly terms with
Buckford.
Buckrord Wallace saw nothing ahead
but the bitterness and gloom OF poverty
month before he had believed him
self to hold a fortune securely in his
hands and TO possess talent enough TO
make O name for himself. Today he
knew that five francs was all he had and
did not know where another franc was
TO come from
Despair was In the young mans heart.
and Il was a pity. for he was hand
some youth, free from the follies and
vices so common to those who live idly
and at ease in PartsS lie was brave
enough too But at 22 one does not
face poverty and misfortune as one races
a human antagonist.
Buckford Wallace had not contem-
plated suicide He had, in his heart
miserey. wandered TO that lonely spot TO
think over his next necessary step.
Even had he thought of ending his
life and his troubles he would be for
given by all except those who nave
had little life and no troubles.
But whatever was passing through
Buckford's mind, HIS attitude was GER
tainly that of a man who was about TO
plunge into the Seine.
Perhaps at that moment he did not
even know the Seine was there.
II was the appearance OF his sinister
motive that set the pieces OF this history
I'm motion.
man was lurking in the still deeper
shadows on that bridge. This man wore
a large cloak which almost enveioped
ia
slouch hat was drawn over his eyes
These eyes were like those of cat.
They could see in the dark. They could
stand anything but honest light.
"Heavensi" this man was muttering to
himself There is young fool VINO
is sick of life. Weary OF the s.russie' a,
he Is about 10 end himself ignobly. when,
A. he chose he could devote his life 10
the service OF humanity and win i'm
mortality and fame"
This was a strange sentiment TO come
from the lips of a man who skulked In
the dark. wearing disguise.
And" he added, as Buckforod leaned
farther out over the water. Just when
we need a man who courts death.
Ruckford oblivious OF the presence or
the other. gazed down into the swirling
water. - q,
Il believe" he said TO himself. III !
had not been born a Wallace or had
NOT had my own dear mother to teach
me in my youth l would feel tempted
TO Jump into that water and find rest.
A light touch on his shoulder startled
him.
Monsieur. do not attempt II. You
might succeed, but there Is a doubt. III
YOU must do IT, there Is way
what the deuce do you mean asked
Wallace. drawing back In startled amaze
ment from the stranger.
''uush, Not so loud The police can
hear even In the dark and on this bridge.
We are two brothers in misfortune l.
who am older. have learned the way out.
pity you / will leave you as / myselt
was led when younger
IL thank YOU" stammered wallace.
but / really don't need TO be led.
come! We are fencing. DO you deny
that I'm one moment, had ] not accosted
you. you would now be IN the selneF
For a moment Wallace hesitated IN
doubt as 10 the others meaning. Then.
tho dark cloak and slouch hat acting as
a source of inspiration, he laughed,
''Oh. my friend" he said, II had not
got so far down as that
But you were near II. Listen. III L
am not mistaken, you are an American.
when an American despairs, he curses
God and dies. Perhaps you have lost
your last sou at the games.
81 spent Il for food and lodging, said
Wallace. wondering why he stood there
talking with this mysterious anu us
reputable stranger
"Bah You are childish Yet / ask
no condolences. I am willing TO he your
friend. One. thing Is certain-you need
money and do not know how to procure
it."
''welr7"
ct stand ready TO show you. Take my
arm and let us saunter across. we VIII
smoke IL will cheer YOU"
wallace
ted.
This fellow" he sail 10 himself. rs
undoubtedly n bad Dne. What he thinks
OF me I canot fathon. What ne intends
have no idea. Yet ths night holds noth'
ing better for me than the worst nc can
offer. as long as it is not crime. VIII
zee the thing TO the end. lt rs no the nrst
adventure | have had in Paris.
"You are silent" said he OF tho cloek.
"You fear me. yet short time ago you
were courting death"
"Is that so7" asked Wallace. hiding
grin. II sec you are mind reader as
/. H.. 4. .laf