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

which NJ. Fauvel was the victim and
which has been in every ones mouth"
"Ah, yes, yes, know. His cashier
decampcd with 100000 francs. 1t is a
thing that almost daily happens. But
as to discovering any connection be-
tween this robbery and my play, that
Is another matter"
Nj. de Clameran made no reply. A
nudge from Layers had Gained him as
II by enchantment He seemed to re-
2ret having uttered the significant
words drawn from him by excitement.
very WE'LL" he finally said in his
usual naughty tone. 81 must have
been mistaken. / accept your explana-
ton"
But the clown, SO humble moment
before, said:
II have not made nor do I intend
making any explanation
Monsieur began De Clameran.
ALLOW me to finish. If you please.
If unintentionally have offended the
wife of man whom | highly esteem,
he is her protector; not you. Perhaps
you will tell me he is too old to de-
mand satisfaction. If so. let him send
one of his sons One Of them is here.
You asked me who am. In return I
ask you who are you--you who consti-
tute yourself Mime. Fauvel's champion?
Are you her relative, friend or ally?
What right have you to insult her by
pretending to discover an allusion TO
her in play invented for amuse-
mentr
There was nothing to be said in re-
ply to this. NJ. de Clameran sought
means of escape.
II am a friend OF NJ. Fauvel' he
said, land this title gives me the right
to be as jealous of his reputation as if
it were my own. If this is not a suffi-
cient reason for my Interference,
must inform you that his family will
shortly be mine"
"Ahr
Next week. monsieur, my marriage
with Mile. Madeleine will be publicly
announced"
This news was so unexpected so
startling that for moment the clown
q
second, and, bowling with Difference,
he said. with covert irony:
Permit me to offer my congratula-
tons, monsieur. Besides being queen
of the ball tonight, Mile Madeleine
will have dowry of half million,
hear"
Raoul de Layers had listened anx-
iousy. watching the people near them,
to see II they overheard this conyersa-
ton.
I'VE have had enough of this COS.
sip" he said in disdainful tone. Il
will only say one thing more. Master
Clown, and that is that your tongue is
too long"
Perhaps, my pretty boy. perhaps.
but my arm is still longer"
De Clameran FASTENED to end the
matter.
1T is impossible for one to seek an
explanation from a man who conceals
his identity under the guse Of fool"
You are at liberty, my lord doge, to
ask the master Of the house who | am
If yea dare"
You are" cried Clameran-"you
are''-
A warning look from Raoul checked
the forgemaster from using an cpl
tibet which would have led to an ARRAY
or Mt least a scandalous scene.
The clown stood with sardonic
smile and after a moments silence
stared NJ. de Clameran steadily in the
face and said coolly:
81 was the best friend. monsieur, of
your brother CASTOR. | was his adj
wiser and the confdant of his last
wishes"
These few words fell like a clap of
thunder upon De Clameran. He turn
ed deadly pale and recoled with his
hands stretched out before him. as if
shrinking from a specter. He tried to
answer. to protest. but the words froze
on his lips.
Come, let US 60" said Layers, who
retained his equanmity.
And he dragged Clameran away, sup
porting him, for he staggered like
drunken man and chung to the walls to
prevent falling.
oh, bo" exclaimed the clown.
He himself was almost as much as.
tonished as the forgemaster and stood
stock still. watching the latter as he
slowly left the room. 1t was with no
decided object in view that he had
ventured to use the last mysteriously
threatening words. but he had been in
spired to do SO by his wonderful in
stinct. which with him was like the
scent of a bloodhound.
What can this mean?" he muttered.
why was he so frightened? What
terrible memory have l awakened? l
need not boast of my penetration or
the subtlety of my plans. There is a
great master, who without any effort
in an instant destroys all my chimeras.
He is called chance"
His mind had wandered far from the
present scene when some one touched
him on the shoulder, recalling him. 1t
was the man in the Venetian cloak.
Are you satisfied NJ. VerduretT' he
inquired.
'Yes and no, monsieur the count
no, because have not completely
achieved the object l had in view
when | asked you to be admitted here
tonight; yes. because these two rascals |
behaved In q manner which dispels all
doubt"
nd t1t la pv