The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-03-07

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sand five hundred francs on my cash
account, which has been disposed of
in the following manner: Two thou
sand taken by myself in advance of my
salary and fifteen hundred advanced
to my fellow clerks. This is the last
day Of the month. Tomorrow the sal
aries will be paid, consequently
The commissary interrupted him.
"Were you authorized" he demand
ed, ''to draw money whenever you
wished to to make advances?"
| "No, but l knew that M. Fauvel
would not have refused me permission
to oblige my friends. What l did is
done everywhere. l have simply fol-
lowed my predecessors example,"
The banker made a sign of assent.
las regards that spent by myself"
continued the cashier, 81 had sort of
right to it, all of my savings being
deposited in this bank-about fifteen
thousand francs"
"That is true" said M. Fauvel. "M.
Bertomy has at least that amount on
deposit"
This last question settled, the COM
missary's errand was ended, and his
report might now be made. He an
nounced his intention of leaving and
ordered the cashier to prepare to follow
him. Usually this moment, when
stern reality stares us in the face,
when our individuality is lost and we
feel that we are being deprived of our
liberty-this moment is terrible. At
this fatal command, "Follow me-"
which brings before our eyes the
yawning prison gates, the most harden
ed sinner weeps and begs for mercy.
But Prosper lost none of that studied
phlegm which the commissary secretly
pronounced consummate impudence.
Slowly, with as much careless ease as
if going to breakfast, he drew on his
overcoat and gloves and said politely:
81 am ready to accompany you, mon
sieur."
The commissary folded up his pock-
etbook and bowed to NJ. Fauvel, saying
to Prosper:
"Let US CO."
They left the room, and, with dis
lIGSSGO lave anu Cy ullcu Will SCdlS
that he could not restrain, the banker
watched their departure.
Good heaven!' he exclaimed. "Glad-
y would give double the sum stolen
TO regain my old confidence in poor
Prosper and be able to keep him with
me!'
Fanferlot had resolved to obtain pos
session of Prosper's note, which he
knew to be in Cavaillon's pocket To
obtain this written proof, which must
be an important one, appeared the
easiest thing in the world. He had
simply to arrest Cavaillon, frighten
him, demand the letter and, if neces-
sary, take it by force.
Fanferlot began talking with an Of
flee boy and, after a few apparently
idle questions, had discovered that the
Fauvel bank had no outlet on Victory
street and that consequently all the
clerks were obliged to pass in and out
through the main entrance on Province
street. From this moment the task he
had undertaken no longer presented
shadow of difficulty. He rapidly
crossed the street and took up his posi-
tion under carriage gate.
After awhile Cavaillon appeared at
the door of the bank, but before STEP
ping on the pavement he looked up
and down the street hesitatingly. He
soon decided, entered the Faubourg
Montmartre and walked up Notre Dame
street so rapidly, utterly regardless of
the grumbling passersby, whom he ell
bowed out of his way, that Fanferlot
found it difficult to keep him in sight.
Reaching Chaptal street, Cavaillon
suddenly stopped and entered the
house numbered 80. He had scarcely
taken three steps in the narrow corri-
dor when he felt a touch on his shoul-
der and, turning abruptly, found him.
self face to face with Fanferlot.
He recognized him at once, and, turn
ing very pale, he shrank back and
looked around for means of escape.
But the detective, anticipating the at
tempt, barred the passageway. Cavail-
Ion saw that he was caught.
what do you want with me" he
asked in voice tremulous with fear.
''You will be kind enough, my dear
monsieur" said Fanferlot, ''to excuse
the great liberty 1 take. 1t is only
about trifing matter, and you will
overwhelm me with obligations if you
will do me the honor to accept my arm
and step outside for a moment"
What could Cavaillon do? He took
Fanferlots arm and went out with
him.
''What l wished to say is, my dear
monsieur" began the detective, 'that
NJ. Prosper Bertomy threw you a note
this morning. l am sure you will be
kind enough to give it to me. Believe
me, nothing but the most absolute ne
cessity"-
"Neverw exclaimed Cavaillon. And,
believing the moment favorable, he
suddenly attempted to jerk his arm
from under Fanferlot's and escape.
But his efforts were vain. The de-
tective's strength was equal to his
suavity.
Don't hurt yourself, young man."
he said, "but take my advice and
quietly give up the letter."
81 am in your power" said Cavail-
Ion, then suddenly drew from his pock-
etbook the unlucky note and gave it to
the detective. Fanferlot's hand trem-
bled with pleasure as he unfolded the
paper. Yet, faithful to his habits of
fastidious politeness, before reading it