Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1902-03-12
M@@ M ii @@#@# ##### II


I have plan. In the first place, you
win sell this furniture, quit this house
and disappear"
"Disappearr' cried Prosper indig.
nantly. disappear! Why, monsieur?
Do you not see that such step would
be a confession Of guilt-would au-
thorize the world to say that l am
hiding so as to enjoy undisturbed the
stolen fortune"
"Well, what then?" said the man
with the red whiskers coldly. "Did you
not say just now that the sacrifice of
your life Is made? The skillful swim
mer thrown into the river by malefac-
tors is careful not to rise to the sur
face Immediately. On the contrary,
he dives and remains below as long as
his breath holds out. He comes up
again at a great distance and lands
out of sight. Then, when be Is sup
posed to be dead, lost forever to the
sight of man, he rises up and has
his vengeance. You have an enemy?
Some petty imprudence will betray
him. But while he sees you on the
watch he will be on his guard"
1t was with sort Of amazed submis-
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.
II will follow your advice, monsieur" q"
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 M. Yer
duret observed.
EYES," said he, ut is hard, I will ad-
NIT, but it is necessary. Listen. You
are the invalid, and 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 friend, NJ. de Lagors?"
"Raoul? Yes, monsieur, an intimate
friend"
"Now tell me, who is this fellow?"
The term "fellow" seemed to wound
Prosper.
an. de Lagors, monsieur" he said,
piqued. "is NJ. Fauvels nephew. He is
q rich young man, handsome, intelli-
gent, cultured and the best friend
have"
"Humw said NJ. Verduret. II shall
be delighted to make the acquaintance
OF one adorned by so many good quail
ties I must let you know that wrote
him a note in your name asking him
to come here. and he sent word that
he would be here directly"
"Whatw cried the astonished Pros
per. "Do you suppose
"Oh, I suppose nothing. Only must
see this young man. Also | have ar
ranged and will submit to you little
plan Of conversations
A ring at the bell interrupted M. Yer
duret.
"The dickens! Adieu to my plan!
Here he is! Where can I 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 a warning tone, 'not 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 Lagors
had not been exaggerated. So hand
some a face and manly figure could
belong only to a noble character. AL
though Raoul said that he was twenty
four he appeared to be not more than
twenty. He had superb figure, well
knit and supple: a 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 Prospcr's arms. "My poor,
dear friendw he said. taking Prosper's
hands. MY poor Prosper!'
But beneath these affectionate dem
onstrations there was n certain con-
straint, which. If it escaped the cash
ier, was noticed by NJ. Verduret.
"Your letter, my dear Prosper" said
Raoul after being seated. made me
i'll. was so frightened by it. | asked
myself if you could have lost your
mind. Then I left everything to come
to YOU"
Prosper did not seem to hear him.
He was preoccupied about the letter
he had not written. What were its
contents? Who was this man whose
assistance he had accepted?
"You must not feel discouraged" +"
continued NJ. de Lagors. "At your age
you may commence life anew. Your
J friends are still left to you. Rely upon
me- am rich. Half Of my fortune is
} at your disposal"
This generous offer. made at mo-
ment like this with such frank sim.
plicity, deeply touched Prosper.
| l,o