Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-03-06

4 u 10 ~ PA5h - Nv o'C1
R@s7zSya Faith, a small establish
EssaSD ment, half cafe and half
shop, froquented by the people of the
neighborhood. 1t was in one of the
rooms of this modest cafe that Pros
per the day after his release awaited
NJ. Nerduret, who had promised to
meet him at 4 o'clock. The clock struck
4. NJ. Nerduret, who was punctuality
itself, appeared. He was more red
faced and self satisfied. if possible,
than the day before. AS soon as the
servant had left the room to obey his
orders he said to Prosper:
"Well, are our commissions eXecut-
ed?'
yes. monsieur"
"IIave you seen the costumer?"
II gave him your letter, and every
thing you ordered will be sent to the
Archangel tomorrow"
Every good. You have not lost time.
Neither have I. l have good news for
you"
The Good Faith is almost deserted at
4 o'clock. NJ. Nerdurct and Prosper
could talk at their ease without fear
of being overheard by gossiping neigh
bOrs. NJ. Nerduret drew forth his
memorandum book, the precious diary
which, like the enchanted book in fairy
tales, had an answer for every queS-
ton.
"While awaiting our emissaries whom
| appointed to meet here let US devote
a little time to NJ. de Layers. DO you
know what part Of France this devot-
ed friend of yours ONE frOm:'
From st. Remy, which is also Nine.
Fauvel's native town"
Are you sureE'
"Oh, perfectly so, monsieur. He has
not only often told me so, but have
heard him tell NJ. Fauyel, and he
would tell Nine. Fauvel about his
mother, who was her cousin and dear
ly beloved by her.
"Then YOU think there is no possible
mistake about this!'
",No, monsieur
"Well, things are beginning to look
queer.
And he began to whistle between his
teeth. which with VI. Nerduret was q
sign of intense satisfaction.
what do you mean, monsieurT in
quired Prosper.
What has just happened, what
have been tracing. Here is a lovely
town called st. Remy, G,00O inhabit
ants. charming boulevards on the site
of the old Notifications, fine state
house, numerous fountains, large char
coal market, silk factories, famous hos
pital, and so FORTH
Prosper was on burning Goals.
please be SO good, monsieur
at also contains" continued NJ. Yer
duret, "a Roman triumphal arch which
is of unparalleled beauty and a Greol
m~ausoleum. but no Layers. st. Rem!
is the native town of Nostradamus
but not that of your friend
Nevertheless have proofs"
Naturally. But proofs can be fabri
Gated; relatives can be improvised
Your evidence is open to suspicion
mine are authenticated. While yol
were pining in prison | was preparing
my batteries and collecting munitiol
to opcn fire. I wrote to st. Remy AM
received an answer"
what was itT'
"Have patience" said NJ. Verdurct n
he turned over the leaves of his meme
randa. "Ah, here is No. l. Bow re
spectfully to it; it's official"
He then read:
"Iagors. Very old family, originally fro
Maillane, settled at st. Remy about q centuI
ago"
you see?" cried Prosper.
"Pray. allow me to tinish,' said N
Verduret, who proceeded:
'The last OF the Layers (Jules-Rene'Henri
bearing without warrant the title Of count, ma
ried in 1929 Nile. Resale Clsrisse Fontanet
Tarascon; died December, ls4s. without male hei
but left two daughters. The registers of 4
province make no mention Of any person in Il
district bearing the name of Layers.
"Now, what have you to say I
that?" said the fat man.
Prosper looked amazed.
"But why did NJ. Fauvel treat Raol
as his nephew
"You mean as his wife's nephew
Let us examine note No, .. 1t is NJ
official, but it throws a valuable ligl
lpon the $4,000 livres income OF yo,
friend.
"Jules.R Rene, Henri de lacors. last of his nan