The Iola register., 1902-03-28

tened upon him. Did he know him2
Vainly did he try to recollect having |
met him before. This man, treated
with all the Difference due to a chief,
was no less n parsonage than n cele-
brated member of the detective corps.
NJ. Lecoq. When the men who were
searching Prosper were about to take
off his boots, saying that knife might
be concealed in them, NJ. Lecoq waved
them aside, saying, THAT is suffi-
cient."
He was obeyed. All the formalities
being ended, the unfortunate cashier
was taken to a narrow cell. The heav-
lily barred door was swung to and lock-
ed upon him. He breathed freely. At
last he was alone. Yes, he believed
himself to be alone. He was ignorant
that prison is made of glass; that the
accused is like miserable insect un-
der the microscope of an entomologist.
He did not know that the walls have
stretched ears and eyes always watch
full. He was so sure of being alone
that he at once gave vent to his sup
pressed feeling and, dropping his mask
tears. His wrath, long pent up, now
flashed out like a smoldering fire. In
paroxysm of rage he uttered impreca-
tions and curses. He dashed himself
against the prison walls like a wild
beast In a cage.
In the evening when the TALLER
brought him his supper he found him
lying on his pallet, with his face buried
in the pillow, weeping bitter tears.
He was not hungry. Now that he was
alone, he fed upon his own bitter
thoughts. He sank from a state Of
frenzy into one of stupefylng despair.
The night was long and terrible, and
for the first time he had nothing to
count the hours by as they slowly
dragged on but the measured tread of
the patrol who came to relieve the
sentinels. He suffered agony. In the
morning he dropped into a sleep, from
which he was awakened by the rough
voice of the Jailer.
"Come. monsieur" he said, ''to the
Judge of instruction"
"Let us CO." said Prosper, without
stopping to repair his disordered toilet
During the passage the jaIler said,
"You are very fortunate In having
your case brought before an honest
man."
The jailer was right. Endowed with
remarkable penetration, firm, unbiased,
equally free from false pity and ex-
cessive severity, NJ. Patrigent possess
ed in an eminent degree all the quail.
ties necessary for the delicate and diff
ficult Office of judge of instruction.
Prosper was escorted along n corri-
dor through room full of policemen,
down a flight of steps, across a kind of
cellar and then up n steep staircase
which seemed to have no end. Finally
he reached long. narrow gallery, upon
which opened many doors bearing diff
ferent numbers. Summoning all his
courage he placed his hand on the
doorknob and was about to enter when
the jailer stopped him.
Don't be in such haste" he said.
"Slt down here, and when your turn
comes you will be called"
The wretched man obeyed, and his
keeper took n seat beside him.
Presently little old man dressed in
black, wearing the insignia of his Of
flee. n steel chain, cried out:
"Prosper Bertomyw
Prosper arose and, without knowing
how, found himself in the Office of the
judge of instruction.
NJ. Patrigent's homely face, with its
irregular outline and short red whis.
kers, lit up by pair of bright, intelli-
gent eyes and a kindly expression, was
calculated to impress one favorably al
first sight.
"Well," he said abruptly, 'you arc
accused Of having robbed NJ. Fauvel
of 350O0O francs. What have you tc
answerY
"That I am innocent, monsieur;
swear that am innocent"
81 hope you are" said NJ. Patrlgent
"and you may count upon me to assist
you to the extent Of my ability in prov
ing your innocence. Have you any
thing to say in your defensep
"Ah, monsieur, what can / say wher
/ cannot understand this dreadful bust
ness myself? l can only refer you t.
my past life"
The judge interrupted him with al
impatient gesture.
"Let us he specific. The robber.
was committed under circumstance
that prevent suspicion from falling
upon any one but NJ. Fauvel and your
self. DO you suspect any one elseT
"No, monsieur"
"You declare yourself to be innocent
therefore the, guilty party must be NJ
Fauvel."
Prosper did not answer.
'Iave you" persisted the Judge
"any cause for believing that NJ. Eau
vel robbed himself? If you have, sa,
So"
The prisoner preserved a rigid n
. lence.
, "I see, monsieur" said the judge