The Iola register., 1902-04-04

"Then why did you cease suddenly
your visits to the house of "a young
lady whom you confidently expected
to marry? You had written to your
father to demand her hand for you"
"I had reasons which l cannot re-
veal" answered Prosper in a trembling
voice.
The Judge breathed freely. At last
he had discovered vulnerable point
in the prisoners armor.
"Did Mile Madeleine dismiss youT
Prosper was silent. He was visibly
agitated.
Speak" said NJ. Patrigent. 81 warn
you that this circumstance is one of
the most important in your case"
"Whatever be the cost, 1 am com
PEELED to keep silence"
Beware of what you do. Justice
will not be satisfied with scruples Of
conscience"
M. Patrigent waited for an answer.
No answer came. Prosper was buried
In thought.
Monsieur" he finally said, there is
one detail l have forgotten to mention.
1t may be Of importance in my de-
fense."
Explain"
"The messenger I sent to the bank
was with me when l put the bills In
the safe. At any rate, left the office
before he did"
every well. He shall be examined.
Now you can return TO your cell"
M. Patrigent thus abruptly dismissed
Prosper because he wished to immedi-
ately act upon this last piece of in
formation.
| "Sigault," said he to his secretary as
soon as Prosper had left the room, "is
not this Antonin the man who was
excused from testifying because he
sent a doctors certificate declaring
him too Ill to appearW
Eyes, monsieur"
"where does he liveT'
"He is not at his home. Fanferlot
says he was 80 Ill that he was taken
to the hospital-the Dubois hospital"
every well. am going to examine
him today-this very hour. Take writ
ing materials and send for a carriage"
| WOulu AntOlilh bt hpit w hhcW Ni .
1t was doubtful. The director of the
hospital said that, although the man
suffered horribly from a broken knee,
his mind was perfectly clear.
"That being the case, monsieur"
said the Judge, 81 wish to examine
him and desire that no one be admitted
while he makes his deposition"
"Oh, no one will disturb you. mon
sieur. His room contains four beds,
but they are just now unoccupied."
every well. Come on"
When Antonin saw the judge enter,
followed by little lean man with the
portfolio of an advocate, he at once
knew that they had come to take his
deposition.
"Ah." he said, monsieur comes to
see me about NJ. Bertomy's case?"
Precisely"
In answer to the usual questions the
messenger swore that he was named
Antonin Poche, was forty years old
born at Cadaujac (Gironde), and was
unmarried.
"Now," said the Judge, "are you well
enough to clearly answer any questions
| may putT
Certainly, monsieur"
"Did you on the 27th of February &c
to the Bank of France for the $4,000
francs that were stolenp
"Yes, monsieur"
"At what hour did you return?"
"Five o'clock"
'Do you remember what NJ. Bertomy
did when you handed him the money
Now, do not be in a hurry; think be
fore you answHS.'
Let me see. First he counted tn,
notes and made four packages of them
which he put in the safe Then, i
seems to me, he locked the safe and
yes, am not mistaken-he went out
He uttered these last words so quick
ly that, forgetting his knee he hal
started up, but with a cry of pain.
Are you sure of what you say ~
asked the Judge.
NJ. Patrigents solemn tone seemed I,
frighten Antonin.
"Sure?' he replied, with marked hest
tation. II would bet my head on II
Still / am not surew
1t was impossible for him to be NOR
decided in his deposition. He ha,
been frightened. He already imagine,
himself in difficulty, and 70: trifie b
would have retracted everything.
But the effect was already produced
and when they retired NJ. Patrigen
said to SigaMt:
"This is very important-very in
portantp
CHAPTER V.