The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-03-14
NO. IS.

N.AANA NAANi 5AO"AJ
Sand this is the woman whom you
have made your companion, the WON.
an for whom you have committed rob.
berry,"
Once more M. Patrigent was on the
wrong track owing to Fanferlot's in.
complete information. Prosper remain.
ed silent.
cat any rate" insisted NJ. Patrigent,
you will confess that this girl has
caused your ruin"
II cannot confess that, monsieur, for
it is not true"
"You will also say that it was not
for this girls sake you renowned an
intimacy Of many years and ceased
spending your evenings at your EN-.
ployer's."
Il swear that she was not the cause
'"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"
II had reasons which I cannot re-
veal" answered Prosper in a trembling
voice.
The Judge breathed freely. At last
he had discovered a vulnerable point
in the prisoners armor.
"Did Mile. Madeleine dismiss you?'
Prosper was silent. He was visibly
agitated.
Speak" said NJ. Patrigent. "I warn
you that this circumstance is one of
the most important in your case"
whatever be the cost, am com.
PEELED to keep silence"
Beware Of what you do. Justice
will not be satisfied with scruples of
conscience"
NJ. Patrigent waited for an answer.
No answer came. Prosper was buried
in thought.
Monsieur" he finally said, "there is
one detail 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 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, sis
not this Antonin the man who was
excused from testifying because he
sent a Doctors certificate declaring
him too i'll to appear?"
eyes, monsieur"
"Where does he live"
"He is not at his home. Fanferlot
says he was so i'll that he was taken
to the hospital-the Dubois hospital"
every well. 1 am going to examine
him today-this very hour. Take writ
ing materials and send for carriage"
Would Antonin be able to answer?
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, II 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 we'll. 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
l may put"
Certainly, monsieur"
did you on the 9th of February go
to the Bank Of France for the $4,000
francs that were stolenY
"Yes, monsieur"
"At what hour did you return?"
give O'clock"
'Do you remember what M. Bertomy
did when you handed him the money?
Now, do not be in hurry; think be-
fore you answer"
LET me see. First he counted the
notes and made four packages of them,
which he put in the safe. Then, 1t
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 half
started up. but with cry of pain.
"Are you sure Of what you sayY'
asked the judge.
NJ. Patrigent's solemn tone seemed to
brighten Antonin.
"Sure?" he replied, with marked hest
tation. II would bet my head on 1t.
Still am not surew
1t was impossible for him to be more
decided in his deposition. He had
been frightened. He already imagined
himself in difficulty, and for trifie he
would have retracted everything.
But the effect was already produced,
and when they retired NJ. Patrigent
said to Sigault:
"This is very important-very i'm
portantw
(To BE coNTINUED.)
-<@N%