The Iola register., 1902-03-21

monsieur" said Fanferlot, ''to excuse
the great liberty | take. 1t is only
about triAing matter, and you will
overwhelm me with obligations If you
will do me the honor to accept my arm
and step outside for moment"
What could Cavaillon do? He took
Fanferlots arm and went out with
him.
"What l wished to say is, my dear
monsieur" began the detective, 'that
M. Prosper Bertomy threw you a note
this morning. | am sure you will be
kind enough TO give it to me. Believe
me, nothing but the most absolute ne
cessity"-
"Neverw exclaimed Cavaillon. And,
believing the moment favorable, he
suddenly attempted to jerk his arm
from under Fanferlots and escape.
But his efforts were vain. The de-
tective's strength was equal to his
suavity.
Don't hurt yourself, young man."
he said, "but take my advice and
quietly give up the letter."
81 am in your power" said Cavail-
Ion, then suddenly drew from his pock-
etbook the unlucky note and gave it to
the detective. Fanferlot's hand trem-
bled with pleasure as he unfolded the
paper. Yet, faithful to his habits of
fastidious politeness, before reading it
he bowed to Cavaillon and said, "With
your permission" Then he read
| Dear Nina-0n the receipt OF this note take ey.
| thing, and establish yourself somewhere at the
other end Of Paris Do not appear in public, but
| conceal yourself as much possible My life
| may depend your obedience. l accused OF
| an immense robbery and am about to be arrested.
You will find 500 francs in the secretary. Leave
| your address with Cavaillon, who will explain
what cannot say. Be hopeful, whatever hap
pens. Goodby. PROSPER
Had Cavaillon been less bewildered
he would have seen blank disappoint-
ment depicted on the detectives face
after the perusal Of the note. Fanfer-
lot had cherished the hope that he was
about to possess very important doc
ument, and who knows but that II
would clearly prove the guilt or inno-
cence OF Prosper. Whereas he had
only seized love letter written by n
man who was evidently more anxious
about the welfare of the woman he
loved than about his own. Vainly did
he puzzle over the letter, hoping to
discover some hidden meaning. 1t
proved nothing for or against the
writer. The two words absolutely
everything" were underscored, 1t is
true. but they could be interpreted in
so many ways. Fanferlot folded up
the note and slipped 1t into his pocket.
"a thousand thanks, monsieur, for
the information, and in return, If you
please, l will relieve you Of the trouble
of executing your commission. will
myself take this note to Nine. Nina
Gipsy. l will also give you a piece
of advice. If l were in your place, 1
would return quietly to business and
have nothing more to do with this af-
fair"
The poor fellow obeyed. Slowly and
with swelling heart he returned to
Notre Dame street. He asked himself
how he could serve Prosper, warn
Nine. Gpsy and, above ALL be reveng
ed upon this odous detective who had
just made him suffer such cruel humlli-
alton. He had no sooner turned the
corner of the street than Fanferlot
went into the house, gave his name to
the porter as Prosper Bertomy, went
up stairs and knocked at the first door
he came to.
A young servant dressed in the most
fanciful livery opened the door.
SIS Nine. Gipsy at homer
The little groom hesitated. Seeing
this, Fanferlot showed his note.
IN. Prosper charged me to hand this
note to madame and wait for an an
swer."
"Come in, and will let madame
know you are here"
The name of Prosper produced its eff
feet. Fanferlot was ushered into lit
tie room furnished In blue and gold
silk damask. But he had no time to
pursue his inventory. One of the door
curtains was pushed aside. and Nine.
Nina Gipsy appeared. Nine. GlDsy Is,
or, to speak more correctly, was, quite
young, small and graceful, with a
brown, or, rather, gold colored quad
roon, complexion and the hands and
feet of a child. She eyed her visitor
with the most dlsdainful surprise.
"What do you want?" she said.
II am charged, my dear madame"
he answered in his humblest and soft
est tone "by NJ. Bertomy to give you
this note"
Fanferlot slowly drew Prosper's note
from his pocket and with a bow pre-
sented 1t to Nine Gipsy.
Read" he said
At glance she read its contents.
She turned very red, then very pale.
She trembled from head to foot. Her