The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1902-02-20

't"iNc IehQtleo by MS
friend
Recalling the field Of Investigation
gone over by his mysterious protec-
tor. he was amazed at its extent.
How many facts had been discov-
cred in a week, and with what preci-
sion, although hc had pretended to be
on the wrong track Nerduret had
grouped his evidence, and reached
result which Prosper felt he never
could have hoped to attain by his own
eXeltions.
He was conscious that he possessed
neither Nerduret's penetration nor
his subtlety He did not possess this
art of compelling obedience, of Great
ing friends at every step, and the
science of making men aud circum-
stances unite in The attainment Of a
common result.
lie began to regret the absence Of
this friend who had risen up in the
hour of adyersijy. lie missed the
sometimes rough but always kindly
voice, which had encouraged and CON
soled him
He felt wofllly lost and helpless.
not daring to. act or think for him
self more timid than q child when
deserted by his nurse.
Tie had the good sense TO follow the
recommendation OF hs mentor. He
remained shut mp Foo he Archaager.
not even appearing at the windows.
Twice he had news of 2T Yerduret.
The lrst time he received leUter in
which this rrieud said he had seen his
father, and had had long talk with
him. Afterward. Dubois. NJ de Clam.
Grams valet came to tell him that
his patron reported everything as
progressing finely.
On the ninth day Of his voluntary
seclusion Prosper began to feel rest
less, and vt ten o'clock at night set
forth to take a walk, thinking the
fresh air would relieve the headache
which had kept him awake the pre-
vious night.
Nine. Alexandra, who seemed to
have some knowledge of NJ. Yer
duret's affairs, begged Prosper to re-
main at home.
What can / risk by taking a walk
et this time, iu a quiet part of the
city2" he asl ed. Il can certainly stroll
as far as the Jardin des Plantes with
out meeting any one"
Unfortunately he did not strictly
follow this programme; for, having
reached the Orleans railway station,
he went into cafe near by and called
for glass of ale.
AS he sat slipping his glass, he picked
up a daily paper. "The Sun" and un-
der the head Of Fashionable Cos
sip" signed Jacques Durand, read the
following:
eve understand that the niece of
one of our most prominent bankeTs,
Monsieur Andre Fauvel, will be short
ly married to Monsieur lie Marquis
Louis de Clameran."
This news, coming upon him so un-
eXpectedly, proved to Prosper the
iustness of NJ. Verduret's calculations.
Alas! why did not this certainty in
spire him with absolute faith, WHY
did it not give him courage to wait,
the strength of mind to refrain from
acting on his own responsibility?
Frenzied by distress Of mind, he al
ready saw Madeleine indissolubly
united TO this villain, and, thinking
that NJ. Verduret would perhaps ar
rive too late to be of use, determined
at all risks TO throw an obstacle in the
way of the marriage.
He called for pen and paper and,
forgetting that no situation can ex-
cuse the mean cowardice of an anony-
nous letter. wrote in disguised hand
the following lines to NJ Fauvel;
"pcar Sir-You consigned your
cashier TO prison; you acted prudent
ly, since you were convinced of his
dishonesty and faithlessuess.
"But, even if he stole three hun
dred and fifty thousand francs from
your SAFE, docs it follow that he also
stole Madame Fauyels diamonds, and
pawned them at the Mont-de-Piete,
where they now are?
Warned as you are, if were you,
1 would not be the subject of public
scandal. / would watch my wife, and
would be distrustful of handsome
cousins.
Moreover, ! would before signing
the marriage contract of fMademoiselle
Madeleine, inquire at the prefecture
of police, and obtain some informa-
tion concerning the noble Marquis de
Clameran. a FRIEND"
Prosper FASTENED off to post his
letter. Fearing that it would not
reacn M. FauveI IN ume, ne wameo
up TO the Rue Cardinal Iemoine, and
put it in the main letter-box. so al
TO be certain Of its speedy delivery.
Until now he had not doubted ths
propriety Of his actior.
But now, when too late. when ne
heard the sound Of hi letter falling
into the box, a thousand scruples
filed his mind Was ID not wrong TO
act thus hurriedly2 Would noe this
letter interfere with NJ. Nerdurets
plans? Upon reaching The hotcl. his
doubts were changed into bitter re-