The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-05-02
CHAPTER XIV.

TAY1HEN the Marquis of Clamerar
HW perceived that Raoul de La
EST= gors was the only obstacle be
t&A&GIAJ tween him and Madeleine, he
swore that the obstacle should be re-
moved.
The same day his plan was laid. As
Raoul was walking out to Vesinet
about midnight he was stopped at a
lonely spot by three men, who asked
him what o'clock it was. While look
ing at his watch the ruffians fell upon
him suddenly.
By his skillful blows, for he had be-
come proficient in boxing in England
Raoul made his enemies take to their
heels. He continued his walk home
determined to be hereafter well armed
when he went out at night. He never
for an instant suspected his accomplice
of having instigated the assault.
But two days afterward, at a cafe
which he freGuented, vulgar looking
man, a stranger to him, after trying to
provoke a quarrel, finally threw a card
in his face saying it's owner was ready
to grant him satisfaction, Raoul rush
ed toward the man to thrash him with
his fists, but his friends held him back.
every well, then. You will hear from
me tomorrow" he said to his assailant.
'Wait at your hotel until 1 send two
friends to you"
AS soon as the stranger had gone
Raoul recovered from his excitement
and began to wonder what could have
been the motive for the insult Pick
ing up the mans card, he read:
"W. II. b. Jacobson. formerly Carl
baldian volunteer, ex-off1cer of the Ar
my of the South Qtaly, America), SO
Leonie street.
"Oh," he thought, "here is big mill
tary man who can whip everybody!'
Raoul had seen enough of the world
to understand these heroes who cover
their visiting cards with titles.
But, since the insult had been offered
in the presence of others, early the next
morning Raoul sent two of his friends
to make arrangements for duel He
gave them III. Jacobson's address and
told them to report at the Hotel du
Louvre, where he proposed to sleep.
At half past in the morning his sec
onds arrived NJ Jacobson had select
ed the sword and would fight that very
hour In the woods of Vincennes.
''Let us be offY' cried Raoul gayly.
II accept the gentleman's conditions"
After a minutes fencing Raoul was
slightly wounded in the right shoulder
The "ex officer of the south" wished to
continue the combat, but RaouPs Sec
onds declared that honor was salts
fed and that they had no intention
of imperiling their friends life again.
The ex-officer was obliged to ac-
quiesce. Raoul went home delighted
at having escaped with nothing more
serious than a little loss of blood and
resolved to keep clear of all so called
Garibaldians in the future. In fact, a
nights reflection had convinced him
that Clameran was the instigator of the
two attempts to kill him. Nine. Fau-
vel having told him what conditions
Madeleine placed on her consent to
marriage, Raoul instantly saw the
great interest Clameran would have in
his removal. He recalled thousand
little remarks and events of the last
few days. and on skillfully questioning
the marquis his suspicious changed
into certainty. This conviction that
the man whom he had so materially as
sisted in his criminal plans was so
" fn TN nct
him inspired in Raoul a resolution to
take speedy vengeance upon his treach.
erous accomplice and at the same time
insure his own safety. He was per-
suaded that by openly siding with
Madeleine and her aunt he could save
them from Clameran's clutches. Hav-
ing fully resolved upon this. he wrote
, note to Nine. FauveI asking for an
interview. The poor woman FASTENED
to Vesinet at the appointed hour, con-
yinced that some new misfortune was
in store for her. She found Raoul more
tender and affectionate than he had
ever been. He saw the necessity of re-
assuring her and winning his old place
in her forgiving heart before making
his disclosures.
He succeeded: The poor lady had
smiling and happy air in an armchair,
with Raoul kneeling before her.
Il have distressed you too long, my
dear MOTHER" he said in his softest
tones, but repent sincerely. Now
listen to me-"
He had not time to say more. The
door was violently thrown open, and
NJ. Fauvel, revolver in hand, entered
the room.
"Ah," he said, you thought you
could abuse my credulity foreverr'
Raoul had the courage to place him.
self before Nine. Fauvel and to stand
prepared to receive the expected bullet.
Il assure you, uncle he began.
Enough" interrupted the banker,
with an angry gesture, ''Cease this act.
ing, of which am no longer the dupe."
Il swear to YOU
"Spare yourself the trouble of deni-
ais. l know all. l know who pawned
my wife's diamonds. l know who CON-
mitted the robbery for which the inno-
cent Prosper was arrested and impris-
oned."
Nine. Fauvel, white with terror, fell
upon her knees,
AT last it had come-the dreadful day
had come! Vainly for years she had
added falsehood to falsehood. Yainly