Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1902-02-07

upon which he hastily wrote few
lines.
IS "Ah, ha!' thought Fanferlot the
Squirrel, whose hearing and sight
were wonderfully good in spite Of his
profound sleep. "Eh, eh! he makes his
little condolences on paper, l see. Now
we will discover something positive"
|. Having written his note, Prosper
folded it carefully in the smallest pos
sible size and, after furtively glancing
toward the detective, motionless in his
corner, threw it to little Cavaillon with
q simple word:
"Gipsyv'
Fanferlot was COMPOUNDED and be-
: gan to feel little uneasy.
'eThe young man has more pluck and
nerve than many Of my oldest custom
ers. This, however, shows the result
of education.'
Yes, innocent or guilty, Prosper must
have been endowed with great self
control and power of discrimination to
affect this imperturbable calmness and
presence Of mind at a time when his
honor, his future happiness. all that he
held dear in life, were at stake. And
he was only thirty years old. Either
from natural Difference or from the
hope of gaining some ray of light by
private conversation the commissary>
determined to speak to the banker.
"There is no doubt, monsieur" he
said as soon as they were alone, ''this
young man has robbed you. 1t would
be gross neglect Of duty If I did not
SECURE his person"
This declaration seemed to distress
the banker "Poor Prosper" he said.
Prosper was now called in with Fan
ferlot, whom they had much trouble
to awaken, and with the most COM
plete Indifference listened to the an
nouncement Of his arrest.
In response he calmly said:
II swear that am innocent"
NJ. Fauvel, much more disturbed and
excited than his cashier, made a last
attempt.
:There is still time, poor boy" he
said. I'm the name of heaven, reflect!'
Prosper did not appear to hear him.
AAC uAS" 11OAA LIS pOCheL d IL! iS:H =
which he laid on the mantel. I'D sa:>S ::
"Here is the key of your safe. z:::,,::
sieur. l hope for my sake tllal ,g:v;l
will some day be convinced OF my in
nocence, and I hope for your sake
that it will not come too Late" Then,
as every one was silent, he added:
"Before leaving, here are the books.
papers and accounts necessary for my
successor. I must at the same time
inform you that, without speaking of
the stolen three hundred and fifty
thousand francs, l leave a deficit in
cash. There is a deficit of three thou
sand five hundred francs on my cash
account, which has been disposed of
, in the following manner: Two thou
sand taken by myself in advance of my
salary and fifteen hundred advanced
to my fellow clerks. This is the last
day of the month. Tomorrow the sal
aries win be paid. consequently
The commissary interrupted him.
"Were you authorized" he demand
ed, Ito draw money whenever you
wished to to make advances?"
mo, but I knew that M. Fauve]
would not have refused me permission
to oblige my friends. What l did IL
done everywhere. l have simply fel
lowed my predecessors example,"
The banker made sign Of assent.
"As regards that spent by myself
continued the cashier, IL had sort so1
tight to it, all Of my savings being
deposited in this baRk-about fifteen
thousand francs"
THAT is true," said N. Fauvel. IN
Berton!y has at least that amount on
depasi." .
This Last question settled, the com.
missa1E?s errand was ended, and his
report might now be made. He an.
nounced> his intention of leaving and
ordered the cashier to prepare to follow
him.. Usually this moment, when
stern reality stares us in the face
when our individuality Is lost and We
feel that we are being deprived of eul
ukerty-this moment ds terrible. Al
this fatal command, "Follow me, >
which brings before our eyes thu
yawning prison gates, the most harden
ed sinner weeps and begs for mercy
But prosper lost none of that studied
phlegm which the commissary secret4.
pronounced consummate impudence
= Slowly. with as much careless ease a
II going to breakfast, be drew on hi
overc0at and gloves and said politely:
II am ready to accompany you, mon
Dieur."
The eommissary folded up his pock
etbook and bowed to M. Eauvel, sayin,
to Prosper:
"Let US CO."
They left the room, and, with dis
uessed face and eyes filed with tear
that he could not restrain, the banke
watched their departure.
.sGood heaven!' he exclaimed. "Glad
~ would I give donble the sum stole
to regain my old confidence in poo
Prosper and be able to keep him wit
mer r.