The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1902-06-26
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clerks were obliged to pass in and out
through the main entrance on Province
street. From this moment the task he
had undertaken no longer presented
shadow of difficulty. He rapidly
crossed the street and took up his posi-
ton under a carriage gate.
After awhile Cavaillon appeared at
| the door of the bank, but before STEP
ping on the pavement he looked up
and down the street hesitatingly. He
soon decided, entered the Faubourg
Montmartre and walked up Notre Dame
street so rapidly, utterly regardless Of
the grumbling passersby, whom he ell
bowed out of his way, that Fanferlot
found it difficult to keep him in sight.
Reaching Chaptal street, Cavaillon
suddenly stopped and entered the
house numbered 80. He had scarcely
taken three steps in the narrow corri-
dor when he felt touch on his shout
der and, turning abruptly, found him
self face to face with Fanferlot.
He recognized him at once, and, turn
ing very pale, he shrank back and
looked around for means of escape.
But the detective, anticipating the at
tempt, barred the passageway. Cavail-
lon saw that he was caught.
"What do you want with me?' he
asked in voice tremulous with fear.
"You will be kind enough, my dear
monsieur" said Fanferlot, Ito excuse
the great liberty I take. 1t is only
| about trifling matter, and you will
overwhelm me with obligations if you
will do me the honor to accept my arm
and step outside for a. moment
What could Cavaillon do? He took
Fanferlot's arm and went out with
him.
"What wished to say is, my dear
monsieur" began the detective, ''that
M. Prosper Bertomy threw you a note
this morning. I am sure you will be
kind enough to give it to me. Believe
me, nothing but the most absolute ne
cessity''-
"Neverv' exclaimed Cavaillon. And,
believing the moment favorable, he
suddenly attempted to jerk his arm
from under Fanferlot's 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."
II am in your power" said Cavail-
lon, 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-On the receipt Of this note take ev-
erything you have in the house, absolutely every
! thing, and establish yourself somewhere at the
other end OF Paris. Do not appear in public, but
conceal yourself much as possible. My life
may depend your obedience. I am 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 it
would clearly prove the guilt or inno-
cence of Prosper. Whereas he had
only seized a love letter written by a
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 UNDERSIGNED, it is
true, but they could be interpreted in
so many ways. Fanferlot folded up
the note and slipped it into his pocket.
"A thousand thanks, monsieur, for
the information, and in return, if you
please, I will relieve you of the trouble
of executing your commission. I will
myself take this note to Nine. Nina
Gypsy. will also give you a piece
of advice. If were in your place, I
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. Gypsy and, above all, be reveng-
ed upon this odious detective who had
just made him suffer such cruel humili-
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