Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-02-20


which compels me to have recourse to |
your assistaAceT'
at ia about a robbery, believe"
"Yes; an infamous and mysterious
robbery committed In this office, from
the safe you see open there, of which
my cashieT'-he pointed to Prosper
"slone possesses the key and the
word
This declaration seemed to arouse
che unfortunate cashier from his stu
por.
pardon me, monsieur" he said to
the commissary in a low tone. MY
chief also has the word and the key"
81 should have said So"
The commissary at once understood
that these two men accused each other.
"Well," he said, "a robbery has been
perpetrated, but by whom? Did the
xobber enter from without"
The banker hesitated 4 moment
al think not" he said at last.
sand l am certain he did not" said
Prosper.
The commissary was prepared for
those answers, but 1t did not suit his
purpose to follow them up immediate
~.
However," said he, 1--WE must make
ourselves sure of it," Turning toward
his companion, IN. Fanferlot," he said,
"gO and see II you cannot discover
some traces that may have escaped
the attention of these gentlemen"
Ni. Fanfer,ot, nicknamed "The SPUR
REL" was indebted to his prodigious
agility for this title, OF which he was
not little proud. Slim and insignifi-
cant in appearance, he might in spite
of his iron muscles, be taken for a bail
ifs under clerk as he walked along
buttoned up to the chin in his thin
black ovsrcoat He had one of those
faces that impress us disagreeably-an
odiously turned UP nose, thin lips and
little restless black eyes. Fanferlot,
who had been on the police force for
five years, burned to distinguish him
self, to make for himself a name. He
was ambitions. Alas, he was unsuc-
cessful. lacking opportunity or genius
Already, before the commissary spoke
to him, he had ferreted everywhere
studied the doors, sounded the pIi'ti-
tions, examined the wicket and stirred
I'D the ashes in the fireplace.
at would be very difficult" said he.
"for q stranger to enter here"
He walked around the Office.
SIS this door closed at nightT ne In
guired.
ut is always locked"
"And who keeps the key"
"The Office boy, TO whom I always
give it in charge before leaving the
bank" said Prosper.
This boy" said NJ. Fauvcl, Sleeps
In the outer room OH sofa bedstead,
which he unfolds at night and folds up
in the morning."
rs he here!" inquired the commits.
sary.
Yes, monsieur" answered the bank.
or.
He opened the door and called:
''Anselme"
This boy had been a confidential scrv
ant Of NJ. Fauvel for ten years. He
knew that he would not be suspected
nut the idea Of being connected with q
robbery is terrible, and he entered the
room trembling like n leaf.
night?' asked the commssary OF po
lice
Yes monsieur; as usual"
"At What hour did you 80 to bcd"'
"About half past 10. had spent th'
evening AT cafe near by with mon
sieurs valet
did you hear no noise during thu
nightW
NO. and still ! sleep so lightly tina
81 monsieur comes down TO the cash
room when am asleep I am instantly
awakened by the sound of his foot
steps"
Does NJ. Fauvcl often come to thu
cashroom mt night?'
mo. monsieur; very seldom"
"Did he come last nghtY'
mo, monsieur; | am very certain h
did not, for / was kept awake nearl.
oil night by the strong coffee l hat
drunk with che valet"
"That will do" said the commissary
"You may retire"
When Ansclmc had left the room
Fanferlot resumed his search.
He opened the door of the banker
private sldltcdSc.
"Where do these stairs lead TOP h
asked.
"To my private Office" replied NJ
Fauvel.
rs not that the ROOM" asked tn
cOinmissary, "to which / was conduct
ed when ! first came?'
Precisely"
81 would like to see it," said Fanfei
lot, "and examine the entrances to it.
Nothing is more easy said NJ. Far
vel eagerly. Come, gentlemen, an
you come, too, Prosper
NJ. Fauvel's private office consisted q
two roons-the waiting room, sumptl
ously decorated and the study, whcr
he transacted business. The furnitur
In this room was composed of larg
Office desk, several leather covere
chairs and on either side Of the fire
place a secretary and bookshelf
These two rooms had three doors
One opened on the private stairway
another into the bankers bedroom, an
the third into the main vestibule.
was through this last door that tn
bankers clients and visitors were ad
mtted. Nj. Fanferlot examined tn
study. He seemed puzzled like a ma