The Iola register., 1902-03-28

losing his place.
81 have had a great deal to do" he
said to excuse himself, "and have not
lost any time"
And he began to give detailed ac-
count of his movements. He was en-
barrassed, for he spoke with all sorts
of restrictions, picking out what was
to be said and avoiding what was to be
left unsaid Thus he gave the history
of Cavailon's letter, which he handed
to the judge, but he did not breathe a
word of Madeleine. On the other hand.
he gave biographical details, very mi
mute indeed, of Prosper and Nine. Clip
sy, which he had collected from vari-
Gus quarters. AS he heard the story NJ.
Patrigents convictions were strength
ened.
"The young man is evidently guilty."
he said.
Fanferlot did not reply. His opinion
was different, but he was delighted
that the judge was on the wrong track,
thinking that his own glory would
thereby be the greater when he discov-
cred the real culprit. The fact was
that this grand discovery was as far
off as 1t had ever been.
After hearing all he had to tell, the
Judge dismissed Fanferlot, telling him
to return in the morning.
above all" he said as Fanferlot left
the room, "do not lose sight OF the girl
Gipsy. She must know where the
money is and can put US on the
track"
Fanferlot smiled knowingly.
"You may rest easy about that, mon
eieur The lady is in good hands,"
Left to himself although the even
ing was far advanced. NJ. Patrigent
continued to busy himself with the
case and to arrange that the rest of the
depositions should be made. This case
had actually taken possession OF his
mind. 1t was at the same time puz-
zling and attractive. 1t seemed to be
surrounded by a cloud of mystery,
which he determined to penetrate.
The next morning he was in his Of
fee much earlier than usual. On this
day he examined Nine. Gipsy, called
! Cavaillon and sent again for M. Fau-
vel For several days he displayed the
|
subp9naed only two failed to appear.
: The first was the office boy sent by
Prosper to bring the money from the
bank He was i'll from fall. The
/ second was NJ. Raoul de Lagors. But
= their absence did not prevent the file
/ of papers relating to Prosper's case
- from growing, and on the ensuing
Monday. five days after the robbery
NJ. Patrigent thought he held in his
: hands enough moral proof to crush the
1 accused.
CHAPTER ".
D URING these minute investi
t LII cations of his past life Pros
T SEJdzf per was in prison in n secre
Sxsxl cell. The first two days haC
D not appeared very long. He had re
+ quested and been granted some sheets
a of paper numbered, which he wa'
obliged to account for, and he wrot,
with a sort of rage plans of defense
and memoranda of justification. Th,
Y third day he began to be uneasy a
e not seeing any one except the con
y demned prisoners who were employed
10 serve those confined in secret cell
e and the jailer who brought him hi
food.
"Am l not to be examined again 2
he would ask.
y "Your turn Is coming" the jailer In
II variably answered.
y Time passed. and the wretched man
>, tortured by the sufferings Of soltar,
h confinement, which quickly break tn
h spirit, sank into despair.
G "Am l to stay here forever?" b
moaned.
y The cell door opened, and the jailer'
gruff voice called out, "Come to tn
r, court of Instruction.
= lie instantly obeyed the order. Blu
d his step was no longer unsteady, as
few days previous a complete chang
# had taken place within him. He walk
ed with head erect, firm step and tn
e fire Of resolution shining in his eye
k He knew the way now, and he wake
little ahead of the guard who escort
ed him. AS he was passing throug
r, the room full of officers he met tn
man with the gold spectacles who ha
watched him so intently the day h
'e was searched.
e Courage, NJ. Prosper Bertomy," h
said. "If you are innocent, there ar
g those who will help you"
e Prosper started with surprise an
j, was about to reply when the man dis
appeared.
1t "Who is that gentleman" he aske
of the guard.
r Don't you know himT replied tn
II policeman, with surprise. "Why, 1t
NJ. Lecoq of the secret service"
N "You say his name is Lecoq"
c. "You might as well say monsieur
said the offended policeman. ut woul
not burn your mouth. NJ. Lecoq is
II man who knows everything he want