Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-03-06

~ VI DSht' nv "HN' ~ ''B
posed to be dead, lost forever to the
sight of man, he rises up and has
his vengeance. You have an enemy?
Some petty imprudence will betray
him. Blu while he sees you on the
watch he will be on his guard"
1t was with a sor of amazed submits
sion that Prosper listened to this man
who, though q friend of his father, was
an utter stranger to himself.
He submitted to the ascendency Of n
nature more energetic than his own
In his helpless condition he was CRATE
full to find a friend.
Il will follow your advice, monsieur"
he said.
Il was sure you would. Let us de-
eide upon the course you shall pursue.
And remember that the proceeds Of
the sale will be needed. Have you any
ready money? No. but you must have
some. knowing that you would need
it at once, I brought here a furniture
dealer, and he will give 10000 francs
for everything except the pictures.'
The cashier could not refrain from
Struggling his shoulders, which NJ. Ner-
durct observed.
yes" said he, at is hard, I will adj
nit. but it is necessary. Listen. You
arc the invalid, and l am the doctor
charged to cure you. If ! cut to the
quick, you will have to endure it. 1t
is the only way to save YOU
"Cut away. then, monsieur answer
ed Prosper, submitting.
"Well we will hurry, for time pass
es. You have a friend, NJ. de Lagors?'
"Raoul? Yes, monsieur, an intimate
friend"
"Now tell me, who is this fellow"
The term fellow" seemed to wound
Prosper.
an. de Layers, monsieur" he said,
piqued, sis NJ. Fauvels nephew. lie is
a rich young man, handsome, intelli-
gent, cultured and the best friend l
have"
"Hum." said NJ. verduret. 81 shall
be delighted to make the acquaintance
of one adorned by so many good quail
ties | must let you know that | wrote
him a note in your name asking him
to come here. and he sent word that
he would be here directly"
"What!' cried the astonished Pros
per. "Do you SUPPOSE
ooh, l suppose nothing. Only I must
see this young man. Also l have ar
ranged and will submit to you a little
plan of conversation
A ring at the bell interrupted NJ. Yer
duret.
"The dickens. Adieu to my plan
to hear and see?"
"There in my bedroom. Leave thu
door open and the curtain down."
A second ring was heard.
Il must 60" said Prosper.
"Now, remember, Prosper" said NJ
Nerduret in a warning tone, mot on
word to this man about your plans o
about me. Pretend to be discouraged
I helpless, hcsitating."
!, And he disappeared behind the cur
, tain as Prosper ran to open the door.
Prosper's portrait of NJ. de Lager
had not been exaggerated. So hand
some a face and manly a figure coul'
belong only to Il noble character. Al
I though Raoul said that he was twenty
a twenty. He had a superb figure, we
knit and supple; a beautiful whit
, brow, shaded by soft chestnut curl
hair, and soft blue eyes which beanie
o with %frankness.
: His first impulse was to throw him
e self into Prosper's arms. "My poor
8 dear friend!' he said, taking Prosper
g hands. MY poor Prospect"
l But beneath these affectionate den
t onStrations there was a certain col
s%traint, which, if it escaped the casl
Ter, was noticed by NJ. Verduret.
Your letter. my dear Prosper" sal
Raoul after being seated, "made n
r i'll, | was so frightened by it. l askc
myself if you could have lost yor
q mind. Then l left everything to CON
10 you"
Prosper did not seem to hear hin
He was preoccupied about the lettt
he had not written. What were il
contents? Who was this man who's
assistance he had accepted?
"You must not feel discouraged,
II continued NJ. de Layers. "At your aG
O you may commence life anew. YOU
d friends are still left to you. Rely upo
me. am rich, Half of my fortune
II at your disposal"
V This generous offer, made at a m,
It ment like this with such frank sin
/ plicity. deeply touched Prosper.
Thanks, Raoul," he said, with en-
ton; thank you! But unfortunately a
l. the money in the world would be
no use now"
l. "Why so? What are you going
do? Do you propose to remain
d Paris?"
n 81 know not, Raoul. ! have made /
plans yet. My mind is confused"
10 81 will tell you what to do" reptile
Raoul quickly. "You must start aires
'e Until this mysterious robbery IS e
% planned it will never do for you to r
main in Paris"
" "And If it is never explainedf'
- "Only the more reason for your r
i naming in oblivion. l have been tai
d. ing about you to Clameran. You a
u unjust to him, for he is your frien
'e III I were IL. Prosper's place. he sal
4 would turn everything into mono
: and embark for America. There
:! would make a fortune and return
q crush with nv miIlioNJ those wi