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

IN HE commissary sent for by M.
Fauvel soon made his ap.
lS7SzfS] pearance. "A short man dress.
9EEa ed In a full suit of black,
which was slightly relieved by a crum-
pied collar, followed him. The banker,
scarcely bowling to him. said:
"Doubtless, monsieur, you have been
apprised Of the painful circumstance
which compels me to have recourse to
your assistance?'
1T is about a robbery, believe"
Eyes; an Infamous and mysterious
robbery committed in this office, from
the safe you see open there, Of which
my cashier'-he pointed to Prosper
"alone possesses the key and the
word.''
This declaration seemed to arouse
the unfortunate cashier from his stu
por.
pardon me, monsieur" he said to
the commissary in low tone. my
chief also has the word and the key"
II should have said SOL
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
robber enter from without?''
The banker hesitated a moment
II think not" he said at last.
Sand l am certain he did not" said
Prosper.
The commissary was prepared for
those answers, but it 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 if you cannot discover
some traces that may have escaped
the attention Of these gentlemen"
NJ. Fanferlot, nicknamed ''The SOUR.
rel,' was indebted to his prodigious
agility for this title, of which he was
| not little proud. Slim and insignif-
cant In appearance, he might, in spite
of his iron muscles, be taken for bail
ifs under clerk as he walked along
buttoned up to the chin in his thin
black overcoat. 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 ambitious. 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 parti-
tons, examined the wicket and stirred
up the ashes in the fireplace.
1T would be very difficult" said he,
''for stranger to enter here"
| He walked around the Office.
us this door closed at night?" he in.
quired.
1T is always locked"
| "And who keeps the key?"
1.-THE Office boy, to whom always
give it in charge before leaving the
bank" said Prosper.
''This boy" said M. Fauvel, "sleeps
In the outer room on sofa bedstead,
which he unfolds at night and folds up
in the morning."
! "Is he here?" inquired the commits.
sary.
| Eyes, monsieur" answered the bank
er.
He opened the door and called:
"Anselme!'
This boy had been confidential serv
ant Of M. Fauvel for ten years: HI
knew that he would not be suspected
but the idea Of being connected with .
robbery is terrible, and he entered tn,
room trembling like leaf.
! did you sleep in the next room las
night?' asked ne commissary of pc
lice.
| Eyes, monsieur; as usual"
| AT what hour did you go to bedY
"About half past 10. 1 had spent tn
evening at q cafe near by with mon
sieur's valet"
Ibid you hear no noise during tn
night?"
mo, and still sleep so lightly tina
IL monsieur comes down to the cash
room when I am asleep I am Instant!
awakened by the sound of his foot
steps,
"Does NJ. Fauvel often come to tn
cashroom at night?"
mo, monsieur; very seldom"
"Did he come last night?"
"No, monsieur; l am very certain BIZ
did not, for was kept awake nearl!
all night by the strong coffee I hat
drunk with the valet" .....,
''That will do" said the commissary
"You may retire."
When Anselme had left the room
Fanferlot resumed his search.
He opened the door of the banker
private" staircase.
''Where do these stairs lead TOT" b,
asked.
ITO my private Office" replied M
Ehuvel.. ~.
SIS not that the room," asked tn
commissary, ito which was conduct
cd when I first Gamer ,<'s'
precisely"
IT would like to see It," said Fanfer
lot "and examine the entrances to 1t. >
':Nothing is more easy" said NJ. Eau