The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-03-28

came to inform him that his case had
not been proved. He was conducted
before the officer who had searched
him when he arrived, and the contents
of his pocket-his watch, penknife and
several little pieces of jewelry-were
restored to him. Then he was told
to sign a large sheet of paper, which
he did. He was then led across dark
passage and a door opened and shut
behind him with a bang. He found
himself on the quai. He was alone.
He was free.
Free! Justice had confessed her in
ability to convict him of the crime Of
which he was accused. Free! He
could walk about, he could breathe the
pure air, but every door would be
closed against him. A decision Of
mot proved" had left him covered
with suspicion. At the moment of his
| restoration to liberty Prosper so cruel
| ly suffered from the horror of his stu
alton that he could not repress cry Of
rage and despair.
81 am innocentw he cried out. 81
am innocent!'
Two strangers who were passing stop
ped to look at him. They took him for
lunatic
The Seine was at his feet. A thought
of suicide crossed his mind.
NO" he said, mo! have not even
the right to kill myself. No, will not
die until l have indicated my inno-
cence"
On entering Chaptal street he stood
before his own door, but hesitated to
enter it, He suffered from the timid-
ity which an honest man always feels
| when he knows he is viewed with suS-
picion. He dreaded to remain in the
street. He entered. At seeing him
the porter uttered an exclamation of
| glad surprise.
"Ah, you here, monsieur? l told ev-
cry one you would come out as white
as snow, and when read in the pa
pers that you were arrested for rob-
berry. said: My third floor lodger
thief? Never!"
The congratulations of this man, NAL
adroit but sincere impressed Prosper
painfully, and he cut them short by
| dDFupllS dShlHS:
and where are my servants?"
Gone, monsieur. Your father paid
and discharged them"
II suppose you have my keys"
mo, monsieur. When your father
left this morning at s o'clock, he told
me that q friend of his would take
charge of your rooms until you should
return Of course you know who he
is-a stout gentleman with red whis-
kers."
Prosper was astonished. What could
be the meaning of one of his fathers
friends being in his rooms? He did
not, however. betray his surprise,
"Yes. l know who he is" he said.
He ran up the stairs and knocked at
his door, 1t was opened by his ia
Tiers friend. He had been accurately
described by the porter. A fat man
with a red face. sensual lips, brilliant
eyes and of rather coarse manners
stood bowling. Prosper had never seen
him before.
Delighted to make your acquaint-
ance, monsieur" he said.
He seemed to be perfectly at home.
On the table lay book which he had
taken from the bookcase, and he APP
peared ready to do the honors Of the
house.
Il must confess, monsieur began
Prosper.
"That you are surprised to find me
here? So / suppose. Your father in
tended introducing me to you. but he
was compelled to return this morning
to Beaucaire, and | must add that he
departed thoroughly convinced. as |
myself am. that you never took cent
from NJ. Fauvel."
At this unexpected good news Pros
per could not restrain an exclamation
of joy.
Here is a letter from your father
which l was charged to give you. l
hope it will serve as an introduction
between u.s."
Prosper took the letter, opened it.
and as he read his eyes grew brighter
and the color returned to his pale
cheeks. When he had finished, he
held out his hand to the large man and
said:
"My father. monsieur. tells me you
are his best friend. He advises me to
have absolute confidence in you and
follow your counsel"
Exactly. This morning your father
said to me: 'Verduret'-that is my
name-'Vcrduret, my son is in great
trouble. He must be helped out
replied. ! am ready and here am.
Now the ice is broken, is it not? Then
let us go to work What do you in
tend to dog"
This question revived Prospers sum-
bering rage. His eyes dashed,
what do | intend to doT he said
angrily. u wish to seek the villain
who has ruined mot"
Naturally. But have you any means
of attaining that end?"
"None Yet | shall succeed, because
when man devotes his whole life to
an object he is certain to achieve it."
"Well said, NJ. Prosper. and. to be
frank. fully expected that this would
be your purpose. l have therefore al
ready begun to think and act for you.
! have plan. In the first place. you
will sell this furniture, quit this house
, and disappear"
Disappear cried Prosper indig'
nantly. Disappear! Why, monsieur
Do you not see that such step would
: be q confession of guilt-would au.
; thorize the world to say that l am
| % t.