The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-05-19
CHAPTER VII.
THE KIDNAPPING OF MME. DI
BARRY

Nine. Du Barry's face became whittier
still. II was evident In a moment TO
Buckford that there were subjects the
mention OF which she dreaded even more
than that OF the missing prisoner.
'Oh, monsieur. have mercyl" she
walled. Il am but a poor. weak wo-
mani"
Madame said Buckford sternly,
''your history is one OF crime. I shud-
der even when l look at you and think
OF the misery you have caused in this
world"
Alas, 1t is not all true. 1 am not
so bad as they say"
Heaven. IL you were but half as bad!
Or. madame, l assure you we know you
well, but even the police do not think
you are quite as bad as your enemies
Enemies, My enemiesl Have I
enemies, then, who denounce me to the
police?"
Buckford laughed easily. lie saw now
that he was gaining ground.
Enemies. Madame. l have learned
more In three days from your friends
than l ever hoped to know.
MY friendsl Name them, Tell me
one secret of mine which my friends
told the police, and l Will assist YOU in
any work you want-that is monsieur
OF course, with an eye to my own safe
ty"
Better and better.
why" said Buckford do you hap
pen TO know n NJ Vandal. Well | got
from his own lips portion OF the story
OF the murder that was committed In
your house last night"
Mon Dieu! That Vandal. And he is
TO become my husband!"
Buckford laughed long and Iowa
meaning, insinuating laugh.
MY dear madame" he said pardon
my rudeness, do. but IL seems incom-
prehensible that a woman OF your intel
lgence should be so easily gulled. Van
dal TO become your husband! why II
was but "A short time ago | overheard a
conversation between him and your
other friend-shall | call him simply Cas-
parin?-about a young girl Of Deneslia he
was TO marry"
"Vandall"
mo other. II was as a reward for ser
vice done for Casparin. The girl is young
and beautiful"
oh OH This Is too muchl II Is well
sometimes TO receive visits from the po-
lice. They learn everything.
I'VE do that. indeed" said Buckford.
"And M. Reber? You know him well?"
'Reberl That fool! He muddles
things. lie got fool OF an American
IL know-the prisoner who escaped and
came TO your house"
Alas he did come, | admit. mon
sieur. But I swear | do not know at the
present time where he is."
Buckford leaned forward and I'm his
most impressive manner said
But l know, madame. .:-ne plans or
your friends have not all succeeded. |
have been through your house. madame.
and the prisoner Is gone"
Madame heaved a great sigh OF relief.
Good Then ! am not under arrept %
Not for that"
"Oh oh, Then ] am still--I am
Madame, listen Co mo. We do not
start out with only one charge I'm our
guns We are ready at any moment Co
turn from one quest 10 another as cir
cunstances demand. l came here 20 find
that prisoner. learn that he Is gone
Now, | have other matters 10 attend TO.
and IL will he greatly 90 your advantage.
madame. 10 follow my advice"
II am ready. monsieur" said Nine.
du Barry. with shIver 10 was impossi-
bic 10 foretell what advice this inscruta .
bic agent OF police might give her but
there was that murder In her house,
and how many other crimes there is no
guessing.
Madame. you are true French-wo-
man. I believer
"Ahi Am I mott All for the honor OF
France"
"Ah. Francs ., iadeed safe when her