Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-01-01

ftStttbttHdtu.
to some hangers on to find the two
strangers In Ontro and return them to
the inn with every assurance of safe
ty.
This matter having been attended to,
Vandal resumed:
you see l and my companions came
from Paris in search of Young fell
low who had robbed us-that is, who
had robbed friend of mine of several
thousand francs"
what is this the fellow is sayingY
asked Frau Robard, who had returned
when quiet was restored. She did not
understand French.
II will speak German" said vandal,
who was quite Il linguist in his way.
"You see / and my companions came
from Paris In search of young fell
low who robbed n friend of mine of
several thousand francs in money,
some valuables and some fine clothing.
We traced the rascal to Strassburg,
and then from city to city and almost
through Prussia. We lost the trail at
last, but the direction had steadily
been toward Deneslia, and, knowing
that he had friends here, we believed
he would make for this country.
1--WE knew that he left Paris in the
disguise of woman. He arrived at
Strassburg in the same disguise. And
now the mysterious part of it is this
that he Wore a gown the counterpart
Of the one Frau Robard now has on.
am sure of this, and was SO sure that
the moment set eyes on the gown /
believed the wearer of it to be the
thief.
ITO make sure, 1 stepped up to the
lady, and, thinking more than ever that
was right, rudely raised her head in
order to see her face. Imagine my
amazement and CONSERVATION when
beheld the sweet face of good Frau
Robard. oh, l assure You, gentlemen,
it was Il most grievous error on my
part, and no one could regret it more
than did, especially when felt your
billiard cues ramming me in the stom-
ach.
well, the evil is not so great, if the
good frau can forgive me-
| A look of great Significance passed
from Robard to the younger of the
four, who was his son.
"And you say this fellow was
thief?" asked the elder Robard. "uow
much did you say he stole?"
! 1t flashed into the mind of Vandal
that the paltry amount of n thousand
francs was not sufficient loss to cause
three men to chase across Europe at
an expense beyond that to recover it.
why, so far us we could ascertain"
he answered, 1.-The rascal took in money
| 1900 francs, several diamond orna-
ments, ladies' jewelry and fine gold
watch"
Another flash of intelligence from old
Robard 70 his son.
We'll, my friend" said the old man,
81 can explain the matter of the gown
very easily. There came to this inn
from the train yesterday a young man
who claimed to be peddler In fact.
be had valise, and in that yalise he
carried this gown, which he offered for
sale. 1t took the fancy of my wife at
once, and she made Il bargain with
| hoAS Npoh XIV SSoNh, liz tOoh luC
money, spent the night here and this
morning departed"
what sort of a man? How did he
look?" asked Nandal.
"Oh. young fellow. He spoke
French. but fnncied he was more like
those accurscd English. He spoke also
German to the WIFE"
Smooth face, dark brown hair, good
eyes?'
THE same. Evidently the same.
Though thief who steals like that
would not own good eyes long"
"Oh, this fellow WAS good actor.
He can appear to be anything"
''IIe must be MARVEL"
'He is. Which way did he go?'
swell, now. to tell the truth, do
not remember. l think he went on
| toward Trolle AT least he purchased
a horse of me"
AT this point the two frightened as
sociates We're brought in, and their
eyes opened ut seeing the man they
had left at the bottom of heap strug.
/ Cling for life now at the top of the
heap with the interest and attention
of all concentrated on him.
"Our man has gone on toward
Trolle," said Nandal. "Our friends
here did not know they We're letting a
prize slip through their fingers. Why
there is a prize of 5000 francs offered
by the Paris police for the return OF
the man to them. Oh, you should have
held him.
Again that quick flash from father
to son.
81 suggtst, A.,.I vandal, that, now
; our eNp.ait. sio.l : complete and goot
will estai.. Id. e drink the health o.
the Fra. i."a,;d and get some rest
In the mu.iI.... W. VII continue oul