Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-08-12
CHAPTER xyu,-fContinued.)

Hray signs OF dglCauOu. OAce she maui
an attempt to rise from the chair, but
1T seemed as il her strength failed her,
and she sank back, forced to listen to the
end
Finally, ladies and gentlemen con-
ainued the clown, 1.-The richly stored
dewel cases became empty. The DAY
fame when the nandarine had nothing
more to give. 1t was then that the
young scoundrel conceived the project OF
carrying off the jasper button belonging
to the Mandarine Li-Fo, which was Kept
In a granite chest. All. the mandarlne
resisted long time. But her lover be-
sought her so tenderly that she hnally
yielded to his entreaties; and-the Jasper
button was stolen. The fourth picture
represents the guilty couple, stealthily
creeping down the private stairway; see
their frightened look-see-
He abruptly stopped. Three or four
of his auditors rushed to the assistance
of Nine Fauvel, who seemed about to
faint, and at the same time he felt his
arm roughly seized by some one behind
him. He turned round and faced DE
Clameran and Layers, both OF whom
were pale with anger.
I What do you want, gentlemen r he
inquired, politely.
ITO speak to you," they both answer
ed.
He followed them to the end Of the
picture gallery, near window opening
in a balcony.
I The sudden faintness of Nine. Fauvel
had passed off unnoticed save by few,
who attributed it to the heat Of the
room. M. Fauvel had been sent for, but
when he came hurrying in, he found his
wife composedly talking to Madeleine.
{ Not having as much control over his
hemper as Raoul, NJ. de Clameran an
grly said:
, "In the first place, monsieur, l woul
like to know who you are"
You want my passport do you, my
aord doge? l left it in the hands Of the
city authorities; it contains my name,
age, profession, domicile and every de-
kail-'
You have just committed a gross In
suit! What do you mean by telling this
abominable story in this house"
"Abominable! You may call it abom-
Unable, but |, who composed it, have a
different opinion of it"
Enough, monsieur; you will at least
nave the courage to acknowledge that
your performance was a vile insinuatlon
against NJ. FauvelT
Bless my hearth cried the clown, as
If speaking to himself. This is the
strangest thing I ever heard Of. How
tan my drama of the Mandarin Li-Fo
have any reference to M. Fauvel, whom
! don't know from Adam or Ever
DO you pretend" said M de Clam
eran. 'to be ignorant of NJ. Fauveps
misfortuneY'
All yes, yes, I remember. His cash
her ran off with three hundred and fifty
thousand francs. Pshaw! It is a thing
Mat almost daily happens. But as to
discovering any connection between this
robbery and my play, that is another
matter. If, unintentionally, l have Of
Tended the wife Of man whom l highly
esteem, it is his business to seek redress.
Perhaps you will tell me he is too old
ko demand satisfaction; if SO, let him
sent one of his sons. You asked me who
& am; in return I ask you who you are
you who undertake to act as Madame
Fauvers champion? Are you her rela-
hive, friend or afly2~ What right have
you to insult her by pretending to dis
cover an allusion to her in play invent
r ed for amusement?"
There was nothing to be said in reply
to this NJ. de Clameran sought a means
of escape.
Il am a friend Of NJ. Fauvel," he
said, land this title gives me the right
Ito be as jealous of his reputation as if
it were my own. If this is not sufi-
Client reason for my interference, l must
Inform you that his family will shortly
be mine; l regard myself as his nephew.
Next week monsieur, my marriage with
Mile. Madeleine will be publicly an
nounced."
This news was so unexpected, so
startling, that for a moment the clown
was dumb: and now his surprise was
genuine. But he soon recovered him
self, and, bowling with Difference, said,
with covert irony:
Permit me to offer my congratula-
hons. monsieur. Besides, being the belle
to-night, Mile. Madeleine is worth,
hear half a million"
Raoul de Layers had anxiously been
watching the people near them, to see
II they overheard this conversation.
1--WE have had enough Of this Cos
sip" he said in a disdainful tone: 81
will only say one thing more, Master
Clown. and that is that your tongue is
hoo long"
perhaps it is. my pretty youth, per-
haps it is; but my arm is still longer"
De Clameran here interrupted them by
saying:
1T is impossible for one to seek an
explanation from q man who conceals
his identity under the guise of a fool"
You are ut liberty, my lord doge. to
ask the master of the house who l am
If you dare"
The clown stood by with sartlonic
smile, and after a moments silence star
ed Clameran steadily in the face, and
sn measured tones said
! Il was the best friend, monsieur. that
your dead cousin ever had. | was his
adviser, and the confdant of his last
wishes"
These few words fell like a clap OF
thunder upon De CIameran He turned