Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1904-10-14
Secret Of tbe PIupdered Safe
BY EMILE GABoRIAU

biDlc 10 InG DdUK du OTuGT lOT IuTtc
hundred thousand francs. Let the mes
senger take a hack" he said to the
cashier, who trembled, as II trying to
shake off 4 terrible nightmare.
st is useless to send" he said, In a
measured tone; I'VE owe this gentleman
three hundred thousand francs, and we
have less than one hundred thousand at
the bank"
"Oh, don't be alarmed, monsieur"
said the banker to M. de Clameran; this
house has other resources. Be kind
enough to await until my return"
He left the room, went up the narrow
minutes returned, holding in his hand a
letter and bundle OF securities.
Here, quick, Couturier!" he said to
one of his clerks, take my carriage,
waiting at the door. and go with this
gentleman to Rothschild's. Hand him
this letter and securities; in exchange you
will receive three hundred thousand
francs, which you will hand to this gen
tleman."
The ironmaster was visibly disappoint-
ed; he seemed desirous Of apologizing for
his impertinence.
81 assure you, monsieur, that l had no
intention Of giving offense. Our rela-
tions for some years have been such that
l hope"
Enough, monsieur" interrupted the
banker, II desire no apologies. Follow
my clerk; he will pay you" and then
turning to his clerks, who stood curious
ly looking OH, he said: Gentlemen, be
good enough to resume your desks"
In an instant the room was cleared Of
everyone except the clerks belonging
there, and they sat at their desks with
their noses almost touching the paper
before them, as If too absorbed In their
work to think Of anything else.
eve must have an explanation" said
the banker to Prosper. LET us 90 into
your ofice."
The cashier mechanically obeyed with
out a word. and his chief followed him,
taking no precaution to close the door
after them.
"Now that we are alone, Prosper" he
said. pray, confde in me; 1t is your
only chance Of salvation. l am your en-
ployer, it is true; but am before all and
above all your friend-your best and
truest friend. cannot forget that in
this very room, fifteen years ago, you
were intrusted to me by your father; and
ever since that day have l had cause to
congratulate myself on possessing 30
faithful and efficient clerk. Have I
not always been like a father to you
From the first day my house has been
open to you; you were treated as a mem
ber of my family. Madeline and my
sons loked upon you as brother. But
you grew weary Of this peaceful life.
One day, year ago, you suddenly began
to shun us-Ah, do you think am ignor-
ant Of the life you have been leading
since you left my roof year agoY'
The banker paused, as if hoping for q
confession, which, however, did not
come.
Come. Prosper, have courage, b<
frank! l will 60 upstairs. while you will
look again in the safe; I am sure tina,
in your agitation you did not search
thoroughly. This evening I will return
and am confident that, during the day
you will have found, if not the missing
sum, the greater portion of it; and to
morrow neither you nor l will remem
Der anything about this false alarm"
"Your generosity Is useless, monsieur,
said Prosper, bitterly; "having taker
nothing, can restore nothing. I hav'
searched carefully; the bank notes hav,
been stolen, and by all that is sacred, no
BY me-"
wretch! Do you mean to say that
took tho money? All, then!" said M
Fauvel. unable to contain himself an!
longer, between you and me, Bertomy
| justice shall decide. 1 have sent 70
the commissary of police; he must b.
| waiting in my rooms. Shall I call hin
DOWN."
"Do as you will"
The banker was near tho door, whicl
he opened, and after giving the cashier
last searching look, said to an Office boy
"Anselme. ask the commissary Of pc
lice to come"
CHAPTER III.
| The commissary soon made his appear
ance. He was followed by a short maj
dressed in black, slightly relieved by
crumpled collar. The banker, scarcel
bowling, said:
Doubtless, monsieur, you have bee
apprised OF the painful circumstanc
which compels me to have recourse t
your assistance. An infamous and mys
terious robbery has been committed /
this office, from the safe you see ope
| - nj,