Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1904-07-15
CHAPTER TX

CHAPTER TX.
Prosper had been languishng in his
lonely cell for nine days, when on Thurs
day morning the jailer came to inform
him of the judges decision. He was
conducted before the officer who had
searched him when he was arrested; and
the contents of his pockets, his watch,
penknife and several articles of jewelry
were restored to him; then he was told
to sign a receipt.
He was next led across dark pas
sage, and almost pushed through door,
which abruptly shut upon him. He found
himself on the quay; he was alone; he
was free, but only acquittal after due
trial would restore him to his former po-
sitiOn among men.
Having arrived in front of Gypsy's
house. he hesitated to cross the thresh-
old. He experienced the timidity of an
honest man who is suspected of a crime;
he feared to meet familiar face. How
ever, as he could not remain all day on
the pavement, he went in. The janitor
uttered a joyful exclamation ON seeing
him.
II am delighted to see you again. he
said ~ felt that you would come back
as white as snow. When 1 read in the
newspapers that you were accused of
robbery l said to every one, He is limo
cent?"
Madam has, no doubt, left here?' he
said; "do you know where she has
gone"
mo, monsieur. On the day of your
arrest she sent for a cab, put all her
boxes into it, and drove away without
saving where she was going. Since then
we have heard nothing of her. When
your father left this morning at S o'clock
he told me that one Of his friends re-
NAMED, whom 1 was to look upon as
the master until your return. You know
him, doubtless, a stout man, about your
height, with red whiskers."
Prosper was greatly astonished. A
friend of his father occupying the house,
What did that mean? However,, he con-
cealed his surprise.
Yes, 1 know him." he said. Then,
rapidly ascending the staircase, he rang
his own bell
seen him before.
81 am delighted to make your ac
quaintance," said the man, with a bow.
THAT you are surprised to see me here,
you were about to observe. l can easily
understand. Your father intended to in
troduce me to you, but he was obliged
to leave for Beaucaire this morning.
am glad to say he went away as convinc-
ed as 1 am that you have not taken
sou belonging to M. Fauvel. This let
ter" continued the stout gentleman, will
serve as an introduction, | hope"
The cashier took the letter, opened it,
and as he read his face frightened and
a H. L. IL, aAve i
ing finished the letter, he held out his
hand to the stout gentleman, who shook
it warmly.
MY father tells me-" said Prosper,
chat you are one of his best friends He
tells me to place implicit confidence in
you and to act entirely on your advice"
Just so. This morning your father
said to me, Verduret-that is my name
-Verduret, my son is in painful posi-
ton. You must get him out of it, |
answered, All right, / will do my best
Now the ice is broken, let us discuss the
question. What are you going to do!
What am l going to do? l am going
to find out the wretch who has caused
my ruin, and hand him over to Justice
to revenge myself"
Exactly; and have you any clew TO
the guilty person!
"Eone. and yet / shall succeed, for
man who devotes his whole life to the
accomplishment of task cannot fail.
"Wel said, NJ. Prosper; | fully ex-
pected such would be your intention, ana
1 have already been looking into the
case. 1 have formed plan. TO oegln
with. you must disappear"
''Disappear"' cried the cashier. indlg
nantly. Disappear! that would be
confession of guilt, would authorize the
world to say that l am hiding so as TO
enjoy undisturbed the stolen fortune.
well, what thenY' said lied WINS
kers Did you not say just now that
the sacrifice of your life was made: You
have an enemy? Some petty imprudence
will hetray him. But while he sees you
standing on the watch he will be on his
guard. Let us reflect on the course you
should pursue Now listen. You have
friend, NJ. de Layers? Who is this
fellow?"
M. de Layers, monsieur" said Pros
per haughtily, sis NJ. Fauvel's nephew;
a wealthy young man. handsome. intelll-
gent. cultivated, and the best friend
have"
''Humphr' said NJ. Verduret. Il shall
be delighted to make the acquaintance Oh
one adorned with so many charming
qualities. / must let you know that
wrote aim note in your name ASKING
him to come here, and he sent Word ,nal