Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-01-28
CHAPTER III.
A BOLD SWINDLE.

Leaving the theatre Davnelle. with a
return check in his pocket, went out to
look for some oranges.
He went up to a stand. bought 4 doZ.
en- and had just paid for them when lie
felt hand lightly touch him on the
shoulder. He turned around. Before him
stood short man with keen eyes.
whiskers like those of a cat and wearing
the ribbon of tae Legion Of Honor.
Doffing his hat he said:
Il beg pardon. but is this not Monsieur
George Davnelle whom have the honor
of addressing?"
THE same. SIR
Il am Chief Taillefer Of the detective
department"
In what way can be Of any assist
ance to you?" asked George, very much
surprised.
l shall Getain sou oily few mo-
ments A robbery has been committed
and client Of the Universal credit com
rany whose agency you have charge
Of is the victim"
One of our patrons robbed? This is
| the first I've heard of it,
George followed him mechanically
The vast corridors OF the palace Of jus
tee We're all but deserted when he and
the chief vert up to lad in uniform
WHO was sitting in a chair reading a
newspaper.
The chief nodded to the boy. who got
, Up and. crossing the corridor, knocked
| at door on which there was a placard
with the name Monsieur Mcg,igny"
| Inc detective. turning toward George,
| VINO sun held tie bag Of oranges in his
| hand. said. Enter. my dear Davncllc.
The judge is waiting for YOU
Davnelie entered and bowed to the
| judge, vino studiedly returned the sa-
| lutte.
DO YOU knew Nine Aulairc?' the
| magistrate asked. when his clerk had
| written down Davnelle's responses to
| the preliminary questions usual on such
| occasions.
| Very well, indeed. sir. have done
| BUSINESS with her in my capacity as
head of an agency of the Universal
| credit company
she consulted YOU last month. did
! she note"
| She did sir" replied Davnelle. with
| out the lest sign Of anxiety "But Your
! detective spoke to me abou. a robbery.
Has NM Aulaire been robbed"
| Monsieur Davneile?' said the magis-
| tfate, ignoring the others question.
| VIII you be Kind enough to repeat the
conversation you had with her tiie las.
| time she called upon youo"
DaNnellc could not repress the dis
| pleasure that ne now felt at an inter
view which was likely to spoil his even
| Ing. lie looked at the clock on the man
tel and also at his bag Of oranges.
| He saw that there was little proba-
bility of his getting back to box . in
| time to see the curtain 80 up for tie
| third act.
| Nevertheless he controlled his d,sap-
rnintment to the extent of replying:
| My dear sir. the conversation was a
very simple matter. Nine Aulaire.
thinking that her health was not Of the
| best. explained to ne that as her niece
| was about TO get married. She. Nine Au-
| laire. WAS going to put the money which
| some day her niece would fall heir to.
| into the business Of the niece's future
| husband. who was fitting Up building
| for the manufacture of newly pat
| cnted article. She would lie obliged,
| therefore, she said. to withdraw before
| long whatever securities and money
| she had deposited with VS.: ard more
| over. if her health continued TO decline
she would withdraw them by means OF d
third person"
! Davnc!le paused to take breath.
| Continue" =aid the judge.
| Nine Aulaire added that. before max
| ing up her mind definitely she was going
| 10 obtain certain information concern
| ing The patent. She also wanted to
| know what forr1a.it.es size would have
| to 70 through il. order 20 ST '.>r rrcp-
| or.v from us. il she concluded 20 send
| for Il. I told her tina. I would surrcn-
der her papers aaG funds 20 any person