Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-05-26

bewildered. and wondering how he
could begin the conversation. Nine.
Gypsy eyed him with the most disdain-
tul surprise; she was waiting for this
shabby little man in a threadbare
coat and greasy hat to explain his
presence i'm her dainty parlor
She had many creditors, and was
recalling them, and wondering which
one had dared TO send this man to
wipe his dusty boots on her velvet
/ carpets.
After scrutiuizing him from head
to foot with undisguised contempt,
: she said, haughtily:
What do YOU want?"
Any one but Fanferlot would have
been offended at her insolent man
ner; but he only noticed it to gain
some notion of the young woman's
disposition.
"She is bad-tempered," he thought,
'and is uncducated."
While he was specializing upon her
merits, Mime. Nina impatiently tapped
her little foot. and waited for an an
swer; finally she said:
why don't you speak? What do
gPN want mere
Il am charged. my dear madame. ''
he answered, i'm his softest tone. "bv
Monsieur Bertomy, 20 give you this
note"
From Prosper. You know him
then2"
81 have that honor, madame: in
deed. l may be SO bold as 10 claim
him as n friend"
Monsieur! You a friend of Pros
peri" exclaimed Nine. Gypsy. i'm a
scornful tone, as If her pride were
wounded.
Fanferlot did not condesoend to no
tice this offensive exclamation. He
was ambitious, and contempt failed 60
irritnte him.
Il said friend of his. madame:
and there are fewpeople who would
have the courage 60 claim friendship
for him now"
Nine. Gisp was struck by the words
and manner of fanferlot
II never could guess riddles" She
said tartly; ''you viii Doe kind enough
TO explain what YOU mean?"
The detective slowly drew Prosncr's
note from his pocket. and. with "a
bow. presented IL TO Mime. Gipsv.
Read. madame. he said.
She certainly anticipated no misfor-
tune; although her sight was excel
lent, she stopped to fasten a tiny
gold cyeglass ON her nose. then care
leSSlv opened the note.
At a glance she read It's conteDts
She turned very rcd. then very pale:
She remblcd as If with "a nervous
chill; her limbs seemed TO give way.
and she tottcred So that Fanferlot
thinking She was about TO fan. ex-
tended his arms to catch her.
Useless prccautionl Nine. GipSv
was one OF those women whose inert
hstleSsncss conceals indomitable on
ergy; fragile-looking creatures whose
powers Of endurance and resistance
are unlimited; cat-likc iu their soft
grace and delicacy. especially cat-li<e
IN their nerves and muscles of steel
The dizziness caused by the shock
she had received quickly passed on.
She tottcred. but did not fall. and
stood mp looking stronger than ever.
sel@ng the wrist of The detective.
She held il as 81 her dciicate little
land were "a wise. and cried out:
Explain yourself, what does all
this mean? DO YOU know ANYTHING
about the contents of This notice"
Although FHnfcrlot displayed cour-
age in daily coutcudiup with the most
dangerous rascals. hc was positively.
terrified hy Mime. Gypsy.
ALAS" he murmurcd.
Prosper is 90 De arrested. accused
Of being "a THERE"
YES. madame. he is accused of talk
ing $4,000 francs from the bank
safe"
"It is false, Infamous. absurd she
cried. She had dropped Fanfcrlot's
hand; and her fury. ike that of a
spoiled child, found vent in violent
actions. She tore her web-like hand
kerchief and thc magnificent lace on
her gown. 10 shreds.
Prosper stcai." she cried: what
a stupid idea, Why should he stealq
Is he not rich?"
Monsieur Bertomy is not rich.
madame; he has nothing but his
salary"
This answer seemed to confound
Nine. GipsY.
But she insisted, Il have always
seen him have plenty of money; not
rich-then-
She dared not finish; but her eve
met Fanferlot's, and they understood
each other.
Mime Nina's look meant:
lie committed This robbery in or
der TO CRAFTY my extravagant
Whims."
Fanferlots glance answered:
Very likely, madame"
y few minutes reflection convinced
Nina that her first impression was
the correct one. Doubt fled after how
ering for an instant over her agitated
mind.
Mo-" she cried, u regret to saw
that Prosper would never have stolen
one cent Tor me. One can understand
aman robbing hank 20 obtain means
OF bestowing pleasure and luxury upon