Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-06-30

20 see a friend, and, losing their way.
had fallen into pit; as if there were
pits in Vesinet forests.
"Ah, that is the way you got COW
cred with mud. is it?" exclaimed the
driver. who. though apparently con-
tented with this explanation. strong
~ suspected that his two customers
had been engaged in some nefarious
transaction.
The opinion seemed 20 be enter
tanned by everyone present. for they
looked at Prosper's muddy clothes
and then at each other, in a know
ing way
But NJ. verduret stopped all com
nent by saying;
Come on"
"All right, monsieur; get in while I
settle my bill; 1 will be there in a
minute.
The drive back was silent, and
seemed unfortunately long Prosper
at first tried 70 draw his strange COM
panion into conversation: but. as he
received nothing but 'uonosylla 5les in
reply, held his peace for the rest Of
~
70 feel irritated at the absolute en-
pire exercised over him by this man.
Physical discomfort was added TO
his other troubles. He was stiff and
numb; every bone in Linn ached with
the cold.
Although mental endurance may be
unlimited, bodily strength must in the
end give way. A violent effort is al
ways followed by reaction.
Lying back in a corner OF the car
riage. with his feet upon the front
seat. NJ. Nerduret seemed 20 be en-
loying "a nap; yet he was never more
wide awake
He was in n perplexed state OF
mind. This expedition, which. he had
been confident, would resolve all his
doubts, had only added mystery 20 the
mystery His chain of evidence.
which he had thought so strongly
linked, was completely broken.
For him the facts remained the
same, but circumstances had changed.
he could not imagine what common
motive, what moral or material COM
plicity, what Influences, c. uld have
existed TO make the four actors in his
drama. Nine. Fauvel. Madeleine.
Raoul and Clameran. seemed 10 have
the same object in view.
He was seeking in his fertile mind.
that encyclopaedia Of craft and sub
tlety, for some combination which
would throw light on she problem be-
fore him.
The midnight bells were ringing
when they reached the Archanael.
and for the first time NJ. Verdurct re-
membered that he had not dincd.
Fortunately Nine. Alexandra was
still up, and in the twinkliug OF an
eve had improvised a tempting sup
per. IL was more than attention.
more than respect, that she showed
her guest. Prosper observed that
abe CARED admiringly at NJ. Verduret
all the while he was eating his sup
per.
"You will not see me tomorrow"
said NJ Nerduret 20 Prosper. when he
had risen 10 leave the room; but 7
will be here about his time to-mor-
row night. Perhaps l shall discover
what am seeking at Messicurs Jan
dIdiers' ball"
Prosper was dumb with astonish-
ment. What would NJ Nerduret
think of appearing at ball civ, bv
the wealthiest and most fashionable
bankers in Paris? This accounted for
his sending 70 the costumer.
Then you are invited TO this ban?"
The expressive eyes Of NJ. Verduret
danced with amusement.
Not yet" he said. but shall be-"
Oh, the inconsistency of the human
mind Prosper was tormented by the
most serious pre-occupations. He
looked sadly around his chamber, and.
Ss he thought of NJ. Verduret's pro-
Jected pleasure at the ball, exclaimed:
"Ah, how fortunate he is. To-mor-
row he will have the privilege of see
Ing Madeleine"