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

about the welfare of the woman he
loved than about his own.
Vainly did he puzzle over the let
ter. hoping TO discover some hidden
meaning; twist the words as he
would, they proved nothing for or
against the writer.
The two words absolutely every
thing" were underscored IL is true;
but they could be interpreted in so
many ways.
The detective, however, determined
not 10 drop the matter here.
This Madame Nina Gypsy is doubt
less a friend of Monsieur Prosper
Bertomy?"
"She is his particular friend
"Ah, I understand; and she lives
here at No. 392"
you know it. well enough. as you
saw me go i'm there"
81 suspected IL to be the house.
monsieur; now tell me whether the
apartments she occupies are rented
IN her name"
mo. Prosper rents them"
Exactly; and which floor, if you
please2"
ION the first"
During this colloquy, Fanferlot had
folded up the note. and slipped 10 i'm
10 his pocket.
"A thousand thanks. monsieur. for
the Information; and, i'm return. I will
relieve You of the trouble OF eNecut-
ing your commission"
Monsieur"
Eyes. with your permission. I viii
myself take this note TO Madame
Nina Gypsy"
Cavaillon began to demonstrate:
but Fanferlot cut him short by saw
ing:
81 viii also venture 20 give YOU a
piece OF advice. Return quietly to
your business, and have nothing more
60 do with this affair"
'But Prosper is good friend Of
mine, and has saved me from ruin
more than once"
Only the more reason for YOUR
keeping quiet. You can not be of the
slightest assistance TO him, and I can
tell YOU that YOU may be OF great in
jury. As You are known 10 be his de-
voted friend. of course your absence
at this time VIII he remarked upon.
ANY steps that you take I'm this mat
ter viii receive the worst interpreta-
ton"
"Prospe~ rs Innocent, I am sure"
Fanfcrlot was Of the same opinion.
but ne had no idea of bctrnving his
private thoughts; and vet for the sue
cess of his Investigations il was
necessary Co impress the Importance
of prudence and discretion upon the
young man; DEE would have told him
20 keep silent concerning what had
passed between them, but he dared
not.
What you say may be true" he
said. Il hope 10 is, for the sake OF
Monsieur Bertomy. and on your own
account, too; for, IL he is guilty. YOU
will certainly be very much annoyed.
and perhaps suspected of completely.
as you are well known 10 be intimate
with him"
Cavaillon was overcome.
Now. YOU had best take my advice
monsieur, and return 20 your bust
ness. and Good-morning. mon
sieur."
The poor fellow obeyed. Slowly and
with swelling heart he returned 10
the Rue Notre Dame de Lorette. lie
asked himself how ne could serve
Prosper. warn Mime. Gypsy. and. above
all, have his revenge upon this odious
detective, who had just made him suf-
fer cruel humiliation
He had no sooner turned the cor
ner OF the street. than Fonferlot en-
tered No. 3D. gave his name to the
porter as Prosper Eertomy. went an.
stairs, and Knocked az the first door
ne came TO.
II was opened 10y a youthful foot
man, dressed i'm the most fanciful liv-
cry.
rs Madame Gypsy at home?"
The groom hesitated; seeing this
fonferlot showed his note. and said.
"Minsieur Prosper told me To hand
this note TO madame, and wait for an
answer"
Walk in, and 7 viii let madame
know you are here"
The name of Prosper produced its
effect Fanferlot was ushered into n
little room furnished in blue and gold
silk damask. Heavy curtains dark
cned the windows, and hung in front
OF the doors. The floor was covered
with a blue velvet carpet.
Our cashier was certainly wen
lodged" murmured the detective.
But he had no time TO pursue his in
ventory. One of the door curtains
was pushed aside. and Nine. Nina Clip
sy stood before him.
Nine Gypsy was quite young, small
and graceful, with brown or rather
Rold-colored quadroon complexion;
and the hands and fcef Of n child
Long curling silk lashes softened
the piercing Driliiancy of her large
black eyes; her lips were full. and her
teeth were very white.
She had not yet made her toilet, but
wore a velvet dressingwrapper which
did not conceal the lace ruffes be-
meath But she had already been un-
der the hands of n hair-dresser.
Her hair was curled and frizzed