Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-08-04

ing; and after an interchange of a
few thrusts. Raoul was slightly
wounded ia the right shoulder.
| The "Ex-ofiicer of the South
wished 10 continue the combat: but
Raoul's seconds--brave young men
declared that honor was satisfied. and
that they had no intention of subject
ing their friends life 70 unnecessary
hazards.
The ex-ofIicer was forced 70 admit
that this was bat fair. and unwilling
/ " retired from the field. Raoul went
home delighted at having escaped
with nothing more serious than a lit
tie loss Of blood. and resolved 10
keep clear of all so-called Garibaldians
in the future.
In fact. a nights reflection had con-
vinced him that Clameran was the in
stigator of the two attempts 70 kill
him. Nine. Fauvel having told him
what conditions Madeleine placed on
her consent TO marriage. Raoul in
stantly saw bow necessary his remov-
al would be. now that he was an i'm
pediment in the way of Camera n
success. He recalled thousand lit
tie remarks and events of the last
few days, and. on skllfuny question
ing the marquis. had his suspicious
changed into certainty.
This conviction that the man whom
he had so materially assisted in his
criminal plans was so basely migrate
full as 10 turn against him and hire as
sassins 10 murder him in cold blood.
inspired in Raoul resolution to take
speedy vengeance upon his treacher-
Gus accomplice. and at the same time
insure his own safety.
This treason seemed monstrous TO
Raoul tie was as vet not sufficient
" experienced in rufiianisn TO know
that one villain always sacrifices an
other 20 advance HIS own projects:
he was credulous enough 70 believe
in the adage. there's honor among
thieves"
His rage was naturally mingled
with fright. well knowing that his
life hung bv thread. when ii was
threatened by daring scoundrel Like
Clameran.
He had twice miraculously escuped:
third attempt would more than like
ly prove fatal.
X
Raoul saw himself surrounded nv
snsres; he saw death before him in
every form; he was equally afraid Of
going out and OF remaining at horne.
He only venturcd with the most sus-
picious caution into the most public
PLACES; he feared poison more than
the assassin's knife. and imagined
that every dish placed before him
tasted OF strychnine
As this life of torture was intoler-
able. he determined 20 anticipate a
struggle which be felt must terminate
in the death Of either Clameran or
himself. and. IL he were doomed 10
die, 10 be first revenged. II he went
down. Clameran should 40 too: bet
ter kill the devil than be killed by
him.
In his DAYS Of poverty. Raoul had
often rislSed his life 20 obtain a few
g7lineas. and would not have hesitated
20 make short work of person like
Clnmeran.
but with money prudence had
come. He wished 20 enjoy his 400.
600 francs without being compromised
by committing murder which MIGHT
De discovered; ne. therefore. began
20 devise some other means of get
ting rid OF his dreaded accomplice.
Meanwhile. he devoted his thoughts
20 some discreet way Of thwarting
Clameran's marriage with Madeleinr.
He was sure that ne would thus strike
him 20 the heart, and this was at
least a satisfaction.
Raoul was persuaded that. by open
" siding with Madeleine and her
aunt. he could save them from Clam
Grams clutches. Having fully resolved
upon this course. he wrote a note 10
Mime. Fauvel asking for an inter
view.
The poor woman FASTENED to Vesi-
net convinced that some new mis-
| fortune was in store for her.
Her alarm was groundless. She
found Raoul more tender and affec-
tionate than he had ever been. He
saw the necessity Of reassuring her,
and winning his old place in her for
| giving heart, before making his dis
closures.
He succeeded. The poor lady had a
smiling and happy air as she sat in
an armchair, with Raoul kneeling be-
| fore her.
Il have distressed YOU too long, my
dear mother" he said in his softest
tones. but / repent sincerely; now
listen 10 my"
He had not time to say more; the
door was violently thrown open, and
Raoul, sPringing TO his feet. was con-
fronted by NJ. Fauvel.
The banker had revolver in his
hand, and was deadly pale.
1t was evident that he was making
superhuman efforts TO remain calm.
like judge whose duty it is to justly
punish crime.
| All" he said, with horrible
laugh, you look surprised. YOU did
not expect me? You thought that nv