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

patronized by the people OF the
neighborhood.
IL was IN the smoking-room Of this
modest cafe that Prosper, the day
after his release, awaited NJ. Yer
duret. who had promised 70 meet him
at four o'clock.
The clock struck four; NJ. Verduret.
who was punctuality itself appeared.
He was more red-faced and self-satis-
fed. If possible. than the day before
As soon as the servant had left the
room 20 obey his orders, be said 10
Prosper:
well. are our commissions execut-
ed2~
Yes, monsieur"
Have you seen the costumer?"
Il gave him your letter. and every
thing YOU ordered viii be sent 70 the
Archangel tomorrow"
Very good; YOU have not lost time.
neither have I. I have good news for
YOU"
The Rome Fol is almost deserted at
four o'clock. The hour-for coffee is
passed and the hour for absinthe has
not yet come. NJ Nerduret and Pros
per could talk at their ease without
fear of being overheard by gossipinr
neighbors.
NJ. Nerduret drew forth his memo
randum-bOok, the precious diary
which. like the enchanted book in the
fairy tale, had an answer for every
question.
while awaiting our enissar4es
whom ! appointed 10 meet here, let us
devote =
Lagors."
At this name Prosper did not pro-
test. as he had done the night pre-
vious. Like those imperceptible IN
scots which, having once penetrated
the root Of a tree. devour 81 in sim
gle night, suspicion. when IL invades
our mind, soon develops itself, and de-
stroys our firmest beliefs.
The visit Of Lagors.and Gipsy's torn
letter had filled Prosper with sus-
picions which had grown stronger
and more settled as time passed.
DO YOU know, my dear friend"
said NJ. Nerduret. what part Of
France this devoted friend OF yours
comes from?"
He was born az 81. Remy. which is
also Madam FauveIs native town"
Are YOU certain OF thatP"
Oh perfectly SO. monsieuri lie has
not only often tolc nae 500. but have
heard him tell Monsieur Fauvel: and
he would talk 90 Madame Fauvel bv
the hour about his mother. who ,.-as
cousin 90 Madame Fauvel. and dearly
beloved by her"
Then YOU think there is mo- possi-I
bic mistake or falsehood about this
part Of mis- story?"
'Nore iu the least. monsieur"
"Wen things are assuming O. queer
look"
And De- began Go whistle between
his teeth; which. with NJ. Nerduret.
was sign of intense inward satisfac-
ton.
What seems 80, monsieur2" in
quired Prosper.
What has just happened; what
have been tracing. Parbleui" as be
exclaimed. initiating the manner of IA
Snowman AT a fair, "here is q lovely
town, called 81. Remy, six thousand
inhabitants, charming boulevards on
the site OF the old Notifications:
handsome hotel; numerous fountains:
large charcoal market. silk factories,
famous hospital, and so on"
Prosper was on thorns.
please be so good. NOR sieur. as 70
explain what you"
1T also contains" continued NJ
Verduret, "a Roman triumphal arch
which is of unparalleled beauty. and
Greek mausoleum; but no Layers.
81. Remy is the native town OF Nos
tradamus but not Of your friend"
'Yet I have proofs"
Naturally. But proofs can be fab
rioated; relatives can be improvfsed.
Your evidence is open 10 suspicion
Ny proofs are undeniable. perfectly
authenticated. While you were pin
Ing in prison. J was preparing my bat
ferries and collecting munition 10 open
FIRE. wrote 70 ST. Remy. and re-
Seived answers TO my questions"
"Niil YOU let me know what they
were?"
Have patience" said VI. Verduret
as he turned over the leaves OF his
memoranda. "Ah, here is number one.
Bow respectfully 20 it. tits ofRcial.-
he then read:
"'LAGORS. Very old family. orig
inally from Maillane. settled az 81.
Remy about century ago."
Il told you So" cried Prosper.
pray, allow me 70 finish" said NJ
Vsrduret
THE last of the Layers Jules
Rsne-Henri) bearing without warrant
the title OF count. married in 1890
Mademoiselle Resale Clarisse Fon-
tanet, OF Tarascon; died December.
1s4s, leaving no male heir, but left
two daughters. The registers make
no mention of any person In the dis
trict hearing the name OF Lagors.'
snow, what do You think OF this
information, queried the fat man,
with triumphant smile.
Prosper looked amazed.
a