Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-05-19

Credit. that rure bird of security
ano peace. rested with none. but stood
with appraised wings. ready 70 fy of
at the first rumor os suspicion.
Therefor. this idea OF a comedy ar
ranged beforehand between the bank
er and his cashier. might readily oc-
cur 70 the minds Of people who, II not
suspicious, were at least aware of
ali the expedients resorted to by spec
ulators. In order 10 gain time. which
with them often meant salvation.
NJ Fauvel had had too much expert
ence not to instantly divine the inn
preston produced by Prosper's an
swer; he read the most Notifying
doubt on the faces around him.
"Oh! don't be alarmed, monsieur"
said he TO NJ. de Clameran; this house
has other resources. Be kind enough
TO await my return"
He left the room. went up the mar
row steps leading 20 his study, and in
few minutes returned. holding in his
hand a letter and "a bundle Of securi-
ties.
Here, quick. Couturier," he said TO
one of his clerks. take my carriage,
which Is waiting at the door. and 20
with monster 20 Monsieur de Roth
schild's. Hand him this letter and
these securities; in exchange you
will receive three hundred thousand
francs, which you viii hand TO this
gentleman"
The iron-founder was visibly disap-
pointed; he seemed DESTROYS of apol-
oglzing for his impertinence.
I assure you. monsieur. that had
no intention OF giving offense. Our
relations for some years have been
such that 1 hope"
Enough, monster interrupted the
banker. Il desire no apologies. In
business, friendship counts for moth
ing owe you money; 1 am ready
10 pay; you are pressing; you have a
perfect right 20 demand what il your
own. Follow my clerk; he viii paw
you your money"
Then he turned 20 his clerks who
stood curiously gazing on, and said:
As for YOU, gentlemen. be kind
enough TO resume your desks"
In an instant the room was cleared
OF every one except the clerks who be-
longed there; and they sat at their
desks with their noses almost touch
ing the paper before them. as II too
absorbed in their work TO think Of
anything else.
Still, excited by the events so rapid
" succeeding each other. VI. Andre
Fauvel walked mp and down the room
with quick. nervous steps, occasional
~ uttering some low exclamation.
Prosper remained leaning against
the door with pale face and fixed
eyes, looking as II he had lost the fac-
ulty OF thinking.
Finally the banker. after long ST.
lenoe, stopped short before Prosper;
he had determined upon the line Of
conduct he would pursue
I'VE must have an explanation" he
said Let us 60 into your Office"
The cashier mechanicauy obeved
without a word. and his chief fol-
lowed him. taking the precaution 70
close the door after them.
The cash-room bore no evidence Of
successful : burglary. Everything
wac In perfect order; not even a paper
was misplaced.
The safe was open. and on III. ton
shelf lay several rouleaus OF gold.
overlooked or disdained by the
thieves.
NJ. Fauyel. without troubling him
sell 20 examine anything, took a seat.
ana ordered his cashier 20 do the
same. He had entirely recovered his
equanimity. and HE countenance wore
its usual kind expression.
Now that we are alone, Prosper. +"
he said, have you nothing 20 tell
me7"
The cashier started, as IL surprised
at The question. Nothing, monsieur.
that l have not already told you"
What nothing? DO you persist in
asserting a ia ole so absurd and ride
ulous that uo one can possibly believe
IL? II Is folly Confide in me, IL is your
only chance Of salvation. i am your
employer, il is true; but 1 am before
and above all your friend-your best
and truest friend. / can not forget
that in this very room, fifteen years
ago, You were intrusted TO me by
K your father; and ever since that day
have i had cause 10 congratulate my
self on possessing so faithful aud eff
cient a clerk. Yes. it is Gftsea years
since you came 10 me. j was then
just commeLcing the foundation OF
my fortune. You have seen il gradu.
ally grow. step by step, from almost
nothing TO its present height. As
my wealth increased, I endsavored 70
better your condition; you. who. al
though 80 young. are the Oldest OF
my clerks. At each inventory OF my
fortune, ] increased your salary"
Never had Prosper heard him ex
press himself in so feeling and pa
ternal manner. Prosper was sileni
with astonishment.
Answer" pursued NJ. Fauvel
have l not always been like a ia
ther TO you? From the first day my
house has beer open 10 you; you were
treated as member of my family
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