Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-12-11
CHAPTER xxx.

Of two evils it is always best TO choose
the least, and as NJ. Vandeloup had TO
choose between the loss of his popularity
or his liberty, he chose to lose the former
instead of the latter.
At last the torture of wondering how
much Kitty knew was too much for him,
and he determined to go to the Melbourne
gaol and interview her. SO he obtained
an order from the authorities to see her
and prepared to start next morning. He
sent the servant out for a hanson and by
the time it was at the door NJ. Vandeloup,
cool, calm and well dressed came down
stirs pulling on his gloves. The first thing
he saw when he got outside was Pierre
waiting for him with his old hat pulled
down over his eyes. and his look of sui en-
resignation. CASTOR nodded coolly to him
and told the cabby he wanted to go to the
Melbourne gaol, whereupon Pierre SLOUGH
ed forward as the young man was prepar-
ing to enter the cab and laid his hand on
his arm.
''Well," said Vandeloup, in quiet
voice, in French, shaking off the dumb
mans arm, what do you want?'
Pierre pointed to the cab. whereupon
NJ. vandeloup shrugged his shoulders.
Surely you don't want to come to the
gael with me-" he said, laoekingly, you'll
get there soon enough"
The other nodded and made a step to-
ward the cab, but Vandeloup pushed him
back
"Well," he muttered TO himself. I'm
have to humor him or he'll be making a
scene-you can't come" he added aloud.
but Pierre still refused to go away.
This conversation, or rather monologue.
was carried on in French. so the cabman
and the servant at the door were quite ig-
uerant of its purport. but looked rather
astoniShed at the conduct of the dirty
tramp toward such an elegant looking gen
tleman. Nandeloup saw this and there
fore determined to end the scene.
well, we'll" he said TO Pierre in
French, get in at once" and then the
dumb man entered the cab. he explained 70
the eabman in English: This poor fellow
is a pensioner of mine. and as he wants
"a see a friend of his in gaol I'll take him
with me-"
AZ they drove along VaRdeloup said
nothing TO Pierre. They went along in ST.
Ience. and when they arrived at the gaol
N1nQciNup ANAu TIE Cduiudn 10 wait for
him and walked toward the gaol.
You are coming inside, suppose" he
said. sharply. to Pierre, who still slouched
alongside.
The dumb man nodded sulienly. Van
deloup smiled blandiy and agreed to let
him enter with him. There was some
difficulty with the warder at the door. as
che permission 10 see the prisoner was
only made out ia the name of NJ. Vande-
loup, but after some considerable trouble
they succeeded in getting in.
MY fsithl' observed CASTOR. lightly,
as they went along TO the cell. conducted
by warder, tits almost as hard to get
into gaol as to set out of it."
why have you come here?" asked Kit
~, as he appeared in her presence.
Because 1 am your friend" he an
swerad eoolly.
My friend :" she echoed scornfully.
looking at him with contempt; ''you ruin
ed my life year ago, now you have en-
deavored 10 fasten the guilt of murder on
me, and yet you call yourself my friend
a good story. truly" with bitter laugh.
Il could not help giving the evidence
/ did" replied CASTOR, coolly. Struggling
his shoulders: IF you are innocent, wha,
l say viii not matter"
IF / am Innocent - she said. looking
at him steadily; you villain, you know
I am innocent"
She looked vacantly round the cell and
caught sight of Bierre shrinking back into
the shadow.
why did you bring your acoomplice
with youtH she said, looking at CASTOR.
Really. my dear Bebe," he said, lazily,
1T don't know why you should call him
my accomplice, as 1 have committed no
crime"
Have sou not?" she said. rising to her
fest and bending toward him, think
again"
NO. / do not think I have" he an
swered. glsneing keenly at her; Il sup
pose you wan. me TO be as black as your
self"
"You coward" she said. in a rage,