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

Nerduret; but first listen"
And rapidly, with his wonderful tall
ent for exposition, he related the prin-
cipal points of the plot he had dis
covered.
The true state OF the case was ter
ribly distressing to NJ Fauvel. but
nothing compared with what he had
suspected.
HIS throbbinR. yearning heart told
him that he still loved his wife. Why
should he punish fault committed
SO many years ago. and atoned for by
twenty years of devotion and suffer
ing?
For some moments after NJ. Ver,lu-
ret had finished his explanation. NJ.
Fauvel remained silent.
So many strange events had hap
pened, rapidly following each other
in succession, and eliminating in the
shocking scene which had just taken
place. that NJ. Fauvel seemed to be
too bewiidered 10 think clearly.
II his heart counseied pardon and
forgetfulness, wounded pride and self
respect demanded vengeance.
II Eaoul. the hateful witness. the
living proof Of far-of sin. were not
in existence, NJ. Fauvel would not have
hesitated. CASTOR de Clamcran was
lead: he would have held out his arms
20 his wife and said:
Come 20 nay heartl your sacrifices
for my honor shall be your absolu-
ton; let the sad past be forgotten
But the sight of Raoul froze the
words upon his lips.
so this is vorr son he rois -
his wife-''this man. who has plum
dered YOU and robbed met"
Nine. Fauvel was unable to utter a
word in reply 20 these reproachful
words.
oh" said NJ verduret. madame
will tell you that this young man is
the son Of CASTOR de Ciameran; she
has never doubted it. But, the truth
is"
"wbat?"
That. in order TO swindle her. he
has perpetrated gross imposture."
During the last few minutes RaouI
had been quietly creeping toward the
door. hoping 20 escape while no one,
was thinking of HIN.
Put VI. Neriuret. who anticipated
bis intention. was watching him on:
of the corner Of one eve. and STOPPED
him just as be was about leaving the,
room.
Not SO fast. m pretty youth" he
said. dro rcing him into the middle Of
The room; ''it is not polite to leave
US so unceremoniously. Let us have n
little conversation before parting: n
little explanation with be edifying."
manner OF VI. Nerdurct made Raoul
turn dealy pale. and start back as IL
confronted by phantom.
"The clownl" he rasped.
The same. friend" said the far
man. "Ah. now that you recognize
me, I confess that the clown ana my
self are one and the same. Yes. am
the mountehank of the Jandidier ball;
here is proof OF IT,"
And turning up his sleeve he showed
a deep cut on his arm.
II think that this recent wound
Will convince you OF my identity" he
continued. II imagine you know the
villain that gave me this little deco
ration. that night I was walking
along the Rue Bourdaloue. That be-
ing the case, you know. I have a
slight claim upon you. and shall ex-
pect You 10 relate TO US your little
story
But Raoul was SO terrified that he
could not utter word
Your modesty keeps you silent"
said NJ. Nerduret. "Bravoi modesty
becomes talent. and for one OF your
age you certainly have displayed a
talent for knaVery."
NJ. Fauvel listened without under
standing word Of what was said.
Into what dark depths of shame
have We Talent" he groaned
"Reassure yourself, monsieur" re-
piled NJ. Nerduret, with great re-
spect. After what l have been con-
strained to tell you, what remains TO
be said is a mere trife. will finish
the story.
ION leaving Mihonne, who had Civ
en- him full account of the misfor-
tunes OF Mile. Valentine de la Var
berie, Clameran FASTENED 20 London.
He had no difficulty in finding the
farmers wife 70 whom the old count
ess had intrusted Gaston's son.
But here an unexpected disappoint-
ment greeted him.
He learned that the child, whose
name was registered on the parish
books as ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Wilson. had
died of the Group when Is months
old"
Did anyone state such fact as
that?" interrupted Raoul: 1T is
falsel"
1T was not only stated. but proved.
my pretty youth" replied NJ Verdu-
ret. You don't suppose / am man
to trust to oral testimony, do you?"
lie drew from his pocket several
ofhciaiiy-stamped documents, with
red seals attached, and laid them on
the table.
These are the declarations of the