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

ton.
The house occupied by NJ. de LIP gors
was built in the middle of an immense
garden. IL was narrow, two stories
high, and with garrets.
Only one window. in the second
story, was lighted.
AS you have often been here" said
NJ. Nerduret. you must know all
about the arrangement of the house;
what room is that where we see the
hght?"
That is Raoul's hsd-chamber.''
'sVery good. What rooms are on the
FIRST aoor?r
"rhe kitchen, pantry. biIliard-room,
and dining-room."
And on the floor above?"
Two drawing-rooms. separated by
folding doors. and a library"
Where do the servants sleep?"
"Rao0l has none al present. He is
waited on by man and his wife. who
live at Nesinst; they come in the
morning, and leave after dinner"
NJ. Verduret rubbed his hands glee-
fully.
THAT suits cur plans exactly" he
said; there is nothing 10 prevent our
hearing what Raoul has TO say to this
person who has come from Paris at
ten O'Clock at night, 10 see him. Let
US go in"
Prosper seemed averse to this, and
said:
1t is serious thing for us to do,
monsieur"
Bless my soull what else did we
come here for? Did you think IL was
pleasure trip. merely TO enjoy this
lovely weather." ne said, in a banter
ing tone.
But we might be discovered"
Suppose we are? 1t the least noise
betrays our presence, you have only
20 advance boldly as a friend come to
visit a friend. and, finding the door
open. walk in
But unfortunately the heavy oak
door was locked. NJ Verduret shook
IL in vain.
How foolish," he said. with vexa-
ton, Il ought 20 have brought my in
struments with me. \ common lock
which could be opened with a nail.
ana have not even a piece of wire 81
Thinking il useless TO attempt the
door, he tried successfully every win
dow on the ground floor. Alas! each
blind was securely fastened on the
inside.
NJ. Verduret was provoked. He
prowled around the house like a fox
around hen-coop, seeking an en-
trance. Despairingly he came back
TO the spot in front of the house
whence lac had the best view of the
lighted window.
II could only look in" he cried
Just 20 think that in there" and he
pointed 20 the window, lis the solu-
ton of the mystery: and we are cut
OF from IL 10y thirty or forty feet of
cursed blank walli"
Prosper was more surprised than
ever at his companions strange be
havior. He seemed perfectly at home
IN this garden; he ran about without
amy precautiou; SO that one would
have supposed him accustomed 10
such expeditions. especially when he
I spoke 81 picking the lock OF on occu-
pled house. as az he were talking of
opening "A snuH-hoN. He was utterly
indifferent to che rain and sleet driv-
en- IN has SAGE bv the gusts of wind
as he splashed about In the mud. try
ing 20 hnd some way of entrance.
Il must get peep into that win
dow he SAID, "and I viii. cost wha,
il may"
Prosper seemed 90 suddenly re.
member somcth.nr.
There is iaoder here" he cried.
Why did YOU not tell me that be-
fore? Where is ite"
AT the end of the garden. under
the trees"
They ran 20 the spot. aud m a few
minutes had the ladder standing
against the wall.
iut 20 their chargin they found rhe
ladder six feet too short. Six LONG
feet of wall between the ton of the
ladder and the lighted window was q
very discouraeing sight 20 Prosper;
he exclaimed:
We can not reach IT,"
I'VE can reach it," cried NJ. Yer.
duret, triumphantly
ANA ne quickly placed himself a
| yard of from the house. and seizipp
the ladder, cautiously raised II. and
rested the bottom round on hi.
shoulders, at the same time holdino
the two uprights firmly and steadily
with his hands. The obstacle wa.
l overcome
Now mount" he said to his com
panion.
/ Prosper did not hesitate. The en-
thusiasm OF difficulties SO skillfuny
conquered, and the hope of triumph
gave him strength and agility which
he had never imagined n possessed
lie made a sudden spring, and seizinc
the lower rounds, quickly climbed M
the ladder, which swayed and trem
bled beneath his weight.
But he had scarcely looked in the
lighted window when be uttered a or,
which was drowned in the roaring