Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-08-04
SATURDAY. ~ AUG. 4rH. 1906.


Monsieur desires proofs. does he?
Monsieur shall certainly have convinc-
ing ones. have just left a friend OF
mine, Monsieur Palot. who brought
me valuable information from Lon
don. Now, my young gentleman.
will tell you the little story he told
me, and then you can give your opin-
ion of il.
in 1s47 Lord Murray, n wealthy
and generous noblemau. had a lock-
ey named Spencer, of whom he was
very fond At the EPSON races this
jockey was thrown from his horse and
killed. Lord Murray g-ieved over the
loss of his favorite, and. having no
children of his own, declared his in
tention of adopting Spencer's son.
who was then but four years old.
Thus James Spencer was brought
up in affiuence, as heir to the i'm
mense wealth of the noble lord He
was handsome, intelligent boy. and
gave satisfaction TO his protector IN
til he was 16 years of age, when he
became intimate with n worthless set
Of people, and turned out badly.
Lord Murray, who was very indul-
gent, pardoned many grave faults;
but one fine morning he discovered
that his adopted son had been i'm
itating his signature upon some
checks. He Indignantly dismissed him
from his house. and told him never TO
show his face again.
James Spencer had been living in
London about four years. managing
TO support himself by gambling and
swiudling, when he met Clameran
who offered him $4,000 francs 70 play
a part in a little comedy which he
had arranged TO suit the actors"
You are detectivel" interrupted
Raoul.
The Fat man smiled grimly.
AT present" he replied. II am
merely friend of Prosper Bertomy.
IL depends entirely upon your beha-
Nor which character I appear in while
settling up this little affair"
What do you expect me 20 do2"
Restore the $4,000 francs which
you have stolen"
The young rascal hesitated mo-
mcnt, and then said:
The money is in this room"
VERY good. This frankness is cred
liable, and will benefit you. 1 know
that the money is in this room.
and also exactly where IL is TO
be found. BE kind enough 20 look be-
hind that cupboard, and you will find
the $4,000 francs"
Raoul saw that his game was lost.
He tremblingly went 10 the cupboard
and pulled out several bundles OF bank
notes and an eDorInous package of
pawnbroker's tickets.
Very well done" said NJ Verduret.
as he carefully examined the money
and papers; this is the most sensible
step you ever took"
Raoul relied on this moment, when
everybody's attention would be alb
sorbed by the money, 20 make his es-
cape. He slid toward the door, gently
opened il, slipped out. and locked IL
on the outside; the key being still in
the lock.
He has escaped" cried NJ Fauvel.
Naturally" replied NJ. verduret,
without even looking up; II thought
he would nave sense enough TO do
that"
But Is he to go unpunished?"
My dear sir, would you have this
affair become public scandalP Do
you wish your wife's name TO be
brought into case of this nature
before a police court2-'
''Oh, Monsieur"
Then the best thing you can do is
10 let the rascal go SCOT free. Here
are receipts for all the articles which
he has pawned, so that we should con-
slider ourselves fortunate. he has kept
fifty thousand francs, but that is all
the better for you. This sum Will en-
able him TO leave France. and we
shall never see him again"
Like everyone else. NJ. Fauvel yield
ed 20 the ascendency of NJ. Verduret.
Gradually he had awakened TO the
true state OF affairs; prospective hap
piness no longer seemed impossible,
and he felt that he was indebted TO
the man before him for more than
life. But for NJ. Verduret, where
would have been his honor and his do
nestle peace7
With honest gratitude he seized NJ
Nerduret's hand as If 20 carry IL to
his lips. and said in broken tones:
'Oh, monsieur! how can ever find
words 10 express how deeply appre-
ciate your kindness? How can I ever
repay the great service you have rem
dered me?"
NJ Verduret reflected a moment,
and then said:
IF You feel under any obligations
to me, monsieur. you have it in your
power 10 return them have a IA
vor 20 ask of you"
"A favor? you ask of me? Speak,
monsieur, you have but to name it.
My fortune and life are at your dis
posal."
y will not hesitate, then. TO explain
myself. 1 am Prosper's friend, and
deeply interested in his future. You
can eSonerate him from this infa-
nous charge of robbery. vNof Gan re-