Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1907-08-22
CHAPTER VII.

Alfred Cassagne was the son of a
large contractor, who had accumulated
considerable fortune in the construction
of those remarkable docks in the city of
Havre, which have helped to make that
place the most important harbor of
France. He lost his father when a mere
child. His mother, dying when he was
but twenty-five years of age. had left
him amply provided for. But he had
never married. OF quite a studous turn
of mind. he had devoted himself to
books. and might possibly have degener-
atcd into book worm, or have sunk so
low as TO become an author, if an event
had not transpired which changed the
whole current of his existence.
He awoke one morning to find that the
cashier of bank where he usually had a
large balance. had absconded with the
funds of that institution Where he had
gone, was equally a mystery to the police
and the officers of the concern. Having
considerable interest in the capture of the
fugitive, CaSSagne set about making in
quiries on his own account. From these
inquiries he quietly deduced his own the
cries. and one morning. to the intense
astonishment of the chief of police, he en-
tered the presence of that functionary
and stated his opinion on the case very
briefly. 1t was to the effect that the
president of the bank and the cashier
were in collision. and that the cashier.
whom most people believed to be by that
time safely in America. that Mecca for
European rogues, would be found hiding
in the presidents own private residence.
The chief of police had laughed at first !:
but Alfred Cassagne was permitted to
proceed. 1t was known he was a gentle
man of fortune; and men of means are
never snubbed very badly anywhere.
Very soon, moreover, the official grew
serious. BY system of logical deduc-
ton from circumstances already known
Cassagne established his theory on a basis
so ingenious MS to excite the chiefs warm
est admiration. Subsequent search dis
covered that the state of things Cassagne
had believed TO exist in theory was really
true.
Alfred Cassagne might now possibly
have been forty years of age. though when
not disguised. owing to his smoothly
shaven face. he appeared to be younger.
He was rather above the middle height.
shoulders. the great depth of his chest
made ample amends for this deficiency.
His hair was cut very short to permit OF
his more readily wearing the various wigs
By which he frequently concealed his iden-
tity. His mouth was we'll cut the lips
thin and somewhat purSed together. as
is often the habit with men who pass
much time in thinking, His nose was
large and very prominent. His hands
and feet small and rather delicate. His
voice singulavly soft and gentle: his man
aer that of 4 man entirely 1T ease, and oi
one who thoroughly understands his bust
ness.
He sat quite still in the easy chair tc
which DR.. Mason had motioned him or
his arrival. 1t was not until the latter
had given him the outlines of the cast
shat he spoke at all. and then he said
I'VE will begin by promising certain
state of facts. Madame Roupell has beer
murdered. Who did it? Public opinion
says your friend Van Lith. l always mis-
trust public opinion. The project of pc
lice is not ct all sure but Monsieur Cha
bot had hand in it. l sometimes mis-
trust the project of police"
You mean to imply that both may b.
wrongT' inquired the doctor
Yes and if l am right, it leaves u
confronting two Alternatives
And they are:'
Either that the unfortunate woman
committed suicide while of unsoun,
mind. or that the crime is the act of /;
third party to US at present unknown
II can dispose of the first of those sup
positions immediately said the doctor
'.Ladame Roupell's mind was as sount
as yours or mine is at the present mo
ment."
Let us proceed to an examination o
the body. l have provided myself with
written permit to break the seals, sal
the detective. Lead the way, please