The Green Forest tribune., 1908-10-30
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said to be due to fit of temporary insanity, surprised and shocked all who knew him.
 Unfortunately matters between my sister and him had reached a stage where she had written several letters breathing undying love and devotion in every line, and these missives fell into the hands of Horace We're who, as next of kin, became possessed of the dead mans effects. Shortly af- ter Stratton's demise there came to light several incidents of his career that satisfied me Blanche had had a merciful escape from her contemplat- ed union, and the proofs of his in- fanny were such that she was com pelled to agree with me. Luckily. as We thought, their love affair had been conducted with the utmost secrecy on both sides, so that Blanche was en- abled to take her usual place in so- ciety as though nothing had occurred to disturb the peaceful current of her life. Several months later she met with Monsieur d'Largental, and their acquaintance grew from mutual es- teem into love and in due course of time their engagement was announced. It was then that We're brought the let ters written to his dead cousin into play, and by threatening to expose the story of her former passion for Thomas Stratton extorted sums of money from her at different times. The death of wealthy relative left Blanche in possession of a small for tune which for while enabled her to satisfy Vere's demands. At last. her funds being exhausted. she was forced to apply to me for a loan. In this way I became aware of her trouble and hastened to seek the advice of wiser heads than mine."
 Would it not be well for your sis ter to confess all and trust to the queried the chief.
 Mme. Rigault made an impatient gesture of dissent.
 "If you knew Monsieur d'Largental you would never suggest such a pro ceeding," she exclaimed. Although passionately fond of Blanche and re- garding her as the type of all that is pure and beautiful in womankind, I dare not think of the effect an exhi- bition of her letters to a former lover would produce upon him. The very intensity of his affection would be an element of danger in the face of such a revelation. Even if he forgave cicto ho WnI111 confidence he once placed in her. And love too frequently ends in tragedy when distrust or jealousy appears"
 Your reasoning is acute, as usual" ;" assented the chief Plainly then we must endeavor to bring about the restoration of these letters to your sis ter, or their destruction"
 Were I man." declared Mme Rigault passionately, q would insult the wretch, force him into duel and slay him with my own hand"
 q believe you," said M. Claude, not ing with admiration the fires that famed in the speakers dark eyes. q regret that my official position is serious stumbling block in the way of resorting to an appeal to arms; other wise my sword would gladly be placed at your service. But after all, to kill this scoundrel would be an un- availing revenge with the compromis- ing epistles still in existence. No. we must seek for a safer path. The fact that M. We're is an Englishman adds to the complications of the case, for being to a certain extent under the protection of the British ambassador his arrest on any charge would pro- yoke the publicity we are anxious to avoid. However, you can assure your sister that her friends have rallied to her support, and trust me, Madame, we shall find some way to checkmate our opponent"
 q have gained new courage, M. Claude" said the little lady as she rose to go. "The test of battle is yet to come, but with your aid I have bright hopes of victory"
 The chief rose and held the door open while his charming visitor made her exit. He watched the slender fig ure until it vanished with a parting wave of the hand, and then summoned one of his men.
 "M. Serge" said the head of the pre- lecture. q am about to give you an