The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1908-05-29
The Roupell Mystery
CHAPTER XIV.
A u 5 t y n


following the death Of Nine. Roupell,
both Harriet and Emily Weldon remain
ed IN q state Of seclusion within the
chateau. By the provisions II Mime. 'Rou-
pell's will, in the absence If other claim
ants, her fortune was equally divided
between her nieces.
1t was q lovely June morning. The
girls had received no one since the death
Of their aunt. Harriet, however, did not
lose sight of the fact that she owed a
duty to the living. It seemed selfish and
wicked to pass the precious hours in
for one whom she could not re-
call, while a fate 80 dreadful hung over
her lovers head. Emily, who readily
eurmised the state of her sisters feelings,
was not backward In administering what
csmfcrt she could. She had written re-
peatedly to DR.. Paul Mason, urging him
to spare neither labor nor money in his
endeavors to extricate Van Lith from his
terrible position.
One nsrning, looking out Of the win
dow, Harriet presently espied the sturdy
figure Of the doctor coming at swinging
gait acress the park under the great trees.
He had arrived in Villeneuve BY the
morning train, and made q short cut
acress the fields, instead of coming BY the
read through the village.
Fer the first time since the death OF
her aunt, Emily Weldon was In tolerable
spirits. The cleud which had lowered 30
heavily ever the future seemed lifting at
last. According to the report Of DR..
Mason, there was at last possibility OF
the terrible mystery which enshrouded
all their lives being cleared away-sone
hope that her sisters lover, whom she
believed to be innocent, would be freed
from the awful charge which hung over
him.
A. they walked along following the
Path which led them through tho forest
Of ViHeneuve, much of Harriet's usual
gaiety and sprightliness Of manner also
returned. Her cheeks regained their
color with the unwonted exercise; her
pulse beat quickly again; the soft June
breeze famed her brow, and her dark
eyes regained their luster.
Emily was similarly affected. Her
spirits rose with every step they took.
She even laughed when a little rabbit,
startled by their approach, sat upright
to look at them for a moment and then
dashed off into the underbrush. II had
to laugh" she said, apologetically, "for il
sver q rabbit showed surprise, that did
why, his expression was almost human"
ut is possible he may be, according to
bans Werlow," remarked the doctor.
''And who IL Hans WerlowT
HE IL q German friend of mine who
has Just revived q peculiar theory in re-
Rard to the soul. His idea is that the
spirits Of men and women who have mis-
behaved themselves on earth, will al
death enter the bodies Of animals. there
to undergo q certain penance for the sins
they have csmnittel On earth. 1t is quite
the talk Of Paris, where 1t has become
the fashion to psint cut an old cab horse
and say That Is Marat or RObespierre
working cut his destiny"
Here Harriet was compelled to laugh
outright
Flew should like to meet your friend
Hans Werlsw! Ysu must centrive tt
invite him to visit US some day"
perhaps I shall when all is brigh
again." replied Mason, "and it shall be
Il can naks It -. Or rather, II Monsieur
Cassagns can, for the matter is in hi
hands new. All can do Is to wait ant
hope"
''You seen to have great confidence il
yeur friend" remarked Emily.
"Yes, I have. In times Of grea
trouble We are APT to lean on someone
One is glad to have somebody IN sucl
q crisis whe can be trusted. 1t Is tn
- L. -
the weak"
As We lean on you," said Emily
quietly, "fsr comfort in our hour o
nesA."
Her arm was within his own, and he
fair, white hand was temptingly near
He placed his own upsA 1t, with gentle
reassuKf4g pressure. The action was elo
auent Of assurance that she eould trus
to his friendship to the last. A brothe
might have done the same, yet strang
thrill went through her. He saw he
mementary embarrassment. and height
"For Harriet's sake and for yours" h
said gently.
Then to his surprise and delight, he
fingers returned the pressure Of his OWE
They seemed to say, Il understand you.
The sun was high in the heavens.
was very warn. They were yet some dis
lance from Vsrters. They sat down o
the messy bank under the shade of on
Of the grand old trees. Taking no credi
to himself, he tsld them what he ha
learned Of M. Cassagne's doings hov
thoroughly impressed he was with the il
necence Of Van Lth; how indefatigabl
he had worked, and what skill he ha
displayed in unraveling as far as he ha
gone tho cause and motive for the Grim,
II don't sec much to eat around here,
remarked the doctor, finally.
mo, not here, Of course" said Hal
riet. bat there's a cottage up there b
the edge Of the weed, where l dare sa
we can get some excellent milk and pei
haps some white bread. Let us 60 ther
at once. I'm perfectly ravenous"
Without giving the others time to a,
swer, Harriet Weldon at once began I
lead the way. Gathering her daint
skirts about her, she leapt lightly acros
a ditch which interviewed between tn
peasants holding and the edge of tt
wood, and turning around, cried gaily:
Now, monsieur lie docteur, you ca
exert your strength and your gallantr
on Emily. You'll have to carry h,
across She's the worst hand ar iurn7