Barbour County index., 1908-11-04
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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
merciful escape from her contemplate
ed unicn, and the proofs of his in
fanny were such that she was COM
PEELED 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-
TEEN into love and in due course of
time their engagement was announced.
1t 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.
Were l a man." declared Nine.
Rigault passionately, Il would insult
the wretch, force him into a duel and
slay him with my own hand"
Il believe you," said M. Claude, not
ing with admiration the fires that
famed in the speakers dark eyes. 81
regret that my official position is
serious stumbling block in the way of
resortng 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 NJ. We're is an Englishman adds
to the complications of the case, for
being to certain extent under the
protection of the British ambassador
his arrest on any charge would pro-
woke 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"
Il have gained new courage, NJ.
Claude" said the little lady as she
rose to go. The test of battle is yet
to come, but with your aid 1 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.
IN. Serge" said the head Of the pre-
lecture, Il am about to give you an
opportunity of demonstrating the
worth of those faculties which have
gained for you the sobriquet of The
Lynx. There is an Englishman named
Horace We're, living at No. % Boule-
ward Haussmann. Find out all you can
concerning his habits and personal at
tendants and report to me as soon as
possible"
The Lynx" a tall. thin individual
with small. restless black eyes, saluted
and went forth upon his mission with
out replying. He was a man of few
words, with an infinite capacity for
obtaining information from unpromis-
ing sources, quality which enabled
him to rank as one of NJ. Claude's
most trusted aids. Therefore the chief
was not surprised when early the fol-
lowing morning his WHY subordinate