Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-01-31

Nu'h progress did the uetecllNe make
the next morning in the good graces OF
VI. Crattenu, the proprietor of the inn,
that by the time the ancient gilt clock
over the stables had chimed out the half
hour, NJ. Cratteau and he were on excel
len terms, walking around the little gar
den and chatting and talking confden-
italy.
NJ. Cassagne was confding a wonder
ful fairy story. He was at Blois in the
interests of little girl of whose person
and estate he had been appointed guar
dian. lie had only to establish the death
OF one individual to prove his little ward
heir to large property in America. NJ.
Cratteau. in his ten years residence in
Blois, had doubtless met many Ameri.
cans.
yes, many"
Had monsieur known an American
called Henry Graham?"
Graham! Graham?" No, the man
had not. But think l can direct you
to person who can" he added. Go and
see Madame Beausantin, the old washer
woman of the Rue du Concert. She has
done the washing of every American who
has been in Bois for the past twenty
years. She gets all the business because
she knows what they want. She may be
able to tell you something about him."
1t was barely nine o'clock when NJ.
Cassagne, having finished his coffee and
rolls. issued forth from the courtyard
of the Golden Fleece, and proceeded in
the direction of the Rue du Concert. 1t
was short street, containing neither
inns nor barber shops, which, perhaps,
accounted 70 his not having previously
set foot within its precincts. If it had
not been for the fortuitous meeting with
Cratteau, in all probability NJ. Cas-
sagne would never have thought of
looking there for traces of Henry Gra-
ham.
1t was a bright, smart shop, with
large plate glass windows, in which were
displayed beautifully ironed, two long
lace curtains, lying specimens of the quail
ity of the work which was never, even
for the best customers, done within. The
interior of the establishment was fitted
up with a large stove in the rear, on
which dozens of irons were heating. Rang
ed in long rows across the floor were the
ironing benches at which the women la
bored. Through an open door at the
back, a glimpse of huge piles of linen, in
various stages OF renovation, was to be
had. The whole place was full Of steam.
Though the weather was warm, there was
an entire absence of proper ventilation.
The atmosphere of the place to one un-
accustomed to breathe it was intolerable.
The appearance of the young women
in the establishment of Nine. Beausan-
tin, however, entirely belied that of the
popular picture. Notwithstanding the ar
duous character of their employment, they
were as robust and strong as amazons.
The glow of health was on their cheeks,
and the muscles of their bare arms and
necks stood out like whip cords. They
were not at work, however, when NJ. Cas-
sagne arrived. 1t was a time-honored
custom of the establishment that from
nine O'Clock to half-past was to be de-
voted to rest and refreshment.
When NJ. Cassagne intimated his wish
for a strictly private interview with Nine.
Beausantin she bowed consent and led
the way to an inner apartment.
NJ. CasSagne took a seat. Nine. Beau
santin stood with one elbow on the man
telpece, and eyed him curiously. She had
been mistaken in the gentleman being a
customer, she told herself. What then
was the object of the present visit? She
was soon to know. The detective ap-
preached point blank the one subject
which was always uppermost in his mind.
Can you tell me anything of the
whereabouts of one Henry Graham? You
were his laundress some seven years ago"
In moment he had hit upon a plan
of enlistng the cooperation of Mime.
Beausantin. An excellent judge of char
acter, he could tell that greed of gain
was one of her predominant traits. Then,
without giving the laundress time to deny
or affirm his statement, he added in an
impressive tone:
my name is Alfred Cassasne, and |
im a detective from Paris"
Nine. Beausantin's little beady eyes no
longer twinkled. Instead they appeared
to be diated to twice their former size.
Her hands trembled apprehensively and
her fingers interlaced themselves together
in spasm of sudden nervousness.
"A detective !" she gasped, when she
was at length able to command her voice.
DO not be alarmed madame" said
Cassagne. Not the slightest harm is in
tended to you. On the contrary, perhaps
| may be able to make your special
knowledge of this affair of considerable
pecuniary advantage to you. Take seat.
There is good deal to talk about"
The calm tone of the detective some
what reassured the proprietress of the
laundry. She sat down. The look OF
alarm on her face gave way to her pre-
dominant expression-the expression of
greed.
What do you want to know" was her
eager question, in Il voice which asked al
most as distinctly as words, What will
you pay for it?
IL want to know as much of Monsieur
Graham's history as you are acquainted