River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1908-06-18

figure appeared, and throwing back
a heavy veil that enshrouded her fea-
lures greeted the redoubtable chief OF
police with a gracious smile.
The visitor was Nine. Jeanne Ri
gault, an acknowledged belle Of the
court Of Napoleon Ill., high in favor
with the emperor and beauty whose
capricious ways wrought devastation
in the hearts of a legion of admirers.
There were, however, a favored few,
among whom was numbered NJ.
Claude, aware that under the butter
fly existence affected by this spoiled
child of Fortune there lurked talent
for intrigue and deeper purpose than
appeared on the surface. The olive
loyeliness of her perfect face did not
conceal the determined outlines of an
obstinate little chin, and the languorOus
chances of her dark brown eyes often
served to conceal the subtle light of
penetration that shone behind their
long silken lashes. For Nine Rigault's
skill as Chateau spy was second to
none in the realm, and there were few
secrets of the prefecture unknown to
the wonderfully resolute and radiantly
beautiful coquette of the imperial
court
The chief rose and, having provided
a chair for his visitor, smiled good
humOredly in response to the ringing
burst of laughter that issued from the
red lips of the viyacious little lady.
Il accept your cheerfulness as a
good omen, Nine Rigault," said the
chief, when the sounds of her merri-
ment had died away into silence. AT
all events | may infer that it portends
success in your mission"
Success" repeated Nine. Rigault.
We'll, yes, NJ Claude, and a goodly
omen as far as we are concerned; but
one of evil import for other people,
among whom may be mentioned our
cunning and sanguine compatriot, M.
Landre"
IN. Landre!" exclaimed the chief.
Then our suspicious were correct?"
Even so" reioined his visitor.
THAT excellent citizen, not content
with betraying emperor and country in
the interests of Prussia, has plotted
vigorously at home with the object Of
obtaining vengeance on certain Parish
ans who have incurred his enmity, the
list of whom includes one NJ Claude,
head Of the prefecture
Il am we'll aware of the dislike en-
tertained by NJ. Landre for your hum
BILE servant" he remarked Confident
of his influence with the emperor he
has repeatedly endeavored to bring
about my dismissal. Fortunately, his
imperial majesty having no reason to
doubt my fidelity. resisted the pres
sure brought to bear upon him in the
matter"
Louis Napoleon would indeed be
ungrateful," responded Nine Rigault
were he to forget the services you
have rendered the empire
The chief smiled slightly at the
compliment, but made no comment,
and Nine. Rigault continued:
But a person of M. Landres caliber
is not to be easily dissuaded from the
execution of any project he conceives
Other means having failed him he has
arranged a plot whereby he hopes to
silence forever your voice, that has
told him unpalatable truths on more
than one OCCASION
Il expected as much" returned the
chief; and it will be strange if the
final attempt to remove me from his
path does not result in a complete
check to his play. All require is alb
solute proof of his connection with
the band of assassins known as the
Society of Avengers that has en-
dearored to establish reign of ter
ror in Paris during the past year
'And that evidence interrupted
Nine. Rigault. Il have secured, thanks
to my maid, Louise Autran. Louise's
beauty has long attracted the amorous
eye of NJ Landre, whom you know is
an ardent admirer of our sex. Last
night she attended a masked ball Civ
en- by Landre in his mansion at Autei