The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1908-08-29
POLICE DURING THE REGIME OF 7HE SECOND
EMPIRE, Nv 7I7EA REIGN OF POZ,EONM.
NOW PUBLISHED FOR THE FIRST 7XH

u.s." commented the chief.
In the morning when M. Claude
arose, Radcliffe had already departed
on his usual tour of inspection. By
noon he had not returned, and the
chief, smoking idly in the doorway OF
the inn, was surprised at the sight
of mine host and his minions busily
engaged in transferring a trunk and
sundry boxes, that M. Claude recog-
nized as the effects of his late COM
,panion, from the latter's room to a
carriage standing in the road.
what means this, NJ. Quentin
inquired the chief. Have you lost a
customer? l supposed that M. Rat
cliffe contemplated making an extend
ed stay under your hospitable roof"
The landlord sighed mournfully.
1T was even so. NJ, Debrosses," he
exclaimed. But see from the chateau
M. Raymond sends a message de-
handing the property of the noble
captain whom he has persuaded to
remain as his guest"
For an instant the chiefs good ma
ture rebelled against what seemed to
be an ungracious requital on the part
of the American for his preferred
services. Could it be that Radcliffe
had arranged terms with the Ray
monds without deeming it worth his
while to acquaint him with the cir
cumstances? On second thought such
a possibility seemed absurd. 1t was
far more likely that the impetuous
lover had fallen into snare skillfully
arranged by his crafty enemies.
The rumbling of wheels attracted
his attention and a post-chaise came
into view from the interior of which as
1t drew up at the inn door, there
emerged the person of M. Blauvert.
1T was my intention to move eau
tiously in this affair."" remarked the
chief, when he had enlightened his
colleague as to the nature of the
mystery that confronted them, but
the sudden disappearance of M. Rat
cliffe precipitates matters.
1T is now three o'clock" said the
chief, land much may happen in the
interval. but we must take the chance.
For the present there is nothing to
do save wait"
M. Claude listened.
Il am going to spy on the chateau,
NJ. Blauvert," he said, abruptly. II
may gain information that will be of
service to us. Remain here until
your men arrive, when you will fol;
low me, in case / have not returned.
Impress the landlord as guide, II
necessary"
M. Blauvert saluted, but made no
comment. The chiefs evident excite
ment was unusual in a man famous for
his iron nerve, but the inspector knew
better than to demonstrate with him.
M. Claude, having first looked care
fully to the loading of brace Of
heavy pistols. thrust them in his
pockets and left the inn. Twenty min
utes of smart walking brought him
to the chateau grounds. Avoiding
the main entrance, he followed the
line of the low wall for some dis
lance, and choosing likely spot for
the attempt clambered over 1t with
little difficulty. AS he approached the
house he saw that it was dark in the
front, save for one room on the
ground floor where rays of light pene-
trated through crevices unshielded by
the closely drawn window blinds.
Remembering Ratcliffe's assertion
regarding the place where Alice Thur
Der was confined. he turned to the
west wing. Here he was rewarded
by the sight of a half-open window.
about Is feet from the ground, where
light was visible. The building
was surrounded by trees and M.
Claude noted one in particular, the
thick limbs of which were close to
the lighted window Approaching, he
climbed nimbly up the trunk and
gained point of vantage on con-
venient limb. From where he chung
he could view the interior of the room
and espied the slight form of young
girl kneeling by the bed and appar-
emily engaged in prayer.
M. Claude broke on a portion Of
bark from the tree and tossed 1t
through the window. AS 1t fell upon
the floor the girl arose with faint
cry of alarm and ran to the easement
Il am a friend of M. Radcliffe" he
said, "and DESTROYS of helping you,
Mile. Thurber."
A tinge Of rose color crept into the
girls pale face and she clasped her
small hands convulsively.
You are welcome, monsieur" she
said. but fear 1t IL too late. He is
in deadly peril"
SOL" said the chief, dryly. IN.
Maynard is still in the land of the liv-
ing. For whom then was the magnifi-
cent coffin intended, of which gossip
Quentin, host of the inn, spoken"
For the man love, Captain Rat
cliffe." responded Alice Thurber, with
| trembling lips. HE was seized this