Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1908-02-14
The RoupelI Mystery
CHAPTER XIV.
A u s t y n

IN MS private room in the Office of the
Mutual Credit and Trust COMPANY. 1t
was luxuriously furnished apartment.
The chairs we're deep, roomy and soft.
Ihey seemed made on purpose to lul one
into feelings of security. 1t was about
ten o'clock in the morning. The vicomtes
private secretary had just retired loaded
down with papers and instructions. His
employer sat at the table, pile Of docu-
ments on either side, and before him a
single sheet, upon which an astonishing
array Of figures appeared.
Minute after minute passed, and still
the calculations went on. At last he threw
down his pencil, and walked over to the
window. Partly concealed by the cur
tains he looked out on the throng of peo-
pie which passed up and down the street.
But he hardly noticed anybody. He was
really lost in his reflections.
He had, indeed, good reason to be
thoughtful. A gigantic scheme, the float
ing Of which would insure him very large
returns, had that very morning been put
by him before a syndicate Of capitalists.
1t was no less one than the consoida-
ton of the docking interests of great
French seaport. The plan was to bring
all the owners together and form a trust
on what Is known as the American plan,
and then raise the dock tolls. With the
existing keen competition and the low
charges resulting therefrom, that property
at present yielded but small return for
the capital invested.
The idea was brilliant one. 1t would
net the Mutual Credit and Trust Com
pany, II successful three million francs,
and the Mutual Credit and Trust Com
pany virtually meant the Vicomte de Va
liar. He had already enlisted considera-
BILE financial aid,in support of the scheme.
He was that morning expecting an addi-
ton TO his forces in the person of NJ.
D'Auburon, the friend Of that very useful
NJ. Chabot who had introduced him to
the vicomte but a few days previously.
To sell this young man a big block Of
shares In the new enterprise, would the
vicomte thought, not be a very difficult
task. He had entertained him at his
house only an evening or two ago. The
splendor of that occasion could not have
failed to properly impress him.
Then his wife, the vicomtesse, had so
ably seconded his efforts to make DAu-
buron feel that he was in good hands. She
had talked glibly of their country place, a
magnificent establishment on the outskirts
of the famous forest of Fontainbeau, of
woodland rides, of moonlit waters, and
the felcites of rural life far away from
the roar and din of Paris. Those marvel
Gus eyes of hers had looked into his very
soul and enthralled his senses.
De Valiar smiled as he thought how
few who had come within their influence
had gotten away unscathed. A knock at
the door aroused him.
Come in," he cried out, and Jules Cha
bot entered the room.
Where is your friend DAuburon"
was de yaliar's first question.
NJ. Chabot did not Immediately reply.
He sank into a chair. He seemed anx-
ious and worried, and out of sorts.
What on earth's the matter with you?
You're not i'll, are you?" calculated tho
banker.
ITS my nerves, think. They're not
80 strong as they used to be-"
lOu haven yOuiscil loi Soliic
time, ever since that ugly affair at Vile
neuve," remarked de Valiar, sympathet-
ically.
Chabot shuddered, and hid his face in
his hands as If to shut out some horrible
sight.
Don't speak of it," he almost whis-
pered so faint was his voice. Yes, it
was enough to upset anybody"
''It was peculiar hardship on you.
Jules, just as you were on the point of
succeeding as you say with-let me see,
what's her name-Mademoisell Emily,
wasn't it?"
Lets change the subject. l came to
tell you something about DAuburon. l
have discovered, on inquiry, that he is
even better fixed than | expected. How
big a block Of stock had you put apart
for him in the United Dock Company
"A thousand shares l thought would be
us a large following, and there are Bonn
pard and the rest. Still, some subscrib-
ers will doubtless fail us at the last mo-
ment. Why do you ask?"
''It is not enough. He has some very
wealthy friends. Only last night he was
speaking of one, who, he says, follows his
lead implicitly. He is a Swiss. He pays
periodical visits to Paris, and it is said
invests very largely in anything that
strikes his fancy"
That's not bad news. What is this
Crpsus name?"
HE did not tell me-" replied Chabot.
He simply said If he thought well enough
of the venture to put his own money in,
that he would advise his friend to do like
wise, if we needed additional capital.
What are shares to him?"
"Par-of course. 1t is easier to sell at
par than at fifteen francs on the one hun
dred. The one inspires confidence In a
scheme, the other simply excites suspi-
cion. In fact, I'm not sure but we will
put some premium on these Dock Com
pany shares. A little premium always