The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1909-05-13


"YcS, monsieur"
AT your last appearance here" salt
the president, 1--WE had arrived at TIA,
point where you were to tell us how
the murderer escaped and also his
name. Now, NJ. Itouletabille, we avail
your explanation"
Very well, monsieur" began my
friend amidst n profound silence. 81
had explained how IT was impossible
for the murderer to get away without
being seen. And yet he was there
with us In the court"
And you did not see him? At least
that is what the prosecution declares
mo, We all Of us saw him, NJ. lie
President" cried ROuletabille.
"Then why was he not arrested?'
because no one besides myself
knew hat he was the murderer. 1t
would have spoiled my plans to have
had him arrested, and ! had then no
proof othec than my wi reasoning. |
was convinced we had the murderer
before us and hat we were actually
looking at him. | have now brought
what | consider the indisputable
proof"
Speak out, monsieur. Tell us the
murderer'S name"
you will find it on the list Of names
present in the court on the night Of
the tragedy replied Rouletabile.
The people present in the courtroom
began showing Impotence. Some Of
them even called for the name and
were silenccd 10y the usher.
THE list includes Daddy Jacques,
Bernler. the concierge, and Mr.. Arthur
Rance" said the president. ADO you
accuse any Of thesef"
mo, monsieur
Then do not understand what you
are driving at. There was no other
person at the end Of the court"
Eyes, monsieur. there was. not at the
end, but above the court. who was
leaning out Of the window"
do you mean Frederic Larsan?" ex-
claimed the president.
yes, Frederic Larsan!" replied Roule-
tabille in n ringing tone. Frederic
Larsan Is the murderer"
The courtroom became Immediately
filled with loud and indignant protests.
So astonished was he that the presi-
dent did not attempt to quiet 1t. The
quick silence which followed was bro
ken by the distinctly whispered words
from the lips OF Robert DarZac:
Its impossible. He's mad"
You dare to GUS Frederic Larsan,
monsieur asked the president. IF
you are not mad. what are your
proofs?'
Proofs. monsieur? DO you want
proofs? Well, here is one" cried Roule-
tabiile shrilly. Let Frederic Larsan
be called!'
Usher. call Frederic Larsan."
The usher hurried TO the side door,
opened it and disappeared. The door
remained open. while all eyes turned
expectantly toward 1t. The clerk re-
appeared and, stepping forward. said:
M. President, Frederic Larsan is
not here. lie left at about 1 o'clock
and has not been seen since"
That is my proof" cried Rouleta-
billie triumphantly.
Explain yourself" demanded the
president.
MY proof is Larsan's fight,' said
the young reporter. He will not come
back. You will see no more Of Fred
eric Larsan."
Unless you are playing with the
court, monsieur, why did you not ac.
cuse him when he was present? He
would then have answered you"
He could give no other answer than
the he has now given by his
flight"
we cannot believe that Larsan has
fed. There was no reason for his do,
ing SO. Did he know you'd make this
CHARGE"
He did. | told him | would
II you mean TO say that knowing
larsan was the murderer you gave
him the opportunity to escape"
Yes, u. President, ! did" replied
liouletabille proudly. Il am not a po-
liceman; | am a journalist, and my
business Is not to arrest people. My
business is in the service Of truth and
is not that of an executioner. If you
are just. monsieur, you will see that ]
am right. You can now understand
why | refrained until this hour 10
divulge the name. | gave Larsan time
TO catch the Ar train fer Paris, where
he would know where TO hide himself
and leave no traces, You will not
find Frederic Larsan." declared Roule-
tabille, fixing his eyes on NJ. Robert
Darzac. He is too cunning. He Is a
man who has always escaped you and
whom YOU have long searched for in
Sain. If he did not succeed In out
whiting me he can yet easily outwit
any police. This man, who four years
ago introduced himself to the police
and became celebrated as Frederic
Larsan, is notorious under another
name-a name well known to crime.
Frederic Iarsan, Nj. President, is Ball
meyer"
"Balimcyer" cried the president.
"Ballmeyer!" exclaimed Robert OAR
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