The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-12-16
THE PERFUME OF
 THE LADY IN BLACK
By GAST0N LER0UX, Author of ''The Mystery of
 the Yellow R00m."
Copyright, 1909, by BrentanO's.

Arthur Rance's pony.
 Pere Bernier. redching at length the oubliette, raised again his face to- ward our windows and then, still hold ing Toby by the bridle, came to the door of the square tower. Leaving the little equipage before the door, he en- tered the tower. A few moments pass ed by, which seemed to us like hours. particularly to Rouletabille, who was seized with a fit of trembling which shook his frame like a leaf
 Pere Bernier reappeared- He cross ed the court alone and returned to the postern. A beautifuh moon had arisen, which stretched its radiance across the court. The two persons who came out of the tower and approached the car riage appeared so surprised that they almost recoiled at what they saw. But we could hear the Lady in Black re- peat in low, firm tones: Courage, Rob erti You must be brave nowp'
 And Darzac replied in a voice which froze my blood, Ut Is not courage which lacll." He was bending over something which he dragged before him and then raised in his arms as though it were heavy burden and tried to slip under the long seat of the cart. Rouletabille's teeth were chat tering. To move this sack Darzac was making the greatest efforts. Leaning against the wall of the tower. the Lady in Black watched him without offering any assistance. And sudden ly, Nat the moment that M. Darzac had succeeded in loading the sack into the cart. MathIlde pronounced these words In a voice shaken with horror:
 .'lt Is moving.''
 aIt is the endr' said Darzac, wfping his forehead with his pocket handker- chief. Then he took Toby by the bri- de and started of, making sign to the Lady in Back. but she. still lean ing against the wall. as though she had been placed there for some pun ishment, made no signal in reply. Oar Eac seemed to us to be quite calm His figure straightened up: his step grew firm One might almost say that his manner was that of an honest man who has done his duty. Still. with the greatest precaution, he disappeared with his carriage at the postern of the gardener. and the Lady in Black went back into the square tower.
 After this Bernier came up to the postern and crossed the court. direct ing his way again toward the square tower. When he was not more than two meters from the door. which was closed. RouietebIiie glided softly from the corner of the parapet and stepped between the door and the figure of Der nier, who was struck with terror. He put his hands upon the shoulders of the concierge
 Come with met' he commanded.
 -It win be a great misfortune If you don't tell the truth" muttered Rouleta- biile- t'But if you conceal nothing the trouble may not be so great. Come, this way.-
 And he drew him, clasping him by the fist, toward the new chateau. I had come over Rouletabille. He was completely his old self again.
 Bernier walked in front of us. his, head bent. looking like an accused man who is being led on his way to trial. And when we. reached Rouletabille's room the young reporter bade Bernier sit down facing us. lighted the lamp.
 Well. Bernier, how did they kill him T"
 Bernier shook his head.
 'T have sworn to say nothing, and will say nothing, monsieur And, upon my word of honor, I know nothing''
 "An right" went on Rouletabille un- concernedly. Tell me what you don't know, for If you do not tell me what you don't know. Bernier, will be re- ppcnsible for nothing, no-matter what happens"
 Then he paused and went on. -where was he-in the square towerY'
 Bernier did not speak, but he nodded assent
 "where-in Old Bob's bedroomr
 'sNo-D Bernier shook his head.
 Hidden in your roomsf''
 Bernier shook bis head vehemenffy.
 well. where was he then7 He could certainly not have been in the apart ments of M and Mime. Darzacr'
 Bernier bowed his head
 ''Whati You acknowledge that he was fin the apartment of M. and Mime. Dar- gael Who. then, gained him entrance to that apartment? No one but your self-you, the only person who had the key when the Darzacs were not there!"
 
 of being an accomplice of LarsanT'
 '1 forbid you to pronounce that namer' shouted the reporter. You know very well that Larsan fs dead and has been dead for monthsr'
 For monthsr' echoed Bernier ironic- ally .'Yes. that is true I was wrong to forget it."
 Listen to me, Bernier. I know that you are brave man. and I respect you. It is not your good faith that I am questioning, but am censuring your negligence"
 "My negligence" Bernier. as pale as his face had been, flushed crimson. My negligenceI I have not budged from my lodge. not even from the cor ridor. I have always worn the key In my breast pocket. and l swear to you that no one entered that room. no one at all. after you were there at fn1R