Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1910-07-28

vailed on a woman at a table, to
whom he had introduced himself, to
go out and drive a few blocks with
him in a carriage. He offered her 500
francs. He assured her that he would
not require her company for over sew
en- or eight minutes. She accepted the
offer. She knew that he had never
met the woman before. Now the wo-
man in question was brought in. She
had been traced by Tignols men. She
c%orroborated what Nine. Cecile had
said, and both hurried out.
"Now, sir, what have you to say?"
demanded the Judge, facing the pris-
oner.
Nothing"
At this the judge leaned over to Co.
quenil, and after a few low words he
spoke to the clerk, who bowed and
went out.
The judge resumed. do you also
deny that you have a room, rented by
the year, in the house of Nine. Cecile?'
II know nothing about such q ROOM"
declared the other.
II suppose you didn't go there to
change your clothes"
Certainly not"
"Call JULES said Hauteville. The
clerk reappeared with a large leather
bag.
open it," directed the magistrate.
Spread the things on the table. Groe-
ner, what about this wig and false
beard?"
Groener walked deliberately to the
table.
1--WE never seer these things be-
fore. I know nothing about Them" he
said.
The judge looked up and said quietly
to the guard. "Take off his handouts,
coat and shirt, boots and trousers"
The guard obeyed.
M. Paul whispered to Hauteville.
Take off his garters and pull up his
drawers. I want his legs bare below
the knees"
cts an outraged" cried Groener.
"Silence, sir" glared the magistrate.
Coquenil stood by in eager watchful-
A4Ooo % lAC pl4oOuOl . 1OWcl xCSS Wclc
uncovered.
"Ah!" he cried in triumph. II knew
it.! There" He pointed to an egg
shaped wound on the right calf, two
red semicircles in the white flesh.
ITS the first time l eUer marked a
man DiM my teethP'
what made that mark on your
leg?" asked the judge.
IL was bitten by a dog"
cts a wonder you didn't shoot the
dog" flashed the detective.
"What do you mean?" retorted the
other.
Coquenil bent close, black wrath
burning in his deep set eyes,, and
spoke three simple words that seemed
to smite the prisoner with sudden
fear, "Oh, nothing, Raoull"
So evident was the prisoners emo
ton that Hauteville turned for an ex-
PLANTATION to the detective, who said
something under his breath.
Every strange! Very Important"
reflected the magistrate, then to the
accused, "Now I want you to put on
the things that were in that bag"
mo" he cried hoarsely. II won't
do it! I'll never do it"!'
Both the judge and Coquenil gave
satisfied mods at this sign Of a break
down, but they rejoiced too soon, for
by a marvellous effort Of the will the
man recovered his self mastery and
calm.
after ALL" he corrected himself,
what does it matter? I'll put the
things on" He donned the boots and
garments Of the ~woodcarver.
"There!" said the prisoner when the
thing was done.
But the Judge shook his head.
you've forgotten the beard and the
wig. Suppose you help make up his
face" he said to the detective.
M. Paul fell to work zealously at
this task, and, using ar elaborate col
lection Of paints, powders and brushes
that were in the bag, he presently had
accomplished a startling change In
the unresisting prisoner. He had lit
orally transformed him into the wood
carver.
IF you're not Groener now" said
Coquenil, surveying his work with a
satisfied smile, "Ill swear you're his
twin brother. It's the best disguise I
ever saw Til take my hat off to you
on that"
EXTRAORDINARY" murmured the
Judge. "Groener, do you still deny
that this disguise belongs to you"
IT do"
you haven't a young cousin known
as Alice Groener|
"No."
During these questions the door had
opened silently at a sign from the
magistrate, and Alice herself had en-
tered the room.
'Turn around" ordered the Judge