Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1910-05-06

! eInOOn ehCOTt luy pretty COubAu AllCe
to hear some music"
Since the meal began Alice had
scarcely spoken, but had sat looking
down at her plate save at certain mo-
ments when she would lift her eyes
suddenly and fix them on Groener
with a strange. half frightened ex-
preston.
"You are very kind, Cousin Adolf"
she answered timidly, ''but-Tm not
feeling well today"
The girl hesitated. and Mother Bon
neton put in harshly: "Pn tell yen.
She's fretting about that American
who was sent to prison. A good rid
ance It was"
"Stopw cried Alice.
mo. mol I'll tell it all when a
girl slips away from her work at the
church and goes to see a man like
Paul Coquenil"-
Have you never heard Of Paul Co
quenil?' smiled Matthieu, kicking Papa
Bonneton warningly under the table.
Groener answered with perfect sim
plicity: mo wonder you smile, Nj.
Matthieu. But think how far away
from Paris livel Besides, want
this to be a happy day. Come, little
cousin; you shall tell me all about 1t
when we are out together. Run along
now and put on your nice dress and
hat"
Alice rose from the table, deathly
white. 1t seemed to Coquenil that her
eyes met his in desperate appeal, and
then, with a glance at Groener, half of
submission, half of defiance. she left
the room.
Matthieu bowed politely and, follow
ed by the sacristan, went out.
"Now, Bonneton." ordered the detec-
tive sharply when they were in the
lower hallway, II want you to go right
across to Notre Dame, and when you
get to the door take your hat off and
stand there for minute or so tanning
yourself. Then Tignol. who's watch
ing in one OF these doorways, win
come across and join you. Tell him
to be ready to move any minute now.
He'd better loaf around the corner of
the church until he gets signal from
me. I'll wait here. Now. go on"
I'm going, M. Paul; I'm going"
obeyed Bonneton. And he hurried
away.
Coquenil saw Alice hurrying toward
him, tense with some eager purpose.
"Oh. NJ. Matthieuw exclaimed the
girl in apparent surprise. II know who
you are. You are Nj. Coquenil," now
whispering.
"Does he knowT
The girls hands closed convulsively.
She stammered these singular words:
"He knOi0s everything"
"Is he planning somethingT
For a moment Alice hesitated, biting
her red lips Then. with a quick i'm
pulse, she lifted her dark eyes to Co
quenil. II must tell you. | have no
one else to tell and am so distressed,
$3.50 afraid" She caught his hands
| peadlngly in hers, and he felt that
they were icy cold.
He's planning to take me away
away from Paris. l overheard him
just now telling Mother Bonneton to
pack my trunk. If he takes me away
IL may never come back"
"See here-you trust meF asked the
detective.
"Oh. yesw
You'll do exactly what l tell your
81 WILL" she declared.
"Now, listen" And, speaking slow
ly and distinctly, the detective gave
Alice precise instructions; then he
went over them again. point by point.
Are you sure you understand" he
asked finally.
Yes. | understand. and will do
what you tell me, but She shook
her head anxiously. You don't know,
you can't understand. what a"-she
stopped as if searching for a word
what a wicked man he is"
Il underestimate little" answered
Coquenl gravely.
1t was about o'clock. and under a
dazzling sun the trees and buildings
of the square were outlined on the as
phalt In sharp black shadows. Co
quenil took out his watch and proceed
ed TO wind II slowly, at which beg
gar dragged himself lazily out Of his
cool corner and limped across the
street.
"A little charity, kind. gentleman"
he whined as he came nearer.
And a moment later Coquenil and
the beggar. who was Papa Tlgnol.
were talking earnestly near the door
keepers lodge.
Meantime Alice. with new life In
her heart. was putting on her best
dress and hat as Groener had hidden
her. and presently she Joined her cOus-
in in the salon, where he sat smoking
a cheap cigar and finishing his talk
with Mother Bonneton.
what time is itT" she asked Groe-
ner.
He looked at his watch. Twenty
minutes TO g."
Would you mind very much II we
didn't start until Eve or ten minutes
past 3? I've been troubled about diff
ferent things lately. so / spoke to Fa-
ther Anselm yesterday, and he said |
might come to him today at a quarter
to 3 for confession"
"Wlll II make you feel happierT'