The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1910-12-23
THE WIDOW
LER0U(E !
-BY- (
u. EMILE GAB02lAU. 5
CHAPTER y.

Tabaret felt himself quite at home.
He considered her as relation, and
looked upon Noel as SON. In spite
of her fifty years, he had often
thought of asking the hand OF this
charming widow, and was restrained
less by the fear OF a refusal than it's
consequences. To propose and be re-
jected would sever the existing rela-
lions, so pleasurable to him. However,
he had by his will, which was depos-
tied with his notary, constituted this
young barrister his sole legatee; with
the single condition of founding an
annual prize OF two thousand francs
to be bestowed on the police agent
who during the year had unraveled
the most obscure and mysterious
crime
The old fellow had stopped at the
extremity of the porch. He had taken
off his hat. and while talking to HIM
self, gesticulated violently.
no" said he, 81 have not yet got
hold of the clew, am getting near
it; but have not yet found it out"
He mounted the staircase, and rang
his bell. His housekeeper opened the
door.
What. is it you. sir" said she.
"and at this hour?"
whats that you say?" asked the
old fellow.
Il say" replied the housekeeper,
that it is more than half-past eight
o'clock. l thought you were not COM
ing back this evening. Have you at
least dined?'
mo, not YETI
well, fortunately l have kept your
dinner warm. You can sit down to
it at once
Old Iabaret took his place at the
table, and helped himself to soup; but,
mounting his hobby-horse again, he
forgot 10 eat. and remained, his spoon
In the air, as though suddenly struck
by an idea.
He got up from the table, put on
his overcoat, and took his hat and
cane.
One minute later. M. Tabaret was
ringing his friends bell.
SIS Madame Gerdy visible?" asked
old Tabaret, of the girl who opened
the door; and, without waiting for an
answer, he walked into the room like
man assured that his presence can
not De inopportune, and ought to be
agreeable.
A single candle lighted the drawing
room. which was not in it's accustomed
order. Madame Gerdy's large arm
chair was near the window; a news
paper. all crumpled, lay before it on
the carpet. The amateur detective
took in the whole at glance.
Has any accident happened?" he
asked OF the girl.
do not speak of it, sir; we have
Just had such fright! oh, such a
fright"
What was it," tell me quickly.
"You know that madam has been
ailing for the last month. She has
eaten. l may say, almost nothing. This
morning, even, she said to me-
Eyes, yes! but this EVENING""
"After her dinner, madam went in
to the drawing-room as usual. She
sat down and took up one of M. Noel S
newspapers. Scarcely had she begun
to read, when she uttered a great cry
oh, a terrible cry! We fastened to
her; madam had fallen on the floor,
as one dead. M. Noel raised her in
his arms, and carried her into her
room. l wanted to fetch the doctor
sir, but he said there was no need;
he knew what was the matter with
her."
"And how is she now?"
"she has come to her senses: that
is to say. suppose so; for Nj. Noel
made me leave the room. All that
do know is. that a little while age
she was talking, and talking very
loudly, too, for l heard her. All, sir
it is. all the same. very strange!'
What is strange!"
What heard Madame Gerdy say tc
NJ. Noel"
''Ah ha! my girl" sneered old Tab.
aret; 80 you listen at keyholes d.
you?"
''No. sir. assure you: but madam
cried ont like one lost. She said"
my girl" interrupted old Tabaret
severely, one always hears wrong
through keyholes. Ask Manette II
that is not So"
The poor girl, thoroughly confused
sought to excuse herself.
Enough. enough" said the old
man. Return to your work. you need
not disturb NJ. Noel; can wait for
him very we'll here
And. satisfied with the reproof he
had administered, he picked up the
newspaper, and seated himself beside
the fire. placing the candle near him
So as to read with ease. A minute
had scarcely elapsed when he in his
turn bounded in his chair, and stified
cry OF instructive terror and sur
prise. These were the first words that
met his eye: