The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1911-10-25

Then 1t was that Robbins and Du-
mars, representing their respective
journals, began one of those pertina-
cious private investigations which, of
late years, the press has adopted as a
means to glory and the satisfaction of
| public curiosity.
"Cherchez la femme" said Dumars.
"That's the ticket" agreed Rob.
bins. "All roads lead to the eternal
feminine. We will find the woman"
They exhausted the knowledge of
the staff of Mr. Morin's hotel, from
the bell-boy down to the proprietor.
They gently but inflexibly, pumped
the family of the deceased as far as
his cousins twice removed. They art
fully sounded the employees of the
late jeweler, and dogged his custom
ers for information concerning his
habits. Like bloodhounds, they traced
every step of the supposed defaulter,
as nearly as might be- for years along
the limited and monotonous paths he
had trodden.
NORM Stood an immaculate man.
Not one weakness that might be
served up as a criminal tendency, not
one deviation from the path of recti-
tude, not even a hint of prediction
for the opposite sex, was found to be
placed to his debit. His life had
been as regular and austere as a
monks; his habits, simple and uncon-
cealed. Generous, charitable, and a
| al In, hA ~
of all who knew him.
What now?" asked Robbins, finger
ing his empty notebook.
"Cherchez la femme" said Dumars.
lighting a cigarette. TRY Lady Bell
airs"
This piece of femininity was the
racetrack favorite of the season. Be-
ing feminine, she was erratic in her
gaits, and there were a few heavy
losers about town who had believed
she could be true. The reporters ap-
piled for information.
Mr.. NORM? Certainly not He was
never been spectator at the races.
Not that kind of a man. Surprised
the gentlemen should ask
"Shall we throw 1t up?" suggested
Robbins, 'and let the puzzle depart
ment have a try?"
"Cherchez la femme" hummed Du-
mars, reaching for a match. "Try the
Little Sisters of What-d'you-call-'em."
1t had developed. during the inves-
tigation, that Mr.. NORM had held this
benevolent order in particular favor.
He had contributed literally toward
its support, and had chosen it's chapel
as his favorite place of private wor-
ship. 1t was said that he went there
daily to make his devotions at the
altar. Indeed, toward the last of his
life his whole mind seemed to have
fixed itself upon religious matters,
perhaps to the detriment of his world
ly affairs.
Thither went Robbins and Dumars,
and were admitted through the mar
row doorway in the blank stone wall
that frowned upon Bonhomme street.
An old woman was sweeping the
chapel. She told them that Sister
Felicite, the head of the order, was
then at prayer at the altar in the al
cove. In few moments she would
emerge. Heavy, black curtains
screened the alcove. They waited.
Soon the curtains were disturbed,
and Sister Felicite came forth. She
was tall, tragic, bony and plain-fea-
tured, dressed in the black gown and
severe bonnet of the sisterhood
Robbins, a good rough-and-tumble
reporter, but lacking the delicate
touch, began to speak.
They represented the press. The
lady had, no doubt, heard of the
NORM affair. 1t was necessary, in
Justice to that gentleman's memory,
to probe the mystery Of the lost
money. It was known that he had
come often to this chapel. Any in
formation, now. concerning Mr.
Morin's habits. tastes. the friends he
had, and so on, would be of value
in doing him posthumous justice.
Sister Felicite had heard. What
ever she knew would be willingly
told, but 1t was very little. Monsieur
NORM had been a good friend to the
order, sometimes contributing as
much as hundred dollars. The sis
terhood was an independent one, de
pending entirely upon private contri
buttons for the means to carry on
it's charitable work. Mr.. NORM had
presented the chapel with sHver can
dlesticks and an altar cloth. He came
every day to worship in the chapel
sometimes remaining for an hour He
was a devout Catholic, consecrated
to holiness. Yes. and also in the al
cove was a statue of the Virgin thai
he had. himself. modelled. cast. ant
presented to the order. Oh, it was
cruel to cast doubt upon SO good {
mani,
Robbins was also profoundly
grieved at the imputation. But. unit
it was found what Mr.. NORM ha6
done with Madame Tibault's money
he feared the tongue Of slander woult
not be stilled. Sometimes-in fact
very often-in affairs of this kline
, there was-er-as the saying goes