The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1911-03-31
CHAPTER XIX.

seem charged with bitterness, excuse
them: they will be Involuntary Up
10 the past few days, l had always be-
lieved that | was the offspring OF il
iicit love- My history is short. have
been honorably ambitious; l have
worked hard. He who has no name
must make one. you know. | have
passed quiet life. retired and austere,
as people must. who, starting at the
foo, of the ladder. wish to reach the
top. | worshiped her whom believed
80 be my mother: and felt convinced
that she loved me in return The
stain of my birth had some humilia-
lions attached to It,: but | despised
them. Comparing my lot with that
of so many others. | felt that l had
more than common advantages One
day, Providence placed in my hands
all the letters which my father, the
Count de Commarin. had written to
Madame Gerdy during the time she
was his mistress. On reading these
letters, was convinced that | was
not what | had hitherto believed my
self to be-that Madame Gerdy was
not my motner!''
And, without giving NJ. Daburon
time to reply. he laid before him the
facts which. twelve hours before he
had related to M. Tabaret. He insist
ed upon the excellent impression
which Albert had made on him. In
fact, he drew an almost enthusiastic
portrait of his rival, who had not been
spoiled by prosperity. who had left
him without a look of hatred toward
whom he felt all was his brother.
How. sir" observed the MAGISTRATE
when the young man ceased speaking
could you have told me that. in your
Widow Lerouge's death?" 1T seems
to me, that the Viscount de Commar-
in's position has thereby become i'm
pregnable. Madame Gerdy is insane;
the count will deny ALL your letters
prove nothing 1t is evident that the
crime is of the greatest service to this
young man, and that it was committed
at singularly favorable moment"
oh, sir" cried Noel. protesting
with all his energy. this insinuation
rs dreadful
The magistrate watched the barris-
tiers face narrowly. Was he speaking
frankly, or was he but playing at be-
Ing generous?
What reason could this young man
nave for trembling, or fearing for his
position? l did not utter one threat.
ening word, even indirectly. | did not
present myself like q man who. fur
ious at being robbed. demands that
everything which had been taken from
him should be restored on the spot.
/ merely presented the facts to Albert,
saying, Here is the truth; what do
you think we ought to do? Be judge"
And he asked you for time?''
Yes. I had suggested his accom-
panying me to see Widow Lerouge,
whose testimony might dispel all
doubts: he did not seem to understand
me. But he was we'll acquainted with
her, having visited her with the count,
who supplied her. have since heard,
literally with money"
Did not this generosity appear to
you very Singular"
mo"
Can you explain why the viscount
did not appear disposed to accompany
you?"
Certainly. He had just said that
ne wished, before all. to have an ex-
PLANTATION with his father, who was
then absent, but who would return in
Q few days"
The truth. as all the world knows,
and delights In proclaiming, has an
accent which no one can mistake. M.
Daburon had not the slightest doubt
OF his witness good faith. Noel con-
tinued with the ingenious candor Of
an honest heart which suspicion has
never touched with its bats wings:
THE idea Of treating at once with
my father pleased me exceedingly. l
thought 1t SO much better to wash all
ones dirty linen at home. had never
desired anything but an amicable ar
rangement. With my hands full of
proofs. should still recoil from q
public trial"
Would you not have brought an
action?,'
Never. sir. not at any price. Could
i" he added, proudly. TO regain my
rightful name. begin BY dishonoring
1t?''
This time n. Daburon could not
conceal his sincere admiration.
"a most praiseworthy feeling. sir"
no said. ss
= think replied Noel. that 1t is
but natural. II things came to the
worst, had determined to leave my
title with Albert. No doubt the name
of Commarin ID an illustrious one;
but I hope that. IN ten years time.
mine will be moro known. / would,
however, have demanded = large PEE
euniarx oompensation. Madame Gerdy