The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1911-04-14

sAAoSS
knew of what crime l was accused,
was overwhelmed with CONSERVATION.
My mind was, as it were, enlightened
~ glimpse Of the future. In mo-
ment, perceived all the horror of my
situation. l understood the weight
Of the accusation, it's probability, and
the difficulties l should have in de-
tending myself. A voice cried out to
me, Who was most interested in
Claudines DEATH And the knowledge
Of my imminent peril forced me the
exclamation you speak Of
"You do, indeed, continued the mag
strate, appear to have had the great
est interest in this death. Moreover.
l will inform you that robbery was not
the object of the crime. The things
thrown in the Seine have been recoy-
cred. We know, also, that all the
widows papers were burned. Could
they compromise any one but your
self? If you Of any any one, speak"
What can l answer, sir? Nothing"
Have you often gone to see this
woman?"
Three or four times with my faith
err
Zone of your coachmen pretends to
have driven you there at least ten
times.''
1.-THE man is mistaken. But what
matters the number of visits?"
DO you recollect the arrangement
of the rooms? Can you describe
them?"
Perfectly, sir: there were two.
Claudine slept in the back room"
You were in no way a stranger tc
Widow Lerouge. If you had knocked
do you think she would have let you
in?"
Certainly, sir, and eagerly"
"You have been unwell these last
few days?"
Very unwell, to say the least, sir
My body bent under the weight Of a
p borden too great for my strength. /,
was not. however for want of cour
age
why did YOU forbid your valet,
lubin, to call in the doctor?''
"Ah' sir, how could the doctor cure
my disease? Ali his science could not
make me the legitimate son of the
Count de Commarin."
Some very singular remarks made
by you were overheard. You seemed
to be no longer interested in anything
concerning your home. You destroyed
a large number of papers and letters.''
II had decided to leave the count,
sir. My resolution explains my con-
duct
Albert replied promptly to the mag
istrate's questions, without the least
embarrassment, and in confident
tone.
"Sir," resumed the magistrate
abruptly, "tell me exactly how you
passed your time last Tuesday even
ing, from six o'clock until midnight?''
During Tuesday evening"" he STAN
mered, repeating the phrase to gain
time.
II have him." thought the magis.
trate, starting with JOY, and then ad-
ded aloud, Eyes. from six O'Clock I'M
til midnight"
I am afraid, SIR" answered Albert,
ut will be difficult for me to satisfy
you. l haven't a very good memory"
ooh, don't tell me that!' interrupted
the magistrate. IF l had asked what
you were doing three months ago, on
a certain evening, and at a certain
hour, l could understand your hesita-
ton; but this is about Tuesday, and
it is now Friday. Moreover, this day,
SO close. was the last of the carnival;
it was Shrove Tuesday. That circum-
stance ought to help your memory"
"That evening. I went out walking"
murmured Albert.
"Now," continued the magistrate.
where did you diner"
"At home. as usual"
mo, not as usual, At the end
of your meal. you asked for bottle
Of Bordeaux, Of which you frank the
whole. You doubtless had need of
some extra excitement for your sub.
scquent plans"
II had no plans" replied the pris-
oner, with very evident uneasiness.
"You make a mistake Two friends
came to seek you. You replied to
them before sitting down to dinner
that you had very important en-
gagement to keep.
THAT was only polite way OF get
ting rid of them.
"Why?"
"Can you not understand, sir?
was resigned, but not comforted.
was learning to get accustomed 10 the
terrible blow. Would not one seek
solitude in the great crisis Of ones
life?"
"The prosecution pretends that you
wished to be left alone, that you might
get to La Jonchere. During the day,
you said, She cannot resist me- OF
whom were you spealzing?"
"Of some one to whom I had writ.