Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1912-01-16
CHAPTER xxxII.

"Now" said he to himself, "let us
consider Noel is once more plain
Noel Gerdy. Anyhow, Gevrols story
in no way affects Alberts situation
nor my convictions. He is the legiti-
mate son; SO much the better for him.
That, however, would not prove his
Innocence to me, If doubted 1t. Ma
dame Gerdy, TOO, must have been ig-
norant of these facts; they probably
invented some story to explain the
scar. Yes. but Madame Gerdy certain
ly knew that Noel was really her son,
for when he was returned to her. she
no doubt looked for the mark she had
made en- him. Then, when Noel dis
covered the counts letters. she nuts.
have fastened to explain to him"
Old Tabaret stopped suddenly. He
was terrified at the conclusion he had
reached
"Noel, then, must have assassinated
Widow Lerouge, to prevent her con-
Tossing that the substitution had never
taken place. and have burned the let
tiers AMI p; pers which proved 1t"
But he r.pelled this sNppo;i .,tl with
horror, as every honest man drives
away detestable thought which by
accident enters his mind.
What an old idiot am! Suspect
Noel, my boy, my sole heir. the par
sonification OF virtue and honor
Thus he reasoned. trying to dismiss
his disquieting thoughts and restrain
ing his habits Of investigation: but
in his heart tolnenting voice ccn-
staatly whispered:
Suppose it is Noel"
He at length reached the RE St.
l.. re. Before the oocr Of his house
stood a magnificent horse harnessed
10 an elegant ,l.e brougham. 4. tx
sigLt of these lie stopped.
& "A handsome a.l NAL" he said To
nimself; my tenants receive come
swell people,"
They apparently received visitors of
an opposite class also, for at that mo-
ment, he saw NJ. Clergeot come out.
NJ. Clergeot, whose presence in house
betrayed ruin just as surely as the
pres ence OF the undertaken announces
death. The old detective stopped him.
and said:
"Halloa. you old crocodile, you have
Clients, then, in my house?"
$50 1t seems" replied Clergeot.
"Ah, ah" said old Tabaret. Who
the duse are you running now?"
Il am running no one" replied M.
Clergeot, with an air of offended dig
nifty. Have you ever had reason to
complain OF me whenever we have
done business together? think not.
Mention me to the young barrister up
there. II you like; he will tell you
whether he has reason to regret know
ing me.''
yes" said he, wishing to obtain
some more Information. II know that
M. Gerdy spends a pretty round sum-
ut isn't he personally" he objected,
"who makes the money dance; It's
that charming little woman Of his.
She'd beat the devil, hoofs. horns, and
ALL"
What! Noel had mistress. q wo-
man whom Clergeot himself, the friend
Of such creatures. considered expen-
siye. The revelation, at such mo-
ment, pierced the old mans heart.
That's well known" replied Taba-
ret, in a careless tone. youth must
have Its day. But what do you sup
pose the wench costs him yearf'
"Oh, I don't know. He made the
mistake OF not fixing price with her.
According to my calculation she must
have during the four years that she
hns been under his protection. cost
him close upon five hundred thousand
francs"
Four years! Five hundred thousand
francs! These words. these figures.
burst like bomb-shells on old Taba-
ret's brain. Half a million! In that
case Noel was utterly ruined. But
then--'lt Is a great deal,' said he.
succeeding by desperate efforts IN
hiding his emotion: st Is enormous.
NJ. Gerdy, however. has resources"
"He!' interrupted the usurer shrug-
ging his shoulders. Not even hiatt"
he added, swapping his flyers; HE is
utterly cleared out. But IL he owes
you money do not be anxious, He is
sly dog. He Is going to be married.
and have just renewed bills of his
for twenty-six thousand francs Good
by, NJ. Tabaret."
The usurer hurried away. leaving
the poor old fellow standing like q
milestone In the middle OF the pave
ment. He experienced something OF
chat terrible grief which breaks q
fathers heart, when he begins to real
ize that his dearly loved son is per-
haps the worst OF scoundrels.
As he was about TO enter his house
, whirlwind OF silk, lace, and velvet
stopped the way. A pretty young bTu-
nette came out and jumped as lightly