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

to wine-shOp, and her husband can do
nothing. That being the case, my
course was soon taken. That same
day, sold the fatal meadow, and sent
the proceeds of it to Claudine, wishing
to keep nothing Of the price of shame.
l then had document drawn up, au-
thorizing her to administer our proper
ty, but not allowing her either to sell
or mortgage it. Then l wrote her q
letter in which told her that she
need never expect to hear of me again,
that was nothing more to her, and
that she might look upon herself as
widow. That same night went
away with my son.
"And what became of your wife at
ter your departure?'
Il cannot say, sir; only know that
she quilted the neighborhood a year
after did"
"You have never lived with her
since?'
Never"
"But you were at her house three
"That is true, sir, but it was abso-
lutely necessary. had had much
trouble to find her. no one knew what
had become of her. Fortunately my
notary was able to procure Madame
Gerdy's address; he wrote to her, and
that is how l learned that Claudtne
was living at La Jonchere. was then
at Rouen. Captain Gervais, who Is q
friend Of mine, offered to take me to
Paris on his boat. and / accepted. All,
sir, what a shock experienced when
I entered her house! My wife did not
know me. BY constantly telling every
one that / was dead, she had without
doubt ended by believing it herself.
When told her my name, she fell
back in her chair. The wretched wo--
man had not changed in the least;
she had by her side a glass and q
bottle of brandy"
"All this doesn't explain why you
went to seek your wife,
ut was on Jacques ACCENT, sir,
that went. The youngster Aas grown
to be man; and he wants to marry.
For that. his mothers consent was
necessary; and was taking to Clau-
dine document which the notary had
drawn up. and which she signed. This
is it,
M. Daburon took the paper, and ap-
reared to read 1t attentively. After q
moment he asked:
Have you thought who could have
assassinated your wife?"
Lerouge made no reply.
30 you suspect any one?" persisted
the magistrate.
"Well, sir" replied the sailor. "what
can say? thought that Claudlns
had weareid out the people from
whom she drew money, like water
from we'll; or else, getting drunk
one day, she had blabbed too freely"
The testimony being complete as
possible, Nj. Daburon dismissed Lee
rouge at the same time telling him to
wait for Gevrol. who would take him
to hotel, where he might wait, at
the disposal OF justice. until further
orders.
Then NJ. Daburon turned again to
the business in hand. In any case.
innocent or guilty. Albert was really
the Viscount de Commarin. the count 8
legitimate son.
Il think" exclaimed nj. Daburon.
suddenly, Il must speak to the Count
de Commarin. Constant. send to his
house message for him to come here
at once; If he is not at home, he must
he sought for"
Old Tabaret talked. but he acted
falso. Abandoned by the investigating
| magistrate 10 his own resources. he
set to work without losing q minute,
and without taking moments rest.
The story Of the cabriolet. drawn by
a swift horse. was exact In every par
ticular. He had actually searched the
country. house by house, with the OBJ
stinacy and the patience Of maniac
hunting for needle in hay-stack.
Monday morning. he called at the
oliio VIC Juolt1C, ia SluCl W huu oas
II the record OF Widow Lerouges past
life had been received. He found that
nothing had arrived; but in the pas
sage he met Gevrol and his man. The
chief Of detectives was triumphant,
and showed It. too. As soon as he saw
Tabaret. he called out:
well. my illustrious mare's-nest
hunter, what news? Have you had any
more scoundrels guillotined since the
other day? All. you old rogue, you
want to Gust me from my place. can
see.''
"Jeer at me, my good NJ. Gevrol."
he replied, mock me without pity;
you are right, / deserve It ALL"
"Ah, come now!' said the chief,
have you then performed some new
masterpiece. you impetuous old fell
fow?.
Old Tabaret shook his head sadly.
II have delivered up an innocent
man." he said. "and justice will not
restore him his freedom"
Gevrol was delighted and rubbed
his hands until he almost wore away
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