Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1914-09-26

| Wdnleu 10 get MIN HlilStll, the pO-
lice were too slow. At eighty-thirty
he took the express for Bordeaux
He arrived at his destination late the
next day. Every one around him
spoke a patois composed of Spanish
and French.
He was so near Spain that he was
afraid that his man might have
crossed the border and escaped. The
cabman laughed at him when he said
that he wanted to get TO Saint-Jean
that night.
"A four hours ride. Ali non,
monster, pas possible; tomorrow if
you like"
"How much will you charge me to-
morrow ?"
"Ten francs"
"Ill give you forty francs if you
get me there tonight. Whip up your
horses"
The offer was too tempting. The
cocher jumped to his box and gath
cred up the reins.
They drove along the magnificent
route which crosses and winds in and
out of the mountains, but Paul had
no eye for the magnificent woods
which oveThung the rushing torrent.
He was thinking of Valentine and
this man whose arrest he was going
to cause.
When they were at short dis
lance from Saint-Jean, Paul asked
the driver if he knew tn. place and
the size Of it.
Il was born there" replied the
man; at is only little village, and
L I
90 there so often, but it happens that
this week | shall have been twice.
Two days ago / drove young fellow
named Velizay along this very road
He was all excited because he was
going to see his old people, who live
there. That young chap has made a
pile of money, so they say"
Merseins thought il. would not be
wise to question his cabman. The
slate roofs of the small houses in
Saint-Jean could now be seen as the
moons rays fell aslant them. Mer-
seins put up at the principal inn of
the little village. The large dining
room, which also served as a cafe,
was the rendezvous for all the viii
layers who liked to spend their even
ing playing dominoes and smoking.
Merseins only took time to put his
suitcase in the room allotted to him.
Then ne hurried down to the main
room. Saint-Jean was such a tiny
village it would be quite easy for
him to find his man.
At nine o'clock the habitues of the
cafe began to arrive. They politely
greeted the patronne who sat at her
desk, then sat down, lighted their
pipes, and called for drinks. Ten min
utes later a handsome young fellow,
about thirty years of age, strolled
into the dining-room.
Hello, boysw he cried.
"Ah! Bonsoir, Jacques; bonsoir,
Velizay" came from all sides. 1--WE
got here first, you see, and were be-
ginning to wonder if you'd turn up
tonight"
"You promised to finish the story
you were telling US last night" said
one, as each man got up from his
seat and shook hands with the new
conner.
Merseins eyed the MN narrowly.
He was disappointed for Velizay's
expression was frank ard honest.
Appearances are deceitful-that's
all" thought Merseins.
When the men had resumed their
seats, Velizay, at their request, con-
tinued to narrate his travels at the
point where he had left off the pre-
vious evening.
Eyes, boys, and we crossed the val
ley of Kashmir. 1t was there that
again met my old friend Jean Fa-
rades."
Jean Farades! Why, there's a
Jean Farades just been murdered in
Parish
What's that you say?" cried We
lizay.
at was in this mornings paper"
Il have not Sc the paper today"
One of the men handed him local
paper which quoted an account of
the crime from a Paris paper.
There's not a doubt about it. Poor
old Jean Farades, my old friend! His
body is at the morgue now, poor old
chapw
"A good actor" thought Merseins.
During the rest of the evening
there was no more talk of India. The
crime was the topic of conversation.
Each man gave his own opinion
upon it.
Velizay scarcely spoke 4 word. AS
the men were leaving he went over
to the cabman who had driven Mer-
seins to Saint-Jean and asked him if
he would be returning that night.
IF you want to catch the train for
Paris, you will have to leave here at
a. m"
81 want to get to Paris as soon as
possible"
If Merseins had had any doubt
that this man was the murderer il
had now vanished. The crime was
discovered and the murderer was
submitting to the imperative wish to
see his victim once more.
At a. m. Paul NJ ,rseins walked
out of the hotel and pushed his suit
case into the cab that was stationed
outside. The cabman looked at him
in establishment.
Going back already?" he asked.
Eyes, have finished my business"
There is room for two. See
here is forty frances"
VeliZay made no remark to his
travelling companion beyond a brief