Middletown transcript., 1914-07-25
CHATTER VII-continued.

A cab was drawn up at the door
for they had arranged their plan down
to the last detail-and Charles and
entered, together with the officers,
while Magniff betook himself else
where. A long ride through the Paris
streets terminated at the principal
fortresses of the capital. There we
were separated; Charles was taken
in one direction and IN another.
along a branching stone corridor and
into small but fairly well-furnished
room, clearly no prison cell, where
was left to my indications.
An hour later 1 received visit from
a major in uniform, who courteously
requested my presence before the ex-
amining magistrate. He seemed to
regard me as some rare and valuable
wild animal, and my youthful appear
ance evidently astonished him.
Monsieur Pichon has the reputation
Of q brute, mademoiselle," he said.
But have no fear. You need confess
nothing, and he is merely an adjunct
to the military law under which you
will be tried. You will have ample
time in which to prepare your de-
fense."
For myself, 1 need none," replied.
'But where is the chevalier? Shall /
see him?"
The major shook his head.
HE has already been examined he
answered, smiling family. Il fear 1t
will go hard with him. France has
had too many betrayals of late. But
have no fear for yourself" he con-
tinued, scrutinizing my face. "The
utmost penalty for treachery in time
Of peace is exile upon the Isle du Di-
able"
The DEVILS island Remembrances
of all that had read about that fear
full place rushed through my mind.
For the moment thought that would
faint. The walls reeled round me and
saw the face of the officer through
a wavering mist. Then collected
my wits resolutely and, indicating
that was ready, followed him out Of
the room and down long corridor, un-
til we entered a small office contain
ing a high desk and q number Of
chairs. Behind the desk, on bench,
sat stern-looking, black-bearded mag
istrate, wearing the gown and cap Of
his professional office. Seated in the
room were Magnif and the officials
who had arrested US, with two or
three officers in uniform.
The magistrate beckoned insOlently
to me to approach his desk, and, when
stood before him, fixed his pene-
trating black eyes full on my face for
some half minute. Then, seeing that
my own gaze did not falter, he cried
in savage tones:
you will confess everything imme-
diately, to the last iota. Your fellow
conspirator has done so already. You
will tell me the entire story Of your
infamous treachery and what power
, induced your lover to steal the docu-
ment"
am not hot tempered. For mo
ment I was dazed at his brutality. But
at this insolent assumption. Of my
guilt, combined, as it was, with the
utmost insolence of bearing, lost all
self-control. took a single step for
ward and did thing that have never
done before or since. I boxed his
ears-twice!
Before he. had recovered speech, the
officials Of the court rushed forward;
they would have manacled me, but sud
denly and swiftly the officer who had
conducted me to the Office interposed.
well done, mademoiselle," he
cried. Back, all of you" He turned
to the magistrate This is a military
case" he cried, "and let me remind
you that you are an accessory only.
The lady shall not be insulted, or
withdraw the case from your hands"
There was a full half minutes ST.
lenee. Then, swallowing in his throat
and muttering angrily the magistrate
called upon the banker and began to
interrogate him, one side of his face
still scarlet with my finger marks.
"Mr. Magniff, you will please place
me in possession of sufficient facts to
permit Of my signing the paper of de-
tention," he stammered.
The banker stepped forward briskly.
This woman came to me three
weeks ago to demand possession of
certain bonds which she alleged were
in certain safe in my vaults he
said. "I laughed at her and showed
her to the door, but she persisted in
her claim, and. after having warned
her what the consequences of a fraud
ulent claim would be 1 permitted her
to proceed
Prisoner, you may deny any or all
of these statements" shouted the mag
istrate.
remained silent, fixing my eyes on
Magnih. My direct gaze seemed to
disconcert him; he turned his back to
me and continued:
by some means she had obtained
knowledge Of the combination code.
Again warned her. She persisted in
her claim, alleging that she was Anne
Ives, a granddaughter Of the Comte
DIVES, and owner of the bonds. My
books show that a certain woman Of
this name actually does own some
worthless bonds in the old Panama