Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1914-09-25
CHAPTER VlI-continued.


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 l in another,
along branching stone corridor and
into 8. small but fairly well-furnished
room, clearly no prison cell, where l
was left to my indications.
An hour later 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 a brute, mademoiselle," he said.
But have no fear. You need confess
nothing, and he is merely an adjunct
70 the military law under which you
will be tried. You will have ample
time in which to prepare your de-
fense"
For myself, l need none" l 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 it
will go hard with him. France has
had too many betrayals of late. But
have no fear for yourself he con-
mi
utmost penalty for treachery In time
of peace is exile upon the Isle du Di-
able"
The Devils island! Remembrance
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
wavering mist. Then l collected
my wits resolutely and, indicating
that l was ready, followed him out of
the room and down long corridor, I'M
Til we entered a small Office contain
Ing a high desk and a 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 Magniff and the officials
who had arrested US, with two or
three officers in uniform.
The magistrate beckoned insolently
10 me to approach his desk, and, when
stood before him. fixed his pene-
trating black eyes full on my face for
rome half minute. Then, seeing that
my own gaze did not falter, he cried
In savage tones:
"You will confess everything imme-
aiately, to the last iota. Your fellow
eonspirstor has done so already. You
Infamous treachery and what power
Induced your lover to steal the docu-
ment"
| am not hot tempered. For a mo-
ment ! was dazed at his brutality. But
at this insolent assumption of my
guilt, combined, as 1t 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. l boxed his
,Bars-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.
We'll done, mademoiselle," he
cried. Back, all of YOU" He turned
to the magistrate This is a military
case" he cried, land 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 full half minutes ST.
fence. 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. 81 laughed at her and showed
her to the door, but she persisted ir
her claim, and, after having warned
her what the consequences of fraud
ulent claim would be l permitted hel
to proceed"
Prisoner, you may deny any or al
of these statements" shouted the mag
tstrate.
/ remained silent, fixing my eyes OF
Magniff. My direct gaze seemed tt
disconcert him; he turned his back II
me and continued:
by some means she had obtained
knowledge Of the combination code
Again l warned her. She persisted IL
her claim. alleging that she was Ann,
Ives, a granddaughter of the Cont,
dyes, and owner of the bonds. M,
books show that certain woman O
this name actually does own som
worthless bonds in the old Panam,