The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1914-10-02
CHAPTER Vii--continued.

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 q branching stone corridor and
into q small but fairly well-furnished
room. clearly. no prison cell. where l
was left to my medications.
An hour later | received a visit from
a major in uniform, who courteously
requested my presence before the ex-
smining magistrate. He seemed to
regard me as some rare and valuable
wild animal, and my youthful appear
Snce evidently astonished him.
Monsieur Pichon has the reputation
OF a brute, mademoiselle," he said.
But have no fear. You need confess
nothing, and he IA merely an adjunct
70 the military law under which you
will be tried. You will have ample
time in which to prepare your de-
Tense"
For myself, / 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 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
O. wavering mist. Then | collected
my wits resolutely and, indicating
that was ready, followed him out OF
the room and down long corridor, un-
ill we entered a small Office contain
ing a high desk and 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
some 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
eonspirs.or 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 was dazed at his brutality But
at this insolent assumption OF my
guilt, combined, as 1t was. with the
self-control. | took single step for.
ward and did thing that have never
done before or since. | 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.
We'll done. mademoiselle," he
sried. Back, all of you" He turned
10 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.
ience. Then. swallowing in his throat
and muttering angrily the magistrate
called upon the banker and began to
lnterrogate 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.
HIS WOuldH came 10 me tUree
weeks ago to demand possession of
certain bonds which she alleged were
IN certain safe in my vaults" he
said. II 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 | permitted her
20 proceed"
Prisoner, you may deny any or all
OF these statements" shouted the mag
lstrate.
remained silent, fixing my eyes or
Magnif. My direct gaze seemed tc
disconcert him; he turned his back tc
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 Ann,
Ives. a granddaughter OF the Cont,
h'Yves. and owner OF the bonds. M,
books show that a certain woman o
This name actually does own som,
koruhless bonds In the old Panaml