The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1914-08-21
CHAPTER vII-contInued.

10 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 l In another,
along branching stone corridor and
into a small but fairly well-furnished
room, clearly no prison cell, where I
was left to my indications.
An hour later ! received visit from
major in uniform. who courteously
requested my presence before the ex-
aiming 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 brute, mademoiselle," he said.
But have no fear You need confess
aothing, 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-
Sense."
For myself, 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 it
will go hard with him. France has
had too many betrayals of late. But
have no fear for yourself" he con-
sinued, 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
ful 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 l collected
my wits resolutely and, indicating
shat | was ready, followed him out of
the room and down long corridor. un-
ill we entered small Office contain
ing 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 we're 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-
srating black eyes full on my face for
some half minute. Then, seeing that
e. H. til
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."
l am not hot tempered For a mo-
ment / 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. l took single step for
ward and did thing that have never
done before or since. boxed his
Bars-twicei
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
20 the magistrate. This is military
case" he cried, "and let me remind
you that you are an accessory only
The lady shall not be insulted, or I
withdraw the case from your hands"
There was full half minutes ST.
sence. 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-
Pention,' 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. Il laughed at her and showed
her to the door, but she persisted in
Aer claim, and, after having warned
her what the consequences of a fraud
alent claim would be l permitted her
20 proceed"
Prisoner, you may deny any or all
Of these statements" shouted the mag
lstrate.
remained silent. fixing my eyes on
Magniff. My direct gaze seemed to
discomfort 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, granddaughter of the Comte
d'Yves. and owner OF the bonds. My
books show that certain woman of
ahis name actually does vn some
worthless bonds in the old Panama