Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1914-09-04


the same steamship. Not knowing
who was. he made TO me the propos-
al that ! should join him in a scheme
to obtain these bonds-from myself!
That We should procure them at a
nominal price by deceiving the victim
as to their value; then, that by threat
ening TO dispose of them at a modeT-
ate rate to the comte. or in some man
ner to place him in possession of them
thereby enabling him to pay of the
mortgage you hold over him, We
should force you to purchase them
from us at an enormous rate, or lose
your mortgage, and. with 1t, your hold
over your enemy. Yes, he told me
everything"
Miserable scoundrel!" cried the old
banker, in amazement "And you told
him, mademoiselle-"
Il characterized him precisely as
you have DONE" answered.
He was my pride, the apple of my
eye" Magniff moaned. 81 made him a.
generous allowance, even after he had
disappointed my hopes of some day
seeing Inn succeed to my interests.
But he was hayward from birth. He
could not run straight. He is forger,
a thief, trickster. He has been the
despair of my life, the curse of my old
age. And now he plans to blackmaif
his own father!"
His outburst was so sincere, so gen.
uine, that my anger evaporated; /
could only feel conscious of a wave of
vast pity for the old man, so miser-
able, in spite of all his wealth.
Monsieur" said, presently, you
doubtless are acquainted with the cir
cumstances that drove my father into
exile"
He nodded. 81 have been your grand
fathers banker for forty years." he an
swered. ut was unjust; the whim of
an ancient aristocrat who placed his
own pride before his sons happiness.
He drove him from his house because
they differed in politics. Ciel! What
a cause! What cause for disinherit-
ing ones own son! He could never
have done so under the law, mademoi-
selle, but unfortunately some of the
old estates are still controlled by the
old feudal customs of the Bourbons-
notably in your part of France"
Then you will understand" pur-
sued, that do not harbor any good
will against my grandfather or his
grandson"
He looked up at me hopefully, as.
though he found cause for rejoicing
that anyone should share his hatred.
you would gladly see them dispos-
ed-dsinherited, as they disin-
herited your father?" he asked, eager
ly.
nodded. Something within me.
seemed to rise in protest on behalf Of
them. l saw the proud old artistocrat
in the abbey, thought of his four and
eighty years, destined to end so mis-
erably; then l remembered my fathers.
wrongs and steeled my heart.
Your revenge shall not be long in,
tarrying," cried the old man, bringing
down his fist upon the table. For
years l have woven my net around
them. l was slow, mademoiselle, but
very sure. / have them now. In two,
weeks-unless they meet the interest
on the mortgage-they lose Clichy.
And they cannot meet 1t, the dogs!
Twelve thousand francs of INTEREST,"
: and their castle stripped as bare as a,
: hounds TOOTH They live like rats in
the ruins of their magniicence. And,
even if they meet this interest it will
be their last No, mademoiselle, have
no fear. Their day is done"
He started and looked keenly at me.
"Mademoiselle," he said impu,sively,
"either you are indeed the owner or
. you are the cIeverest impostor in
Paris. You are ready to make an af-
fidavit?"
"Assuredly," l answered.
There will be much-what you call
!, red tape 1t will be necessary to-
3 manufacture a new key. Then an Of
e fetal of the government must be pres
ent when you recover your bonds from
3 the interior of the safe Return three
: weeks from today, and the safe shall
2 unlock for you"
e 'Mademoiselle," he continued, do
I you know why l am willing to gam
t BILE upon your honesty thus? !; is not
. sentiment-it is pure business. 1t is
: because, in the working out of my
plans, the possession OF these bonds Is
a essential to me. And so I will risk
9 the loss of what offer you for them
0 $4,000 francs.
T. "Ten thousand dollars!" exclaimed.
q think mentioned that l specialized
. in arithmetic.)
\ and" ne resumed, you will here
S and now execute an agreement to sell
: me the bonds for that amount Other
{ wise-why, mademoisele, | fear that
t you will never be able to establish
2 your identity"
4 But it is a prodigious sum-" I
5 cried, foolishly.
+. "They are worth that to me-" an
, swered the old banker. quietly. Are
you ready to sign, mademotselle?
+ He brought in a couple Of secre-
s taries and dictated the draft OF the
confederation Nf tina