The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-03-29
CHAPTER VI.
Madame TissOt's New IOdger

"au'HuC lissot Now IOuStr
The following morning at an
early hour, a tall man was seen
walking slowly along the Rue
L'Hirondelle in the direction of
Madame Tissot's lodging house.
He wore a blue cotton blouse of
a French workman.
When he had at length arrived
at the dinghy little cafe, he darted
through the doorway.
The place was deserted with
the exception of the sleepy-faced
waiter who came forward Cir
ard, in a low voice, informed him
that he would like to see Madame
Tissot.
When Madame Tissot appeared
Girard thrust his hand into a
pocket and drew out letter.
MY name is Victor Girard," he
said. Il have been, until re-
Gently, operating in Brussels.
Here is a letter from Michaud,
the head of the gang there" He
handed the letter over to her, and
she opened 1t and began to read
its contents.
Madame Tissot finished read
ing the letter, folded it and placed
it carefully in her bosom. what
is it you desire?" she asked.
"A room. | expect to be in
Paris several months, and | have
been informed that here one can
obtain accommodations eheaply,
and at the same time be free from
impertinent questions as to ones
business. He laughed harshly,
looking at her with an air of Sig
nificante.
The woman rose and went to-
ward the door. 81 have one
ROOM" she said, (which you can
have for franc day. 1t is very
small, but no doubt 1t will serve
your purpose.
Girard took up his bundle and
followed her up the rickety stairs
to the floor above. The room
proved to be tiny one in an ex-
tension of the rear of the build
ing. A window in the rear wall
afforded the only light. He went
to the window and looked out. Be-
low him, perhaps 80 feet down,
was a narrow footway between
the building and the stone en-
bankment of the river, and be-
yond this lay the dark waters of
the Seine. He turned again to
the room and addressed Madame
Tissot. "This will be satisfac-
tory" he said, throwing his bun
die upon the bed. 81 will pay
you, now, for one week in ad-
vance"
A moment later she left him,
and at once discharged him from
her thoughts. The occupants of
the rooms at the Rats Hole were
not subjected to any curious scru-
tiny by its proprietress.
The project of police, engaged
with his many duties, did not see
much of Richard Duvall during
the day, and it was o'clock that
evening before Duvall turned up
at the projects office.
What have you learned, Mon
sieur Duvall inquired the lat
ter. as he seated himself COM
fortably and lighted a cigar.
Last night" said the detect
i've, Il discovered a scrap of pa
per In the overcoat which Victor
Girard left behind him, which
contained an important bit of in
formation He drew the piece
of paper from his pocket and
handed 1t to the project. The lat
ter examined 1t carefully. Upon
1t was written, 1.-THE Rats Hole.
No. 81, Rue L'Hirondelle."
. do you know the placer" Du-
vail asked.
The project thought for mo-
ment. YES" he replied. "A dis
reputable place kept by a woman
by the name of Tissot. We ar
rested a dangerous Apache there
last year."
II have learned" remarked
Duvall, that Victor Girard en-
gagged room there this morning.
| have further information which
leads me to believe that he has
an Appointment there at some time
this evening""
Good" cried the project.
what is your plan?"
'4The house Is already sur
rounded by our men. Girard has
not yet put in an appearance.
Vernet has instructions to permit
him any any one who may come
later to enter without difficulty.
No one is allowed to leave the
house under any circumstances
whatever. l have given instruc-
tions that, as soon as any disturb
ance takes place within, our men
are to break in at once. II no
L