The Elbert County tribune., 1916-05-05
CHATTER vII-continued.

entered, together with the officers
while Magnin 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 I In another
along a branching stone corridor and
into a small but fairly well-furnished
room. clearly no prison cell, where
was left to my indications.
An hour later i received visit from
major in uniform, who courteously
requested my presence before the ex-
nmining magistrate. He seemed to
regard me as some rare and valuable
wild animal. and my youthful appear
ance evidently nstonished him.
Monsieur Pichon has the reputation
OF brute, mudemoiselle." he said.
But have no fear. You need confess
nothing. and he is merely an adjunct
to tho military law under which you
will be tried. You will have ample
time In which to prepare your de-
Tense"
For myself. need none" replied.
But where Is the chevaller? Shall
see him?"
The major shook his head.
"Hc 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-
tnued. scrutiniz.ng my face. THE
utmost penalty for treachery In time
of peacs is exile upon the Isle du Di-
able"
Tho 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
l saw the face OF the officer through
a wavering mist. Then l collected
that l was ready. followed him out of
the room and down a long corridor. un-
til we entered small office contain
ing high desk and number OF
chairs. Behind the desk, on bench,
sat a stern-looking. black-bearded mag
tstrate, 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
to 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
tn 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 youi
infamous treachery and what power
induced your lover to steal the docu
lment."
am not hot tempered. For mo
ment l was dazed at his brutality But
at this insolent assumption of my
guilt. combined. as 1t was. with tht
utmost insolence of bearing. lost al
eelf-control. took single step for
ward and did thing that have never
done before or since. l boxed hil
ears-twice!
Before he had recovered speech. tn,
officials of the court rushed forward
they would have manacled me. but sud
denly and swiftly the officer who hat
conducted me to the office interposed.
We'll done. mademoiselle." h,
cried. Back. all of you." He turne,
to the magistrate. This is a militar!
case" he cried. "and let me remin,
you TINT you are an accessory only
Tho lady shall not be insulted. or
withdraw the case from your hands"
There was n full half minutes 81
lence. Then. swallowing in his throa
and muttering angrily the magistrate
called upon the banker and began t
interrogate him. one side of his fac
: still scarlet with my finger marks.
"Mr. Magnif. you will please plac
me in possession OF sufficient facts t,
permit of my signing the paper OF de
tention," he stammered.
The banker stepped forward briskly
This woman came to me thre
weeks ago to demand possession o
certain bonds which she alleged wer,
In certain safe In my vaults" III
said. II laughed at her and shove,
her to the door. but she persisted Ii
her claim, and. after having warne,
her what the consequences of n fraud
ulent claim would be | permitted he
to proceed"
Prisoner. you may deny any or al
of these statements" shouted the mag
istrate.
remained silent, fixing my eyes OF
Magniff. My direct gaze seemed Il
disconcert him; he turned his back t,
me and continued:
by some means she had obtaine,
knowledge of the combination code
Again | warned her, She persisted IL
her claim. alleging that she was Ann,
Ives. a granddaughter of the Cont,
DIVES. and owner of the bonds. M,
books show That certain woman o