Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1918-01-17
CHAPTER |.
D'ARTAGNAS. PORTHOS 80. AND
MONTE CRISTO.

malions, the project of police, was
not yet back at the office. His
private secretary laid on the desk
a bundle of letters and reports
which he had annotated for his
chief, rang the bell and said to
the messenger who entered by the
main door:
Monsieur lie Prefet has sent
for a number of people to see him
at 5 o'clock. Here + their names.
Show them into separate waiting
rooms, SO that they cant com
municate with ~ another, and let
me have their cards when they
come"
The messenger went out. The
secretary was turning toward the
small door that led to his room,
when the main door opened once
more and admitted a man who
stopped and leaned swaying over
the back Of a chair.
"Why, it's you, Vcrot!" said
the secretary. But what hap
pencd? What S the NATTER"
Inspector Verot was a very
stout, powerfully built man. with
a big neck and shoulders and a
florid complexion. lie had OBJ
viously been upset by some violent
excitement, for his face, streaked
with red veins and usually so
%apoplectic, seemed almost pale.
ooh, nothing, Monsieur le Sec
r~etaire." he said.
Eyes, yes; you're not looking
your usual self. You rc sray in
the face e $ s. And the way you re
perspiring = ="
Inspector Ncrot wiped his fore
head and, pulling himself together
said:
Its Just a little tiredncss : . =
I've been myself latc-
~ | was very keen on clearing UP
q ease which Monsieur Dcsmalions
had put III my hands. An the
same, l have a funny sort of feet
ing
"Win you have a pick-mo-up?''
"No, no; Pm thirsty"
"A glass of w~ater3''
ono, thank you
"What then?"
Il should LIKE should like
His voice faltered. He wore a
troubled look, as if he had sud
denly lost his power Of getting out
another word. But he recovered
himself with an effort and asked
"Isn't Monsieur Desmalions
hereqn
"No; he won't be back till 5,
when he has an important meet
ing"
Eyes know most
important. That's what I'm here
for. But ] should have liked to
see him first. ! should so much
have liked to see him !"
The secretary stared at Verot
and said:
what a state you're in, Is
your message so urgent as all
that9"
Its very urgent. indeed. II has
to do with a crime that took place
a month ago, to the day. And
above all, it's a matter Of prevent
ing two murders which are thf
outcome Of that other crime anC
which are to be committed tonight
Yes, tonight, inevitably, unless W.
take the necessary steps"
"Sit down, Verot, won't you?'
"You see, the whole thing has
been planned in such an inferno
manner! You would never have
imagined"
"Still, Verot, as You know abou'
it beforehand, and as Monsieur X
Project is sure to give you full
powers"
Eyes, Of course, Of course. But
all the same, it's terrible to thinl
that I might miss him. So ] wrot'
nm this letter. telling him all
know about the business. | though.
it safer"
He handed the secretary a large
yellow envelope and added:
"And here 8 a little box as we'll
IN leave it on this table. 1t con
tains something that will serve t,
complete and explain the content!
Of the letter"
But why don't you keep al
that by your"
"I'm afraid to. They re watch
ing me. They're trying to get rit
of me. | can't be easy in my mint
until some one besides mysel
knows the secret"
Have no fear, Verot. Monsieu1
le Prefet il hound IN he hacl