The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1918-01-17
CHAPTER 1.
pARTAGNAN, PORTHOS AND
MONTE CRISTO.

maIlons, the project OF ponce, was
not yet back at the office. His
private secretary laid on the desk
q 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 S o'clock. Here are their names.
Show them into separate waiting
rooms, so that they can't com
municate with one 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, Verot!" said
the secretary. "But what's hap
pened? What's the matter2"
Inspector Verot was a very
stout, powerfully built man, with
q big neck and shoulders and a
florid complexion. He 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 lie Sec.
retaire !" he said.
eyes, yes; you're not looking
your usual self. You're gray in
the face And the way you re
perspiring -"
Inspector Verot wiped his fore
head and, pulling himself together
said:
cts just a little tiredness = .
I've been overworking myself late
~; 1 was very keen on clearing up
q case which Monsieur Desmalions
had put in my hands. All the
same, I have a funny sort of feel
ing"
"Will you have a pick-me-up?'
"No, no; I'm more thirsty"
"a glass of water7"
"No, thank you"
"What them"
81 should LIKE should like
His voice faltered. He wore a
troubled look, as il 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
here?"
mo; he won't be back till 5,
when he. has an important meet
ing"
eyes I know most
important. That's what I'm here
for. But I should have liked to
e him first. I should so much
have liked to see himl"
The secretary stared at Verot
and said:
"What a state you're in! Is
your message SO urgent as all
that2"
cts very urgent, indeed. 1t has
to do with a crime that took place
q month ago, to the day. And,
above all, it's a matter Of prevent
ing two murders which are the
outcome Of that other crime and
which are to be committed tonight.
Yes, tonight, inevitably, unless we
take the necessary steps,"
"Sit down, Verot, won't youP"
"You see, the whole thing has
been planned in such an Internal
manner! You would never have
Imagined"
Still, Verot, as you know about
It beforehand, and as Monsieur lie
Project is sure to give you full
powers"
eyes, of course, Of course. But,
all the same, it's terrible to think
that l might miss him. So l wrote
him this letter, telling him all I
know about the business. I thought
It safer"
He handed the secretary a large
yellow envelope and added:
"And here 8 a little box as well ;
I'll leave it on this table. 1t con-
tains something that will serve to
complete and explain the contents
Of the letter."
"But why don't you keep all
that by youf"
"I'm afraid to. They're watch
ing me. They're trying to get rid
of me. I can't be easy in my mind
until some n besides myself
knows the secret"
Have no fear, Verot. Monsieur
le Prefet is bound to be back
soon. Meanwhile, I advise you to