New-York tribune., 1922-07-30
THE JUDGMENT
OF SOLOMON
BY J. BRUNO-RUBY
Translated by William, L. Mcpherson


~ down and began to think.
The case was complicated. The
first prisoner, Rose Deumelin, was charged by
the second, Lucie Boucher. with stealing her
child. But the accused, in her turn, claimed
to be the victim of an abomnable attempt to
take her own child away from her.
Solomon" Derocq thought, "knew the cruel
embarrassment in which l find myself. He
saw a way cut Of it. But I--who will author
ize me to borrow an executioner and order him
to cut in two the little fellow for whom these
two wild women are fghting?"
He went over the details of the case. The
two women had left the hospital together, each
with an infant in her arms. One of the two
children had died and the mother who had lost
it land hurriedly disposed of t) was, for some
obscure reason or selfish motive, ready to go
to any lengths to possess the offspring of the
other But how could one discover the i'm
poster?
Rose Deumelin was tall brunette with a
savage air, who answered only in monosylla-
bles or when stirred to anger. Lucie Boucher
was gentler, more expansive, and the facts
which she presented were strung together log
icaly. Yet she produced no convincing proof
of her accusation.
The conformation had brought only vehe-
ment apostrophes and cries Of rage. Mean
while the baby, which Rose Deumelin was
nursing, was visibly fading away and seemed
to wish to restore concord by disappearing
from the earthly scene. The milk Of warfare
and hatred did not agree with it.
It was in thinking of this innocent little
victim that Derocq stumbled across his idea.
He shut the window, seized his overcoat and
his hat and went to the prison, where the two
enemies were lodged
Arriving there he summoned the physician.
Doctor" said Derocq, ''you will oblige me
by accompanying me to Nine. Boucher and
Nine Deumelin. This tangle of cross-accusa-
tions must end. l believe that have discov-
cred way to end it, if you will confirm what
/ say"
The doctor acquiesced with the weary smile
of those who have seen many things, and the
two men walked to Lucie Boucher's CELL
Seeing them enter she got up, with sudden
flush in her cheeks. She gave Derocq steady,
intelligent look. He advanced toward her.
"Your charges were we'll founded" he said.
"The baby you claim will be restored to you
and you will be set free But cannot conceal
from you the fact that Doctor Fournel, who is
here, has told me that the child is sick. 1t Is
very sick, alas!"
Lucie Boucher's face contracted.
Sick? Very sick?- Do you mean to say
that it is going to die? All! if they had only
given it to at once, in place of leaving it
with that woman! (She tottered and sat down.
Very sick-the little one-my last hope"
Her tears began to flow. Derocq put his
hand on her shoulder.
Listen" ne said. "M. Fournel thinks that
there is chance to save it--a TRANSMISSION of
blood. But considering its tender age and its
weakness, the experiment must be made under
such conditions that the person who gives the
blood will run a very serious risk. Will you
try the experiment."
Lucie Boucher remained perfectly motion
less for an instant, her hands before her face
Then, raising her head, she begged
Bring it to me first. Then we shall see.''
"No," said Derocq, "you must decide at once
1t is a question of life or death for the child"
The young woman's clasped hands trembled
"Ah" she answered, zone can't make de-
sision like that without rejecting. Give me at
least until tomorrow"
Derocq bowed his head gravely and, taking
the physicians arm, walked out of the cell.
Come" he said, with an embarrassed air.
"let us see how the land lies elsewhere"
They went to Rose Deumelns cell. The
same sad comedy recommended, to the end that
the accused, holding the baby in her arms,
should have no difficulty in realizing that its
frail existence hung almost on breath
At first Rose Deumelin did not seem to hear.
Bending over the nursing infant, whom she
held pressed against her breast, she had not
even loo4,d up at the two visitors. Then she
slowly raised her head and fixed her somnam
bulistic eyes on DurocS
"You said something? What did you saw"
He repeated "Rsk your life in giving your
blood, but almost certainly save the childs
life"
A great light flashed across her marbelike
face. This time she understood. Rose Deume-
lin, whom they accused of having stolen this
child, understood. AS white as if her veins
were already opened, she ran to the doctor:
Quick! Quick! If there is any hope, open
all my veins, if you have to. But be quick!"
Derocq heaved sigh of relief.
Come" he said, ''the case is settled. Doc
tor, take the mother and the child to the in
frmary until they can be released You will
care for the mother and Won will saya A..