Evening star., 1922-09-03


FTER the two women were ex-
n amined, Jean Derocq, the hon.
~ est judge, sat down and began
a to think desperately.
The case was complicated. The
first prisoner. Rose Deumelin. was
charged by the second, Lucie Boucher,
with stealing her child. But the ac-
cused, in her turn. claimed to be the
i victim of an abominable attemut to
take her own child away from her.
Solomon" Derocq thought, knew
the cruel embarrassment in which 1
find myself He saw a way out Of it.
But I-who will authorize me to bor-
row an executioner and order him to
cut in two the little fellow for whom
! these two wild women are fighting?"
He went over the details of the
case. The two women had left the
| hospital together, each with an in
fant in her arms. One of the two
children had died, and the mother
who had lost it (and hurriedly dis
posed Of iO was, for some obscure
reason or selfish motive, ready to go
to any lengths to possess the off,
spring OF the other. But how could
one discover the impostor?
Rose Deumelin was a tall brunette,
| with a savage air, who answered only
| in monosyllables or when stirred to
anger. Lucie, Boucher was gentler,
| more expansive, and the facts which
she presented were strung together
| logically. Yet she produced no con-
vincing proof of her accusation.
The conformation had brought only
vehement apostrophes and cries of
| rage. Meanwhile the baby, which
Rose Deumelin was nursing, was Wis
IDLY 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.
1t was in thinking of this innocent
little victim that DerocQ stumbled
across his idea.
He shut the window, seized his
oyercoat and hat and went to the
prison where the two enemies were
lodged.
RRIVING there he Summoned the
~ physician. an old man. very tall,
| very erect, with good and thoughtful
ewes in a somewhat unimpressive
| face.
Doctor" said DerocQ,s you will
oblige me my accompanying me to
Nine. Boucher and Nine. Deumelin.
This tangle of cross-accusation must
end. I believe that have discovered
a way to end it, il you will confirm
what I say"
The doctor acquiesced with the
weary smile of those who have seen
many things, and the two men walk
| ed to Lucie Boucher's cell.
Seeing them enter. she got up. with
a sudden flush in her cheeks. She
gave Derocq a 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 1 cannot conceal from
YOU the fact that DR.. Fournel, who Is
here, has told me that the child is
sick. 1t is very sick. alas!"
Lucie Bouchers face contracted.
"sick? Very sick? Do you mean
to say that it is going to die? All!
il they had only given it to me al
once, in place Of leaving it with that
woman. tshe tottered and sa,
DOWN. Very sick-the little one
my last hope"
Her tears began to flow. Deroco
nut his hand on her shoulder.
Listen" he said. IN Fournel
thinks that there is a chance to save
it-a TRANSMISSION Of blood. But con-
sidering its tender age and dts weak
ness. tho experiment must be made
under such conditions that the per.
son who gives the blood will run 9
very serious risk. Will you try the
experiment."
Lucie Boucher remained perfectly
motionless for an instant, her hands
before her face. Then. raising hel
head, she begged:
Bring it to me first Then We
shall see."
NO" said Derocq, you must de.
eide at once. 1t is question Of lift
or death for the child"
The young woman's clasped hands
trembled.
"Ahw. she answered, zone can
make decision like that without re-
fiecting. Give me at least until to-
morrow"
Derocq bowed his head grayely and