THE ADVERTISER,
Subscription PrIee-12 Months, $1.00
Payable in Advance.
Rates for Advertising.?Ordinary Ad
vertisements, per square, <?i>e inser
tion, 11.00;each subsequent insertion,
60 cents. Liberal reduction made
for large Advertisements.
W. W. Ball,
Proprietor.
IjAURKNN, h. 0?i Oct. 1, 1902.
Is Not This Traet
The Advkktjsek favors the prohi
bition of tho labor of children In cotton
mills and a compulsory school attend
ance law as a companion measure.?
??But," it is objeoted, "why should we
force education on tho negro children?"
Rut*! In this county last year 1,297
more negroes than white children were
enrolled in the public sohoola. When
ever the attempt is made to compel the
negro children by law to attend sohool,
their numbers in the schools will be
gin to decrease. Any man who knows
the nature of the negro knows this.
However, we are not to bo understood
as objeotlng to negro education.
Not Buried Alive.
Col. W. J. Bryan insists upon re
marking that the free silver issue is
not dead. Once upon a time an Irish
man was riding in the same car with p
coffin which a Dutchman had packed
with Limberger cheose. The Railroad
Gompany had rofusod to carry the
oheese and the sharp Dutchman had
trloked them by shipping it as a
corpse. Patrick ondured the smell as
long as he could and finally whispered
to the Dutchman: "Begorra, me friend
I don't know which of your departed
relations Is dead but whichever it be
he ain't in no trance!"
What's The Bifforenccl
To properly fill the office of state or
county superintendent of education re
quires an export in educational mat
tors. It is held that "the people are
good enough to elect these officers In a
popular primary." It is also held that
they are not good enough to elect mem
bers of the stato dispensary board of
control in a primary. That must be
left to the Legislature. Yet we sus
pect that the average voter la as good
a judge of whiskey and whiskey ex
perts as he is of school teachers.
Why Not Beer Caltle.
We hear it objected on all sides that
since the great vogue of Jersey cattle
in these parts the quality of beef has
greatly deteriorated. Undoubtedly
dairy products havo vastly improved In
recent years in South Carolina. Why
do not a larger number of stock-raisers
devote themselves to improving the
beef cattle of the country? We should
be glad to hear from some of our pro
gressive farmers on this subject.
The Whole Subject.
Any student of the negro quostion In
Che South can obtain all the facts ne
cessary to Its thorough comprehension
by reading two books?the Leopard's
Spots, by Rev. Tom Dixon, and tho
Chronicles of Aunt Minerva, by Joel
Chandler Harris. Both are delight
fully entertaining and they tell all the
truth necessary to know, the bad side
and the good.
For Six "Bucks."
Tub Advertiser is informed that
several gentlemen are already in the
race for county offices in the campaign
of 1904. In order to help these breth
ren along, we make the special offer of
Inserting their announcement cards
now and publishing them to tho bitter
end of the next primary for even six
plunks. This Is a raro opportunity.
Will They Strike!
In 1876 South Carolina had 32 coun
ties and eight circuit judges. Now
there aro 41 counties with a population
nearly doublod and several of these
counties keep the courts in session five
or six months. If ever laborers had
cause to join a union and strike for
shorter hours, or months, those laborers
are our circuit judges.
The Advkrtisek is grateful for a
number of complimentary expressions
from subscribers lately. However, we
would prefer that thoy would tell tholr
neighbors who are not subscribers that
tho paper Is worth reading even to
their telling us. Tho endeavor Is being
made in this shop to mako tho best
country paper In tho world and every
man who pays a dollar for tho sheet
has a hand in the good work.
A decent white man's Republican
party may bo a possibility but what
about a white man's decent Republican
party?
Now that Brother Latimcr, with his
rich oxporienee with fire extinguishers,
goes to the United States Sonate, per
has he will do something to lower in
surance rates.
If the State of South Carolina re
solves to build a fertilizer factory to be
operated with convict labor as a means
of combating the trust, why not build
it in Laurens?
The Newborry Observer nominates
Oharlos A. Woods for tho United States
Senate in 1900. Judging from Mr.
Woods record as a decllner tho office
would have to chase tho man.
?'Brother Bob's" bright article in
last week's Advkhtisbr contained one
surprise. Wo thought he was too good
a kicker himself to objoct to it oven in
a mule.
If Mt ? Hey ward will accomplish tome
tbing towards improving South Caro
lina roads, we guarantee that he will
have no trouble in traveling over them
to a second term.
The Monroe doctrine is a'l right of
course but in tho hands of Teddy
Roosevelt it is liable to go off half
cocked.
One family in this town has six tons
of hard coal left over from last winter.
It I? thinking of organizing a trust.
V
The Fount ef Leaning.
At least the dispensary rofits have
not made the oblldron of the State
drunk on education yet. Last year
the schools of Lauren* county received
$836 from the State fund for about.7,600
children; that la they drunk about one
short cocktail each from our "PyaerUn
Spring." From the county fund they
got about a pint'additional. The dis
pensary sent eaob white child to school
one week.
Now our former Tillmanlte friend,
the senior senator from South Caro
lina, had as well cease moping about
the election of George Von Kolnitz.
We don't think George is really going
to pester him.
So Speaker Henderson of Ioway j
went away back and sat down.
"To feel like thirty cents" means to
feel small but to have been of those 58
who lived in Colleton county and voted
against Heyward must mean to feel
smaller than that.
A young Laurens man says that the
summit of earthly happiness la to He
flat on the top of a scuppernong vine
and drop the brown grapes into the
upturned mouth Of a lovely girl stand
ing beneath.
Col. William J. Bryan suspects that
Mr. Roosevelt's warfare on the trusts
is not sincere. Well, Col. Bryan is a
suspicious person.
The lawful manufacture of whiskey
was practically unknown In South Caro
lina until tho State came to be a great |
whiskey buyer and seller. Distilleries
are no longer uncommon In South Caro
lina.
Wo are constrained to Inform Sena
tor B. R. Tillman that the construction I
of a cotton mill near this town will pro
bably ruin one of the best farms in this j
neighborhood.
*??
Wo rise to commend the beautiful
spirit of thankfulness Illustrated in the
newspaper cards of a number of gen
tleman who "also ran" In the late cam
paign.
*?*
The miners strike and the operators
raise the price of coal enormously. Sup
IK)se the operators of the cotton farms
should strike, planting only grains for
a year?
* ?
*
We beg to announce that somo vacan
cies are imminent in the South Carolina
dispensary state board of con-? well,
as we do not wish to create a stampede
or riot we defer the announcement.
*?*
Now they have a glass factory in Co
lumbia. It will provide building ma
terial for tho stone-throwers of that!
town perhaps.
***
In this deep and solemn peace period,
we move that tho city of Gaffney bo
omitted from tho campaign tour sched
ules in 1001.
* *
*
Many of our contemporaries, wo fear,
are guilty of typographical errors. His |
name is D. Cinch Heyward.
v# ?
*
After all, the editorial columns of I
our friend the Columbia State are much
more entertaining who a t lie fit is on.
* *
*
Now if all the fools could bo crowded
into New York's smart set, wo would
forgive it.
V
The effort to construct a white man's
Republican party in South Carolina
still looks dark.
?V*
We tho people of South Carolina be
lieve that every trust is a monster of
wickedness?unless it sell whiskey.
???
Mr. Roosevelt's fight on tho trusts I
has created the most gigantic dis trust j
on record.
?*.
Senator McLaurln has at last made a
distinguished convert. Speaker Hen
derson without doubt is his disciple.
* ?
*
Capt. Heyward is all right but that |
will not make It pleasant to congratu
late McSweeney in the past tense.
* *
*
As a graceful retreater Tom Heed
distinctly outclasses General Hender
son;
*? ?
At any rate we do not envy Mr. Latl
raer the seed contract he has on his
hands.
*?*
After all, we shall miss Col. Jim Till
man.
* *
*
Why, Deas the Duke of Darlington, is
cutting Capers most loftily!
THE WATER CURE.
Charleston is to have a new system
of water-works at last. It Is believed
that General Jake Smith had threat
ened to take charge of the town.
HIS LIFE IN PERIL.
"I just seemed to have gone all to I
piece*," writes Alfred Bee, of Welfare, ?
Tex., "biliousness and a lame back had
made life a burden. I couldn't eat or
sleep and felt almost too Worn out to
work when I began to use Electric Bit
ters, but they worked wonders. Now I
sleep like a top, can eat anything, have
gained in strength and enjoy hard
work." They give vigorous health and
new life to weak, slpkly, run down peo
ple. Try them. Only 60 cents at Lau
rens Drug Co. and Palmetto Drug Co.
GLENN SPRINGS WATER
The Kidney Care.
. For sale by Laurens Drug Co., Pal
motto Drug Co., Dr. B. F. Posey, W.
W. Dodson and J. 8. Bennett.
Special in Hall Lamps, Black
Wrought Iron Frames, number one,
burner and Chimney, ten inch globes
in ruby, blue, green and crystal 'or 98
cents, well worth twioo what we ask
for them.
8. M. & E. H. Wllkes.
CASE
O;
i
Emile
Gaboriau
41$ ? ? 0 $ $ $ $ $ ? @ ? ? ^ ?
CHAPTER II.
HE commissary sent for by M.
Fauvel boou wade tils ap
pearance. A abort rnnn dress
ed In a full suit of black,
which was slightly relieved by a crum
pled collar, followed him. The banker,
scarcely bowing to him, said:
"Doubtless, monsieur, you have been
apprised of the painful circumstance
which compels mo to b*ve recourse to
your assistance?"
"It Is about a robbery, I believe."
"Ten; an infamous and mystorlous
robbery committed In this office, from
the safe you see open there, of which
my cashier"?ho pointed to Prosper?
"nlono possesses tho key and the
word."
This declaration seemed to arouse
the unfortunate cashier from his stu
por.
"Pardon me, monsieur," he said to
?he commissary in a low tone. "My
chief also bss the word and the key."
"I should have said so."
The commissary at once understood
that theso two men accused each other.
"Well," he said, "a robbery has been
perpetrated, but by whom? Did tho
robber enter from without?"
The banker hesitated a moment
"I think not," ho said at last
"And I am certain ho did not," said
Prosper.
The commissary was prepared for
those answers, but it did not suit his
purpose to follow them up immcdlato
"However," said he, "we must make
ourselves sure of It." Turning toward
his companion, "M. Fanferlot" ho said,
"go and see If you cannot discover
somo traces that may have escaped
the attention of these gentlemen."
M. Fanferlot; nicknamed "The Squir
rel," was indebted to his prodigious
agility for this title, of which ho was
not a little proud. Slim and Inslgnlli
cant in appearance, ho might. In sptto
of his Iron muscles, be taken for a bail
iff's under clerk as ho walked along
buttoned up to tbo chin In his thin
black overcoat Ho had one of those
faces that Impress us disagreeably?an
odiously turned up nose, thin Hps and
llttlo restless black eyes. Fanferlot,
who had been on the pollco forco for
five years, burned to distinguish him
self, to make for hlmsolf a name. He
was ambitious. Alas, he was unsuc
cessful, lacking opportunity or genius.
Already, before tho commissary spoke
to him, ho had ferreted everywhere
studied the doors, sounded the parti
tions, examined the wicket and stirred
up tho ashes in tho flreplnce.
"It would be vpry difficult" said he,
"for a stranger to enter hero."
He walked around the office.
"Is this door closed at night?" ho In
quired. '-?. ?: ?
"It Is always locked."
"And who keops the key?"
"Tho office boy, to whom I always
five It In chargo before leaving tho
bank," said Prosper.
"This boy," said M. Fauvel, "sleeps
In tbe outer room on a sofa bedstead,
which he unfolds at night and folds up
In the morning."
"Is he here?" Inquired tho commis
sary.
Toe, monsieur," answered the bank
er.
He opened tho door and called:
"Anselmel"
This boy had been a confidential serv
ant of M. Fauvel for ten years. He
knew that he would not be suspected,
but the Idea of being connected with a
robbery Is^ terrible, and he entered tho
room trembling llko a leaf.
nDld you sleep in the next room last
night?" asked tho commissary of po
lice.
"Tea, monsieur; as usual."
"At what hour did you go to bed?"
"About half past 10. I bad spent the
evening at a cafe near by with mon
(tent's valet."
"Did you hear no noise during the
night?"
"No, and still I sleep so lightly that
If monsieur comes down to the cash
room when I am asleep I am Instantly
awakened by tho sound of his foot
steps."
"Does M. Fauvel ofton como to tho
caehroom at night?"
"No, monsieur; very seldom."
"Did he come last night?"
"No, monsieur; I am very certain ho
did not for I was kept awake nearly
all night by the strong coffee I had
drunk with tho valet"
"That will do," gold tho commissary.
"You may retire."
When Anselme had left tho room,
Fanferlot resumed his search.
Ho opened the door of tho banker's
private staircase.
"Where do these stairs lead to?" ho
asked.
"To my private office," replied M.
Fauvel.
"Is not that the room," asked the
commissary, "to which I was conduct
edwhen I first came?"
"Precisely."
"1 would like to see If said Fanfer
lot, "and examine tho entrances to It."
"Nothing is more easy," said M. Fau
vel eagerly. "Como, gentlemen, and
you come, too, Prosper."
M. Fauvel'a prlvato office consisted of
two rooms?tho waiting room, sumptu
ously decorated, and tho study, where
he transacted business. Tbe furniture
In this room was composed of a largo
office desk, several leather covered
chairs and on either sldo of tho fire
place a secretary and a bookshelf.
These two rooms lind three doors.
Ono opened on tho prlvato stairway,
another Into the banker's bedroom, and
the third Into the main vestibule. It
was through this last door that the
banker's clients and visitors wero ad
mitted. M. Fanferlot examined tho
study. He seemed puzzled llko a man
who had flattered himself with tho
hope of discovering something and had
found nothing.
"Let us see the adjoining room." he
?aid.
He passed Into the waltlngjroom, fol
lowed by the banker and the commis
sary of police.
Prosper remained alone In the study.
Notwithstanding the disordered state
of his mind, he could not but perceive
that his situation was every minute
becoming more serious. Seating him
self on a eofa near the fireplace, he was
absorbed In the most gloomy forebod
ings when the banker's chamber door
suddenly opened and a beautiful girl
appeared upon tbe threshold. She was
tall and slender. A loose morning
gown, confined at the waist by n sim
ple black ribbon, betrayed
tage the graceful elegance
IMo advan
i dC her fig
uro. Her black eye? woro lurge niul
soft, her complexion had tlio creamy
pallor of a white camellia, and her
beautiful durk hair, carelessly held to
gether by a tortoise shell comb, fell in
a profusion of soft curls upou hor ex
qulslto neck. Sho was M. Fauvol'a
niece, Madelolno, of whom ho hod spo
ken not long before. Seeing Prosper
Bertomy in tho study, where probably
she ex]>cetcd to Und her undo alono,
sho could not refrain from ou exclama
tion of surprise.
"Ahl"
Prosper startod up as If ho had re
ceived an electric shock. Ills eyes, a
inomcut before so dull and heavy, all
at onco sparkled with Joy ns If ho had
caught a gliinpso of a messenger of
hope.
"Madeleine," ?o cried; "Madeleine!"
Tho young girl blushed crimson. She
seemed about to hastily retreat and
stepped back; but. Prosper having ad
vanced townrd hor, sho was overcome
by something stronger thou her will
and extended her hand*, which ho seiz
ed and pressed eagerly. They stood
thus foco to face, but with bowed
heads.
Finally Madeleine said In a scarcely
audiblo votco:
"You, Prosper?you 1"
These words broke tho spell. Prosper
dropped tho white hand which ho held
and answered bitterly:
"Yes, this is Prosper, tho companion
of your childhood?suspected, accused
of the most disgraceful theft? Frospor,
whom your uncle has Just delivered up
to Justice and who, before tho day Is
over, will bo arrested and thrown into
prison."
Llodelolne, with a terrified gesture,
cried In a touo of profound sympathy:
"Good heavens I Prosper, what nro
you saying?"
"What! Do you not know? Ilnvo
not your aunt and cousins told you?"
"They have told mo nothlug. 1 havo
scarcely seen my couslus this morn
ing, and my nuut is so ill that I felt
uneasy and enmo to tell uucle. But for
heaven's sake speak. Toll mo what
has happened."
Trosper hesitated. Perhaps It occur
red to him to open his heart to Made
leine, of revealing to her his most se
cret thoughts. A romembranco of tho
past coming up chilled his confidence
no sadly shook his head and replied:
"Thanks, mndcuiolsolle, for this proof
of Interest, tho lost, doubtless, that I
shall ever receive from you. But allow
me, by being silent, to spare you dis
tress and myself tho mortification of
blushing before you."
Madeleine Interrupted him with an
Imperious gesture:
"I Insist irpon knowing," sho said.
"Alas, mademoiselle!" answered
Prosper. "You will only too soon learn
my mlsfortuuo and my disgrace. Then,
yes, then you will applaud yourself for
What you havo done."
But eho became moro urgent. In
stead of commanding sho entreated,
but Prosper was Inflexible.
"^our uucle Is In the adjoining room,
mademoiselle, with the commissary of
pollco and a detective. They will soon
return. I entreat you to retire that
they may not find you here."
As ho spoke ho gently pushed her
through tho door, she resisting, and
Closed It upon hor. It was time, for
the next moment tho commissary and
M. Fauvol entered. They had visited
tho main entrance and waiting room
and had heard nothing of what had
passed In tho study. But Fanferlot
had heard for them. This excellent
bloodhound had not lost sight of tho
cashier. IIo said to himself: "If he
believes himself to bo alono, his face
will betray him. I shall detect a
Smile or a wink that will mean some
thing."
Leaving M. Fauvol and the commis
sary to pursue their Investigations, he
posted himself to watch. He saw the
door open and Madclcluo appear upon
the threshold. IIo lost not a single
word or gesture of tho rapid sccno
which had passed between Prosper and
tho young girl. It mattered little that
every word of this scone was an enig
ma. M. Fanferlot was skillful enough
to complete tho sentences ho did not
understand. As yet ho only hud ft
suspicion, but a suspicion Is a point to
start from. IIo was prompt In build
ing a plan upon tho slightest Incident,
thinking he saw In tho past of these
people whom ho did not know glimpses
of a domestic drama. If tho commis
sary of police Is a skeptic, tho detec
tive has faith. He believes in evil.
"This is tho situation," said ho to
himself. "This man loves tho young
lndy, who Is really very protty, and as
ho Is quite hnndsomo I supposo his
love Is returned. This love affair vexes
the banker, who, not knowing how to
got rid of tho importunate lover by fair
mfOIiS, has to resort to foul and plans
this pretended robbery, which la very
ingenious."
Thus to M. Fanferlot's mind tho
banker had simply robbed himself, and
tho Innocent cashier was tho victim of
nn odious mnchluntion.
Meanwhile, tho search up stairs com
pleted, (ho searchers returned to Pros
per'a ofllco. Tho commissary, who had
seemed so calm when ho first came,
now looked serious. Tho moment for
taking a decisive part having come, ho
hesitated,
"You see, gentlemen," he began, "our
search has only confirmed our first
opinion."
M. Fauvol and Prosper assented.
"And what do you think, M. Fanfer
lot?" continued tho commissary.
The?dotectlvo did not nnswer. Occu
pied In studying the safe lock, ho man
ifested signs of surprise. Evidently ho
had Just mado an important discovery.
Noticing this, M. Fauvel, Prosper and
tho commissary roso oud surrounded
him.
"Havo you discovered nny trace?"
asked tho banker eagerly.
Fanferlot turned nround with a dis
satisfied air. Ho reproached himself
for not having concealed his Impres
sions.
"Oh," said ho carelessly, "I havo dis
covered nothing of Importance!"
"But we should llko to know," said
Prosper.
"I havo merely convinced myself
that this safo has been recently opened
or shut, I know not which, with great
violenco and haste."
"Why so?" asked the commissary,
becoming attentive.
"Do you see this scratch near the
lock?"
The commissary took a magnifying
glass that the detcctlvo had used,
stooped down and carefully examined
tbe safe, no saw a light scratch on
tho outer coat of varnish.
"I sec it," said ho. "But What does
thot prove?"
"Oh, nothing ut all," said Fanferlot,
"as I snld before."
Fanferlot said this, but ho did not
think It This scratch recently inndo
bad for him a signification that escap
ed tbe others. IIo had discovered a
confirmation of his suspicions. If the
cashier had stolen millions, thero was
no occasion for his being In a hurry.
Tho banker, creeping down In the dead
of the night softly for fear of awaken
ing the boy In the anteroom In order
to rifle his own money sofe, had every
reason to tremble, to hurvy, to hastily
withdraw the key, which, slipping
nloug tho look, scratched tho varnish.
Resolved to unravel by himself tho
tangled thread of this affair, tho de
tect Ivo determined to keep his con
jectures to himself. For the same rea
son he was Silent as to tho Interview
which ho hod overheard between
Madeleine und Prosper. IIo hastened
to withdraw attention from the
scratch.
"To conclude," ho said, addressing
the commissary, "I am convinced that
no one outside of tho bank could have
obtained access here. Tho safe Is In
tact. No suspicious pressure has been
used on the movable buttons. I con
affirm that tho lock has not been tam
pered with by burglar's tools or false
keys. Thoso who opened tho safe
knew tho word and had tho key."
This formal affirmation of a man
whom he knew to be skillful ended the
hesitation ol the commissar}'.
"That being the case," ho replied, "I
must request a few moments' conver
sation with M. Fauvel."
"I nm at your service," said the
banker.
Prosper foresaw tho result. lie
quietly placed his hat on the table to
show that he had no Intention of ot
tcmptiug to escope and passed Into the
adjoining otlice. Fanferlot also went
out, but not before tho commissary
had made him n sign and received a
response. The sign signified, "You are
responsible for this man." The detec
tive needed "uo admonition to make
him keep on attentive watch. Ills
suspicions were too vague, his desire
for success wus too ardent, for him to
lose sight of Prosper an instant. There*
fore following the cashier Into the of
fice ho seated himself in a dark corner
of the room, and, protending to be
sleepy, ho fixed himself in a comforta
ble position for taking a nop, gaped
until his jawbone seemed about to be
dislocated and finally closed his eyes.
Prosper seated himself at the desk of
an absent clerk. Tho others were
burning to know the result of the In
quiry. Their eyes shone with curiosi
ty, but they dared not ask a question.
Unable to restrain himself any longer,
little Cavnlllou, Prosper's defender,
ventured:
"Well, who is the robber?"
Prosper Bbrugged his shoulders.
"Nobody knows," be replied.
Wan this conscious Innocence or
hardened recklessness? The clerks ob
served with surprise that Prosper had
resumed his usual manner, that sort
of Icy haughtiness that kept people nt
a distance and made him enemies In
tho bank. Never would a stranger en
tering tho room have supposed that
this young man, idly lounging in u
chair and playing with a pencil, was
resting under an accusation of robbery
and was about to be arrested. IIo
soon stopped playing with his pencil
and drew toward him a sheet of paper,
upon which he hastily wrote a few
Hues.
"Ah, ha!" thought Fanferlot tho
Squirrel, whose hearing and sight
were wonderfully good in sj^lto of his
profound sleep. "Eh, eh! IIo makes his
little confidences on paper, I see. Now
we will discover something positive."
Having written his note, Prosper
folded It carefully In the smallest pos
sible size and, after furtively glancing
toward the detective, motionless in his
corner, threw it to little Cavnlllou with
a simple word:
"Gipsy!"
Fanferlot was confounded and be
gan to feel a little uneasy.
"The young man has more pluck and
nerve than many of my oldest custom
ers. This, however, shows the result
of education."
Yes, Innocent or guilty, Prosper must
have been endowed with great self
control and power of dissimulation to
affect this Imperturbable calmness and
presence of mind at a time when his
honor, his future happiness, all that ho
held dear In life, were at stake. And
ho was only thirty years old. Either
from natural deference or from the
hope of gaining some ray of light by a
prlvato conversation tho commissary
determined to speak to the banker.
"Thero Is no doubt, monsieur," ho
said as soon as they were alone, "this
young man has robbed you. It would
be a gross n.gleet of duty If I did not
secure bis person."
This declaration seemed to distress
the banker. "Poor Prosper!" ho said.
Prosper was now called in with Fan
ferlot, whom they had much trouble
to awaken, and with the most com
plete Indifference listened to the an
nouncement of his arrest.
In response he calmly said:
"I swear that I am innocent."
M. Fauvel, much more disturbed and
excited than bis cashier, mado a last
attempt.
"Thero is still time, poor boy," ho
said. "In tho name of heaven, reflect!"
Prosper did not appear to bear him.
IIo drew from his pocket n small key,
which ho laid on the mantel, and said:
"Hero Is the key of your safe, mon
sieur. I hope for my sake that you
will some day bo convinced of my in
nocence, and I hope for your sake
that it will not come too late." Then,
as every ono M'as silent, ho added:
"Beforo leaving, hero are tho books,
papers and accounts necessary for my
successor. I must ot the same tlmo
Inform you that, without speaking of
tho Btolen three hundred and fifty
thousnnd francs, I leave a deficit In
cash. Thero Is n deficit of three thou
snnd five hundred francs on my cash
account, which has been disposed of
In tho following manner: Two thou
sand taken by myself In advance of my
salary and fifteen hundred advanced
to my fellow clerks. This 1ft tho last
day of tho month. Toinorrfilry the sol
orles will bo paid, consequently"?
The commissary Interrupted him.
"Wero you authorized," ho demand
ed, "to draw money whenever you
wished to to moke advances?"
"No, but I knew that M. Fauvel
would not have refused mo permission
to Obligo my friends. What I did Is
done everywhere. I.hnvo simply fol
lowed my predecessor's example."
Tho honker made a sign of assent.
"As rognrds that spent by myself,"
continued the cashier, "I had a sort of
right to It, oil of my savings being
deposited In this bnnk?about fifteen
thousnnd francs."
"Thot Is true," snld M. Fauvel. "M.
Bertomy has ut least that amount on
deposit."
This lost question settled, the com
missary's eirund WOS ei-dcd, and bis
report might now_be made. He an
\
nounced Iiis Intention of leaving anil
Orderet] the cashier to prepare to follow
liiin. Usually this moment, when
stem reality stares us In the face,
when our Individuality Is lost and wo
feel that wo are being deprived of our
liberty?this moment Is terrible. At
this fatal command. "Follow me,"
which brings beforo our eyes the
yawning prison gates, tho most harden
ed sinner weeps and begs for mercy.
Hut Prosper lost none of that studied
phlegm which the commissary secretly
pronounced consummate Impudence.
Slowly, with as much careless case as
If going to breakfast, he drew on his
overcoat and gloves and said politely:
"1 am ready to accompany you, mon
sieur."
The commissary folded up his pock
etbooU und bowed to M. Fauvol, saying
to Prosper:
"Let us go.'.'
They left the room, and, with a dis
tressed faco and eyes filled with tears
that he could not restrain, tho banker
watched their departure.
. "Good heaven:1' he exclaimed. "Glad
ly would I give double the sum stolon
to regain my old confidence In poor
Prosper and bo able to keep him with
met"
Fanferlot had resolved to obtain pos
session of Prosper's note, which ho
knew to bo in Cnvnlllon's pocket, To
obtain this written proof, which must
be an important one, appeared tho
easiest thiug In tho world. lie had
Simply to arrest Cnvalllou, frighten
him, demand the letter and, If neces
sary, take It by force.
Fanferlot begun talking with an of
fice hoy and, after a few apparently
Idle questions, had discovered that the
Fauvol bank had no outlet on Victory
street and that consequently all tho
clerks wero obliged to pass In and out
through the main entrance on Pr "luco
street. From this moment tho r? he
had undertaken no longer presented
a shadow of difficulty. He rapidly
crossed the street and took up his posi
tion under a carriage gnte.
After awhile Cnvalllou appeared at
the door of tho bank, but before stop
ping on tho pavement ho looked up
and down tho street hesitatingly. Ho
soon decided, entered tho Faubourg
Montmartre and walked upNotroDame
street so rapidly, utterly regardless of
tho grumbling passcrsby, whom ho el
bowed out of his way, that Fanferlot
! found it difficult to keep him In sight.
Reaching Chaptal street, Cavalllon
suddenly stopped and entered tho
house numbered fiO. Ho hod scarcely
taken throe stops In tho narrow corri
dor when ho felt a touch on his shoul
der and, turning abruptly, found him
self faco to face with Fanferlot.
He recognized hlin at once, and, turn
ing very palo, ho shrank hack and
looked around for means of escape.
But tho detective, anticipating the at
tempt, barred tho passageway. Cavall
lon saw that bo was caught.
"What do you want with me?" ho
asked In a voice tremulous with four,
"You will bo kind enough, my dear
monsieur," said Fanferlot, "to excuse
tho great liberty I take. It Is only
about a trilling matter, and you will
overwhelm mo with obligations If you
I will do me the honor to accept my arm
and step outside for a moment."
What could Cavalllon do? He took
Fonferlot's arm. and went out with
hlxu.
"What I wished to sny Is, my dear
moueleur," began tho detective, "that
M. Prosper Bertomy throw you a note
this morning. I am sure you will bo
kind enough to give It to me. Bollovo
me, nothing but tho most absolute ne
cessity"?
"Never!" exclaimed Cavalllon. And,
believing tho moment favorable, ho
suddenly attempted to jerk his arm
from under Fnnferlot's and escape.
But his efforts wero vain. The de
tective's strength w:is equal to his
suavity.
"Don't hurt yourself, young man,"
Lc said, "but take my ndvleo und
quietly, give up the letter."
"I am in your power," said Cavull
lon, then suddenly drew from his pQCk>
etbook tlu? unlucky note and gave it to
tho detective. Fanferlot's hand trein
b'ed with pleasure as ho unfolded tho
paper. Yet, faithful to his habits of
fastidious politeness, before reading it
be bowed to Cavalllon and said, "With
your permission." Then ho read:
Hoar Nina?0a tho receipt of Oils noto Uko ev
erything: you havo in tho house, absolutely every
thing, ami ostalilidli yourself somewhere at tho
other cnJ of I'nris. Do not appear in public, but
conceal yoursolt as much ad possible. >fy lifo
may depend on your obedience. I am accused of
an immense robbery ami am about to bo arrested.
You will And 500 francs in tho secretary. Leavo
your address with Cavalllon, who will explain
what I cannot say. Uo hopeful, whatever hap
pens. Ooodby. Puosrua.
Had Cavalllon been less bewildered
ho would havo seen blank disappoint
ment depicted on tho detective's faco
after tho perusal of the note. Fanfer
lot had cherished tho hope that he was
about to possess a very Important doc
ument, and who knows but that It
would clearly prove tho guilt or luno
ceneo of Prosper. Whereas ho had
only seized a lovo letter written by a
man who was evidently more anxious
about tho welfare of tho woman ho
loved than about his own. Vainly did
ho puzzlo over tho letter, hoping to
discover some hidden meaning. It
proved nothing for or against tho
writer. Tho two words "absolutely
everything" wero underscored, It Is
true, but they could be Interpreted In
so many ways. Fanferlot folded up
tho noto and slipped It Into his pocket.
"A thousand thanks, monsieur, for
tho Information, and In return, if you
please, I will relievo you of tho trouble
of executing your commission. I will
myself tnko this noto to Mine, Nina
Gipsy. I will also give you u piece
of advice. If I wero In your place, I
would return quietly to business and
hnvo nothing more to do with this af
fair."
Tho poor fellow obeyed. Slowly and
with swelling heart ho returned to
Notre Damo street. lie asked himself
how ho could servo Prosper, warn
Mine. Gipsy and, above all, bo reveng
ed upon this odious detective who had
Just made him suffer such cruel humili
ation. He had no sooner turned the
corner of tho street than Fanferlot
wont Into tho house, gave his nnmo to
tho porter ns Prosper Bertomy, went
up stab's and knocked at tho first door
he camo to.
A young servant dressed In tho most
fanciful livery opened tho door.
'Ts Mine. Gipsy at homo?"
Tho little groom hesitated. Seeing
this, Fanferlot showed his noto.
"M. Prosper charged mo to hand this
noto to madamo and wait for an an
swer."
"Como In, and I will let madamo
know you aro hero."
The nnmo of Prosper produced its of
fect. Fanferlot was ushered Into a lit
tle room furnished In bluo and gold
silk damask. But ho had" no tlmo fo
pursue his invontory. Ono of tho door
curtains was pushed nsldo, and Mmo.
. Nina Gipsy appeared. Mmo. Gipsy* Is,
or, to speak more correctly, .was, quite
young, small and graceful, with a
brown, or, rather, gold colored quad
roon, complexion and tho hnnds and
feet Of 0, clUUL_ Sho oyed her_yhjlU>r
I
wnu the most disdainful surprise.
"What do you waut?" she said.
"I oiu charged, my dear madamc,"
he answered In his humblest and soft
est tone, "by M. Bertomy to give you
this note."
Fanferlot slowly drew Prospers note
from Ids pocket and with a bow pre
sented it to Mine. Gipsy.
"Bead," ho said.
At a glaneo she read Its contents.
She turned very red, then very pnlo.
She trembled from bend to foot. Her
limbs seemed to give way, and she tot
tered so that Fanferlot, thinking she
was about to fall, extended his arms
to catch her. Itoclvss precaution!
Mine Gipsy was .oTTf/of those women
whose Inert llstlessness conceals in
domitable energy?fragile looking crea
tures whose powers of endurance aud
resistance are unlimited, entllke In
their soft grace and delicacy, especial
ly catlike in their nerves and muscles
of steel.
"Explain yourself! What does all
this mean? Do you know anything
about, the contents of this letter? Pros
per is to bo arrested, accused of being
a thief?"
"Yes, nindame; ho Is accused of tak
ing 350,000 francs from tho bank safe."
"It is false, lnfomous, absurd!" sho
cried. "Prosper steal! It Is absurd!
Why should he steal? Is he not rich?"
"M. Bertomy Is not rich. IIo has
nothing but his salary."
This answer seemed to Confound
Mine. Gipsy.
"But," sho Insisted, "I have always
seen him have plenty of money. Not
rich?then"?
She dared not finish. But her eye
met Fonforlot's, aud they understood
each other.
"No," sho cried, "I regret to say that
Prosper would never havo stolen one
cent for me! Ono caii undoretand a
man who is trusted robbing a bank
for a woman he loves, but Prosper
does not love me. lie nover has loved
mo. But I lovo him, and it Is for mo
to savo him! 1 will see his chief, tho
miserable wretch who dares to occuso
htm. I will prove that ho Is Innocent.
Como, monsieur, let us go, and I proni
Iso you that beforo sunset he shall be
free, or I shall bo In prison with him."
Mme. Gipsy's project was certainly
laudable aud prompted by tho noblest
sentiments. Unfortunately It was Im
practicable. Besides, It would be going
counter to the plans of the detective.
"What will you gain by acting thus,
my dear madame?" nsked Fanferlot.
"Nothing. I can assure you that you
have not tho least chance of success.
Y'ou will compromise Prosper^ Who
knows if you will not be suspected as
his accomplice? M. Bertomy expressly
forbade such a courso In his letter."
Mme. Gipsy remained thoughtful for
a moment, then a ray of light seemed
to cross her mind, und sho cried:
"Oh, I understand now! Fool that I
was for not seeing It before! But
where am I to go?"
"Did not M. Bertomy say, my dear
lady, to tho other end of Paris?to a
boarding house or hotel?"
"But I don't know whero to find
any."
Fanferlot. seemed to bo reflecting, but
he had great difficulty In concealing
his delight at a sudden idea that flash
ed upon him. Ills llttlo black eyes
fairly danced with Joy.
"I know of a hotel," he said at last,
"but It might not suit you."'
"Whero Is It?"
"On tho other side of tho river, Cjual
St. Michel the Archangel, kept by
Mine. Alexandre."
Mme. Nina was nover long making
up her mind.
"Here are writing materials. Writo
your recommendation."
"With thoso three lines," ho said,
handing her the letter, "you can niako
Mine. Alexandre do anything you
wish."
"Very well. Now how am I to let
CavalUon know wy address? It is ho
who should have brought mo Prosperis
letter."
"IIo was unable to come, dear ma
dame," interrupted tho detective. "But
I will tell him where he can find you."
Mmo. Gipsy was about to send for a
carriage, but Fanferlot said ho was in
n hurry and would send her one. He
seemed to bo In luck tliut day, for a
cab was passlug tho door, and he ball
ed It.
"Wait here," he snld to tho driver
after telling him thot. he was a dotec
tlvo, "for a llttlo brunette who Is pack
ing her trunks. If sho tells you to
drive her to Quol St. Michel, crock
your whip. If she gives you any other
address, got down from your seat and
arrange your harness. I will keep In
sight."
Ho stepped across the street and
stood in the door of a wine store. IIo
had not long to wait. In a few min
utes the loud cracking of a whip op
prlscd him that Mine. Nina had started
for the Archangel.
"Aha!" said ho gayly. "I hold her, at
any rate!"
[to de continued.)
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physicians proscribe it, and Tho Lau
rons Drug Co and The Palmetto Drug
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price. Trial bottles free. Regular
sizes 00 cents and $1.00.
Boa? tho ?The Kind You Have Always Bought
Signature
of
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Farmers tako caro of what you mako.
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tun 3 you not only savo room and timo,
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crioua matter that evaporates when It is
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Every farmer can own hl9 own press,
and bale his hay at the proper time.
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May not be nil that Is meant by dy?;>ci>sia
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The uneasiness after eating, fits of nerv?
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Dyspepsia Is Bitch a miserable tii^> use
that the tendency to it should be given
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SCHOOL BOOKS,
TABLETS,
INK and PENCILS.
The
County
Depository.
Our Stock larger
this year and more
complete.
Palmetto Drug Co.
Look for sign with ihe Tree.
WOOD'S "TRADE MARK"
FARM SEEDS
are the best that < :ui be obtained
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This you can always do by pur
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Write for Fall Catalogue and
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Seedsmen, ? Richmond, Va.
NOTICE
?of?
Special Klection in School District,
No. U, Sullivan Township.
Whereas, a written petition of one
third of tho electors and like propor
tion of tho frco-holdera of the ago of
twouty-one years, residing in school
district, No. 2, Sullivan township, l.au
rons county, has been tiled with tho
county board of education of said
county, asking that an annual tax of
three nulls bo levied on mid collected
on property In said district l<> supple
ment the funds of said district. It is
ordered?
That the board of trustees of said
[school district shall hold an election at
Mt. Bothel School HoUSO in said dis
trict On tho 2nd day of October, A. I) ,
for tho purpose of deciding if said tax
shall bo levied and collected,
At said election only such electors a;
return real or porsonal property for
j taxation and who oxhiblt their tax re
ceipts and registration cortilloates as
required in general elections, shall bo
allowed to vote.
At said election tho said board of
trustees shall act as managers and tho
(election shall bo conducted as provided
by law for tho conduct of general olec
lions.
At said clccFon each elector favor
ing the proposod levy shall cast a bal
lot containing the word "Yes" written
or printed thereon and each doctor op
posed to said levy shall cast a ballot
containing the word "No'' written or
printed thereon.
Within ton days aftor said election,
if the majority of those votingl shall
vote for said levy, tho said board of
irustoes shall furnish tho county (Audi
tor with tho statmont of tho amcV.int
leviod. \
Ciiah. f. Brooks,
Chairman
W. M. Brybon,
K. B. Babb. |
County Hjard of Education.
Sept. 17,1902 2