Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 18, Number 11, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 3 September 1887 — Page 2

9,

THE MAIL:

A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLK.

[COI'VBUJHTED.]

Roger Laroquc.

Adapt* and Translated from tin* French of Jnle* Mary.

Uv OLIVF. HARPER.

[Uwjun in The Mail Aug. 27.]

CII.'.rTnit III.

lien if ti: I :.»»* Kiio had wept «1I |i rua.-uiisv:-. tV-s-l ni''»!o days and uigbts, iLsbo looi i-i 11'-# «Ioa. 1 women who «LO IMV..!,- .. .1- -J.

Jhnr.'ttr did not weep.

"You must suffer greatly, and pity you from the bottom of my heart," said Lacroix .gently. "I do not naod or want your pity. The *wholo past lifo of my husband proves his lujtoccuoe. An honest man does not becorno a murderer from ono day to another without motive*. Yon can accuso him, arrest him, try him in tbn courts of justice, but he will pass through all with a clear uaiue. But it jwiiim me to tliiuk of all this unmerited trouble." '•A««a*iu without motives) Do you know anything aliout your husband'* business, madame!" With thin ho placed before her the wu*ing lottery Bho road thorn

I

in a

dream, and she understood all, but she said no word, though who could uot suppress a gesture of horror. "Now, madam*.

shall obliged, even in

uplto of my own wish, to interrogate your little girl. Wo will go your house, as she is too ill to come horn"

M. L.UMVM.T nivonijviiilcd Ileurii'tto to the villa and went with lief to tho parlor. "Ho, tho i, j'ou wish to »enk with 8uzannof You wish to question her, although I tell you she is sick

Sho lient Iter head discouraged, ond walked slowly to Iter led room. Suzanne was there, nnd sprang to her mother's arm*. mul as she kissed her Ilenrietto wlii»|K-re«l i:i her oar, "Remember." They then returned to the room, nnd Henrietta said: "Go, my child, to this gentleman and answer whatever he asks you."

Suzanne advanced timidly nn,l placed herself U).'«oen tho knees of M. Iittcrolx, Who ^put Ids arm around' her nnd kisswl her forehead kindly. "She has her lesson and will «\y nothing," thought lie. Oently he spoke, putting his hand Itencath tho littld chin so as to look lull into tho lovely eyes of tho child: •'Do 3*ou ro member what you did night bofor Inst., Iittli one!" t.lio rcilected a moment, and then answered in a firm, cloar voice: "Why, ye-i, sir. played In the garden, nnd watered nr.* llowera, ond I mado a big l»(H»jui of

IWH

for tho dinner table, aud

then I playod wi.h my now big doll, which II

in inn ia uvo nie that morning Iwcauso I was Kovi wuix old tiiut day. And then 1 helped ni.uuin i, an 1 wo mado juy doll a lovely blue •sUi nlless, and wo put it on, and wo made Jier a hat jit.-.: like it That was all, I think." ••Hut, i:i the evening—alter tho huups were

"i dU nothing. I staid by mamma, who •was tea« i..:r: me a «j to say to papa but I di not -ay *t until t'. next morning, because papa did not cotno lnvo until I was in bed." '•Vou for ct many '•That may be I don't know."

Do you know how lato It was when "ou went to licdf" "I do uot know. IVi liaiw mamma couUI toll you." "When you wero on tho balcony what did ytni

M.H

in tho st root f"

"Nothing." "i-id you not

MCO

a man, tho very ono you

wciv walling for, your father Did J*ou not BOO

him go into your neighbor's house? Did j'ou not call him, and thou ttay. 'Look, there goes ,v v\ into Uie neighbor's house,' and an instant after heard a pistol &hot, which must have frightened youf Now, tell me the truth, 4nv child." "No. sir and I do not know what you mean." Ami the courageous child looked at hoi* mother with an infinite tenderness. Henrietta was seated

IMAT

tho window, where

sho could *eo RUIAUIW without beiug aecu by Lacroix, who was vexed and humiliate*! by his lack of suoerei with these two weak crwiturvs, who wore still too strung for him. "Matlnnie,M»id lAcroix suddeuly, "I woukl It© obliged to you if you would leave me alone with this child a few minutes. From your room you can hear all we say."

Hom ictto rose and walked feebly to bar room, whciv she dropjwd, ai« inert man, o«i the first chair. Now then, dear, listen to mo. In i»«tinately refusing t» tell u» what, you j«w you aro doing a great harm to your fatht^r. Why will you not tell mo all you saw «nd lioanl! Who am you afraid oft Did your mother tell you to kwp silent I If she did »l« was wrong. I do not want to harm yoat father. Tber# an» penpta, Uiottgb, who preten»l that tbor «w him go night before last 4nto M, I*ro«pUe\i house to kill him and take IsU money. You love your father, I ani sure, and v. ant him to oo*ue hack to you. Wall, If the}* prove ihat he went Uww be con never come back, and porhajis they will send him awmy to prfeoa, and yoa will nevar mm him again. iWt«)M even they would do wort* than that It depends upon you whether be «ver comes beak or not. You *aw the man who kilted Larooetta. If it was yoor fatbet do not tell ne, but if it wan somebody eh*, do not 1* afraid to apeak.1*

During this artfully arraafrd speech tbe poor tittle girt bed tried to etifle her sobs, and now, almost burating with restrained grief, fear and terror, she sobbed brokenly: "I doal know what you want of me. I cannot My what I do not know, and I know nothing and 1 saw nothing. What makes you cause me such grief f*

Tb* tears chased eaeb otber down that pais child's face ia veritable tarratt, and wtm ctood befers him wttbos^J? 52?*

to wipe them away, bar little bands twingtng helplessly by bar side. "I am sorry I have cawed you trouble, poor little one. Go and join your mother.* And Suzanne triumphed in that terrible struggle of a man of tbe world, a magistrate and a commissaire at tbe police agninst a simple child. "Bho had learned her leaeon. I thought as much."

At this moment some one rapped on the door leading from the hall, and two men entered. They wero Trutot and Pivolot, who had come to tell H. Lacroix that this morning Roger Laroque hod been arrested in his oClce, RUJ iiuiut Maur, and examinei! at onco by a commisfcaire of the judiciary. Proflting by tho presence of these two detectives at tho Villa Mont lais, they proceeded to search tho premises for anything which might aym to them useful in establishing their cvidcnco against Roger. This search was not fruitless, as they found in Roger's dressing room the clothcs which Roger had worn the night of tho crime, tho gray coat with its cape, a pair of brown pantaloons, which were torn a high gray hat, with a narrow black band, dented and soiled. Tits tot aud Pivolci, who had been at work since the previous day, knew tlrnt these were undoubtedly tuc clothts that Roger had worn on t'uo day cf tho murder. "Look at tho coat, pantaloons and overcoat and hat Do you know themT asked Lacroix of Ileiiriette. 'C "Yes they are my husband's." -M "Did your husband tell yoa how this bat was crushed aud coat aud pantaloons becanw so soiled ond torn?"

She timdo a negative bign. "Have you tbe keys to this secretary and the bureau

In a few moments every nook and corner was searched and the papers, money, everything that could possibly bear upon the case m«»l» into a package, aloug with tin clothes. In one of the bu recti drawers M. Laaroix found a small silver handled revolver of six barrels, live of which were loaded and one empty, and it wus of a size which would carry just such a ball as the doctor had cx tracted from the dead man's breast. Tho three men took thoir departure, carrying with them tho clothes, pupers and revolver "Wo shall havo to return to-night lowaru 10 or 11 o'clock for an experiment which 1 wish to make. Will you ploaso wait our comiugr said Lacroix, as they were about to go.

Henrietta bowed without speaking. She liad reached the limit of her forces and could no longer resist

At aliout

11

OK

Lacroix returned, accompanied

by Trhtot and Pivolot, and it was Henrietta herself who opened tho door for hint. She hal triad to imagiuo what could be their object, but vainly. And after all, what did it matter? It would oniy be one torture more. Neither of the detectives entered tbe house with M. Lacroix. They remained in the garden, whilo bo mounted to tho parlor, where he said: "1 must ask your permission, madame, togo into your room for a few minutes only." "What do you wish to dor "You shall see. It is un experiment"

ITe went into the room. Suzanne was uot in bed. She bad begged so hard of her mother not to make her go to bed until they should have gone. "Oh, mother, motherl" slio had begged, "protect mo from that man! Forbid him to tal!c to me ho frightens mol"

As soon as shosnw M. Lacroix she retreated to tho back of tho room, whilo tho mu^istrato wont out on the balcony. Tlw night was splendid. The sky seemed covered with stars, which shone liko so many pitying eyes upon this corner of tho earth, whuro for two days despair lmd mado Its habitation. The calm was so great that there was uot even leaf stirring. Oppo-iit^, tho cottage of Larouette, mournful ami deserted sinco tho assassination, seemed to animate itself and to Uvo. Befoiu tho open window of tho victim's room a shadow moved. A candle placed on the table suddenly lighted the scene, the theatre nf the crime. Lacroix then came and took Suzanne by tho hand. She di*ow back, saj*ing: "Mamma, mamma, I don't want to go!"

Uemi..tte mechanically approached the balcony, uot imugining what M. Lacroix intended to do, but, suddenly having seen, she understood, and drew back with a cry of horror. "No, 3*ou shall not do that," cried tho unnappy woman, throwing herself between Suzaiino and M. Lacroix. "It would Ix an abomination, an atrocious abuse of powor that is not permitted you. It ii enough to have tortured us as you have done for the last two days. You are in 11)3' house and in my room, and I have tho right to order 3*011 to leavo it, and I do. Ool go!"

Bho was in a state of agitation bordering 011 insanity, and sho drew back from M. Lacroix, hiding tho child's terrified faco ill bet robe. "Dut. reflect, madame," said Lacroix. "I havo told 3*ou that my child is sick. A strong emotion may kill her, so delicate and nervous sho Is. Have pity upon her, sir. And what do you wish anyhow from her' What of met Why for two days havo you enteral by forco into our lives, giving us 11c instant of repoaef A crime has been committed near us. Is it my fault or hersl You trespass upon our rights, and jour seal carries 3*ou too for. A womanSi chamber should bt aacrcd to you, and moro sacred still the terrors, the tears and tbe innoceuoe of thi* child. Go then, I tell you."

She was angry, felt outraged, and not only that, but hemmed in aud belplew, and perhaps she would have betrayed herself bad bo not answered coldly: "Since neither you nor 5 our daughter knows anything of the murder of Larouette, how can you know that we are about to rehearse tbe crimoP

She aaid no more except "Have mercy upon u*. oh. Father of the fatherlessl* Lacroix said: "Since she saw nothing why is she afraid! And why does sbe not wish to go with mo 00 tbe balcony

Suzanne suddenly lifted her brad and looked at ber with a regard which said plainly, "Fear nothing 1 am strong."

Ami with Lacroix she went out on tho balcony. Opposite, in the little room, seated before his secretary, wa« a nian occupied with his papers. This was TrisfeoC Behind bin burned the candle which shed its light. Lacroix touched Suzanne's shoulder. "Look, child! If you have you JKll remember.'

Then came np tbe street a tall man, with a high gray hat, a gray coat with a cape. Tbb was Pivolot, in Rogers clothe*. One by

fid

I

l, Jcnn, it docs

OIK

the dreadful scenes of this drama w*re worked out with remarkable force and precision. "One can see perfectly well,* said Lacroix. *and it Is evident if they were, as Victoria says, on this balcony, they saw all

During this time be held hand. He hoped that she woukl show naaks eocae movssneat, but not

MM

die nuke. Thn be leaned over geertly and looked at her closely, and found that her eyes ware tightly doiwd. and sbe held then sc with each force that bar Httie face was ooc ma* of wrinkle*. Sbe bad willed w* to eee, and she had not seen! •Soblime child murmured the •she bee cooqwd ma."

GHAFTSR IT.

4

We mrtl» backward Bew ham to pr

liSiMM

sr

A

TERBE TTATTTK SATURD AY.ffVENINO MATT.

recital and follow Roger Laroqoe firoa the moment b« left tbe provisional police bureau and took the train for Paris. Half an hour later b» woe in bis office, which was situated in ono part the immense building which contained his workshops. After having glanced over his correspondence Roger rang and ordered the boy who answered his call to say to M. Guerrier, the cashier, that he wfehed to see him. In a few minutes M. Guerrier entered tho private office. "Hit down, Jean," said Roger, pointing to a chair. "What is there new!" "Nothing, nothing whatever. Things conM uot cliango much from one day to another, anfortuuntcly. If wo could only manage to •»y our bills and workmen the rest would b? easy in spite of the difficulty which that unexpected payircnt onuses us." -Yes," said Roger "it would givens time." "Have you tried everywhere!" "Everywhere, and with the some result Bad news travels qoick." "So there is no bopcr said Jcnn, with a heavy *i.:h for lio really loved aud honored his cirp'oyer, and would v.-illin ly havo givtn treble 1 ho necessary sum had it baeu hi his power.

CK

goo»l to see that you

ta'uo tLu so much to heart, but I think wean? saved. I vo the money." -Tho CO,COO francs?" "I have. Hero they aro." and from his pocketbook Rogor proccodod to count out the sum named. Jean took th« notes and counted them with a beaming face. Roger continuod: "Yesterday morning a fortunate and unhoped for event enabled mo to give you 100,(XX) francs. L=st night, in despair, I went to a gamiug houio and tried my fortune, and God knows how it happened, for I know nothing of cards. I won 50,000 francs, which you have here. This, with what you have, will meet all our obligations to the last sou." "I cm c'.ad indeed," said Jean Guerrier as he gathered up the money aud went back to hi) books, where he eutcred it, and then busied himself making up the pay roll for the workmen, whilo Roger lit a cigar and smoked with an air of content, his eyes roving slowly arouud him on the different parti of lb? building, which was nearly all visible to liim, as hid ofilco was in an L. The noise of tho hammers and files was music in bis oars, and the designs that were tacked up usninst his wails wero dearer to him than priceless paintings. "And to think that I was on the point of leaving all this that I was going to say good by to tbe labor aud dream of my life! Well, it is over uow, and I will think no more of it"

When Jean bad finished the pay roll he called the threo foremen of the workshops and handed them the money for paying the workmen and then made up the payments for tbe employes of the office, but was interrupted in this by tho entrance of the office boy, who camo up to bim with a frightened air.

UIL

Guerrier, there are four men who have just entered tbe waiting room and want to seo M. Laroque instantly." "Well, what of it?" answered he, with bis eyes still bent upon his work. "Why, one of them is Mr. Lienard, the commissionaire of police of the judiciary court, and two detectives, who are in disguise. I know them both, tho spies!"

The cashier raised his bead this lirno aud shivered Ughtly. "What does that mean? Well, go aud toll M, Laroque aud bring them in."

At the announcomeut of this visit Laroque was somewhat astonished. He had forgotten completely all about tho murder of Larouette and his visit to M. Lacroix this morning. He remembered suddenly, anil made a sign that the boy should bring M. Lienard. lie rose and went forward to meet the officer and saluted him: "I know tho object of your visit, sir, and thank you for the trouble you have taken. But I should have gone willingly to your office if you lmd sent me word." "Monsieur," said tho commissioner, who would notc't down in spite of tho invitation of Luroq fo 'I havo brought with mo mi expert in bookkeeping, nnd I oeg yon will givo him your books."

Laroque drew himself up, and said, angrily: "My books? And by wluit right, if you plensof •'Tho right which the law hnjioscs upon me. I also desiro that you givo your cashier orders to facilitate the labors of tho exjwrt in every manner." "And if I refuse f" fffi "I shall do so without your consent."

Laroquo mado 11 heroic effort to contain his anger. Ilis face, usually so fresh and rudely, took an ashy pallor, ami his C3*es glittered with suppressed anger. Finally he controlled himself enough to speak. "What do you waut, stf, lmd why this abuse of power?" "What I want is, first, tbolistof all the notes, bills or securities which you used to pay Larouette. You know that he was robbed and murdered the day you mado him this payment" "It is my duty to enlighten you on this point mid you can tell j'our expert to go to my cashier, M. Guerrier, who will givo bim all tho details. But allow me to say that if you had shown a little more courtesy you would have received moro in return."

M. Lienard remained silent and cold. Roger stepped to the cashier's desk and said a few words to Jean, and then returned, leaving M. Ricordot, tbe expert, to ex* amino the books, which bo proceeded to do, saying: "Tho law wishes to know In what consisted the payment made to M. Larouette—gold, securities or bank notes." "Nothing is easier. Yoa see, three days ago there was nothing but gold and notes no cbcck or securities. As this payment was made in gold and notes, it will not bo easy to trace tbem, but I have an indication which may be of value. Among the 1,000 franc notes there were twenty or thirty which we received from the country by registered letter. Here are tbe fatten, and they contain the numbers and letters 00 the notes which were inclosed. Perhaps that will be of service."

AL Lienard stood near tbe doer listening to this conversation. "And, besides, accident also caused a particular mark on socio of tbe notes. AM I was counting a bundle of notes, an employs acd dentally upeet my luk audit stained ten er a doaenof them, aii ia nearly the esniw place, on the light" "That Is

PWTIAI,* UMIHIUU'WI

UeaariL

"The books prwo all this young man says,*" said Rkoniot, discontentedly. "Sow show oa those of to-day.*

Finally, after Ricordot had examined the entries of 1 be preceding day and that of the last boor, and had bHd a whispered convwsstiop wst M. Lfctierd, the latter said to Laroqua: "ttkwdot has examined your books. He teen, wbau. we knew, that your aAdrsara ID a very bad cooditioa, and (fast day Mm yesterday, yesterday tw, you could "WWil nothing but hazard to save you

"That is true, thr,m *afcl Laroqoe, sadly. "1 Just misssJ bankruptcy,but to-day I am aula

jua received aa loaaaad fraaoe—and to-day

another entry at 00,000 franca, both paid to by yoa, wrfthout any tndicarton front

Thatataoia what ia your

object in this inqpfaryf" vt*

MI

4'

"M. laroque, wffl you answer frankly and without hesitation some questions I am about to ask your "Yon can count upon my frankness," said Roger with noble simplicity. "I never lied in my life." "From whence come tho&0,000 francs you paid in to-day.

won them last night at baccarat at the Commerce club." "Very well we will verify that And the 100,000 francs of yesterday, tbe 29thF "They wero paid me yesterda}- by" He stopped brusquely, as if a hand of steel had grasped his throat, checking his words. He had IK*U standing, and the effect of his cgi tatiou was so great that he sank into a chair, and great drops of perspiration stood out on his forehead. "My God!"* he thought, "what was I about to say 1" "I repeat my question, which you seem uot to have heard. From whence came the 100,000 francs?"

Roger answered hoarsely: "I told you from the }ayment of a d. bt." "Tho iwuio of that person!" Kv "That ooci not concern cu.' I find your question a littlo indiscreet" "I advise you to answer without subterfuge." "1 do cot recognise your right to question mo,*Bd I refuse. As my cashier has furnished you with all tho indications iu his power 1 bog you to notice that it is 11 o'clock, aud that my lirno is valuable." "You do nots^em to understand the gravity of 3*our situation."

Laroqu seemod at first surprised, and then nith his ordinary brusqaones* exclaimcd: "Whero the dovil do you find my situa'.iou grave? What business of 3 ours is it anyhow, 1L Polioe Commissioner Lienard?" "In that tbere exists utrong presumptive reasons that you arc tho murderer of Larouette." "What? hey! howl" pfi "You heard me." wWilO

Laroque kept silent and seemod to pass in mental reviow tho words just addressed to mm, and looked from Ricordot to Lienard and back. Then all ut once tho comic sido of such an occasion struck him and bo burst into a laugh, so hearty, loud and prolonged that the tears stood in his eyes and his sides ached. "I should never have thought of that," he said as soon as ho could control his mirth.

4*I

am not hero to inquire your opinion," said Lienard with great dignity, "but to ask you certain questions, and to place you at Che disposal of tho court of Versailles in case they are not satisfactorily answered."

At this moment Ricordot wont out, and in a few seconds returned with his hands full of I Mink notes, which he began to examiue attentively while tho conversation contiuued. "Very well, though it humiliates mo to havo to defend myself from so ridiculous an accusation. But first I wish to know what are your proofs against mo." "They are of various nature, but I am hero only to see if there is any suspicious account of money in your possession. Do you maintain your affirmation that though your safo was empty on the 28th, the important sum found lit your possession to-day comes parti3* from your wiuuing at !accarat and the rest from a payment? You must prove what you say." "I played last night from 10 to midnight with Baron de Cey, Leonoe Dubois, and Gaston and Adolpb Levallois." "That is all right so far But tbe 100,000 francs brought in by 3'ouon tbe 29th of Jul3*."

Again Roger turned pale. "I have nothing to add to my former answer. It was an unexpected payment of a loan." '*t', "The name of tho debtor l"

Roger kept silent ,"Ucfloct, this name is the proof fliat' you havo told the truth, for it will be easy for us to verify your statement" Still no answer. "In the name of your honorable house, your own honor." Still no word. "In tbe name, then, of your noble wife and your innocent little child, whom you seem to forget, I charge you to speak."

One instaut lie stood with his lips apart, then Do sank down, aown, bendi.-.g his great shoulders under (ho weight of tho burden ho occepted. "I cannot, I cannot! I am lost, lost!" _':Ll

M. Lienard made a gesture of impatience. Thou tho expert aroso and handed him, without a word, a scrap of paper whereon he had written a few words and six or seven bank noUsof 1,000 francs each attached with a pin. M. Lionard turned toward Laroquc. "So then," ho said, "you rofuso to speak?" "I refuse," answered ho hoarsely. ••Your cashier just now gave us a series of numbers of notes which wero received from the country, and which were paid to Larou ette tho 23th of July. After that payment your cashier sa3*s nothing but gold remained in your safe. How do you account for tbe fact that tho most of tbe numbered notes are found to-day iu your safeP' ^'Impossible!" said Roger, astonished. "Look for yourself. These notes wero paid to Larouette. Ho was murdered and robbed. Tho notes you say you paid him were found again in your hands. Now, according to you, one of the persons from whom you won last night, or tho person who paid you yesterday, must havo killed and robbed Larouette." "What follyr Wi"You persistP

1

-«$?»

"I told tho truth." "I would gladly believe you, but at least complete your story. You see to what danger you expose yourself iu refusing." f1 *»«I am responsible." «*Wbat reason is so powerful as to cause you to place your liberty, your very life in dnngerF ,.v.."Do not insist," said Roger. JfrLet it bom. The court of Versailles will perhaps bo moro fo.tunato than But out other question. When you were playing at the club were all tbe players known to youP "The most of them, at least by sight I seldom go to tbe club and never play. If I played last night it was with tho hope thai some happy chance might enable me to win. and so escape bankruptcy, dishonor and per haps saidda."

Ricordot gave little attention to this dialogue. He now rose, and handed to X. Lienard another packago of notes, pointing to tho corners which were all stained with ink. U. Lienard was an old magistrate, and nothing surprised him. His faco did not change as be opened the door and called: "M. Guerrier, will you step here a momentT

Jean did aa "Ploaae tell your employer what you told us a short time ago regarding the ink spcrta."

He repeated what we already know and then be was dkerfacd. "You hear that statement?" laroque inclined bis bead. He Mi hk heart sink wfth fear, and fortauclng some raw snd hnrrthle tuihw#1*'! "I hear nnd see," said Ltra^H, "and I think with you that that nrj axtraordinary." •Not so tfmnga As to me, IexpWn it eaaOy. Tbe situation It dear. Yourtxirfn— wan going badly, and you bad great diiilcalty

Youbeggadktmrtommi!? BinLaL Yoa aaw before you inevitable ruin, and aaaaae only remained to you, and that waste take back the money you paid Laronette wbhtm andincaaa be 11 ilited kffl him." yunaay infemoue," aaid Bogur, "I am ahnoat aahanmd to have to to you tfcqt I am ixnossnt."

•Those are but phrases I prefer clear refutation." "Very well then bo it so, since I must"

He was about to speak, but paused again, and throw himself into a chair, burying his face in his bands in silence. "Spook, Laroque," said the magistrate, gently and persuasively.

CHAPTER V.

"I swear to you, by all that I hold most precious—my wifo, my child—that I have told you tho truth," said Roger, almost stilled by the violence of his emotion. "How can tbe law believe you, Laroque, if you take away tho only means possible of proving your inuocenceP "By tho crace of God. Let my destiny be accomplished," said Roger, in a firm tone, and rising to his feet "Arrest me. I am rettdy to follow you but remember, I have nothing more to say." "Strange obstinacy," murmured M. Lienard. Theu aloud: "Theu I must arrest yon. You wished it, aud have forced me to do so."

Tho magistrate put his notes in order and mado Larcquo sign his responses, received tho declaration of Jean Guerrier, aud with tho report of tho expert aud the notes that formed part of tho accusatiou, made a packet which was to go to Versailles to tbe judge who was charged with the signing. At this minute the clock struck 13. "Follow me," said Lienard.

In passing through the counting room Roger fouud assembled all tho employes, with Jean Gueriier, aud ail having a presentiment of coming trouble. They all gathered around him. "My friends," said Roger, "I am arrested, charged with a horrible crime—murder followed by robbery. I am goiug to leavo you, but bo assurrcd shall not be gone long. I shall have soon established my innocence. Contiuue ia my service. Jean, 1 leave you in full charge. Goodby, my children."

Guerrier was the only ono who embraced him. "ThU accusation is ridiculous," said he, consolingly. "You will justify yourself easily."

Laroque smiled, though he had uo faith in establishing his innocence. Iu the courtjrard were gathored all tho workmen, mid the word passed like wildfire, "Thopatrou is arrested." Laroque walked botweeu the two detectives, who held his arms. His men adored him for his nniform justice, kindness ami upright character. Iu ouo momout they were surrounded by theso strong workmen, and Laroquo would have had to i.».ako but a sign to bo free. Lienard understood thisKand experienced a moment's uueasiness.

I

is

Tnroque had but tn make a sign to be five. "BJ calm, my children," said Roger, "and leavo u.s. I nm tho victim of sotr.o mistake, and to-night, or at least to-morrow, I shall bo bore. Do not bo uneasy about your pay, which you will rcceivo to-night from your foreman."

Tho busy fubric was still, for it was tho dinner hour, ond Roger turned at the gate and looked back at tho building with a heart full of despairing grief, a sinister presentiment "I shall never seo this again," thought ho. And leaning from tho carriage he looked back at tho dusty windows with aching eyes.

During tho return voyrvgo to Versailles, which lie mado between tho two detectivon, ho thought of nothing but hi* wife and child. When the train passed leforc Viilo d'Avray his heart swelled. Them but a few steps from him

wero

the two cherished loves of his life,

aud an tho windows of the car wero lowered on account of tho heat I10 liad a sort of hallucination, he was so far from tho truth! He imagined ho heard the silvery voice of Suzanne, whilo she ran gayly among the flow.rs. Then ho closed his eyes and wept in silence.

,ff*f

Roger Laroque bnl married Hen Hot to, the only child of Georgo Bornnrdit, proprietor of tho uiachino works at Rue Saint Muur. His marriage with Ilenrlotte was tho occasion of his being taken into partnership with his father-in-law, who was iu t«or health. And •00:1 the dcatb of M. Beruardit mode him solo master of tbe great works. It was not a great fortune, but perhaps was tbe means of futare

wealth, but it was a proof of his probity and honor that Henrietta's father should havo left it to him.

Roger was young nnd strong. Ho bad grout confldenco in himself, and instead of going along in tbe samo old way bo extended the business, enlarged the shops and looked about for now openings. As ho did not possess the machinery necessary to carry out his new plans, ho accepted from an old friend of his father's, Celestin Vaubomou, an old machinist like himself, a loan of a ISO,COO francs, which enabled him got new and improved machinery to fill tho new orders bo received, ami augmenting thus tho productive piwcr of tho houso gave it new lifo and vigor. Tin had faith In tho fc'.urc. Hind indeed tbo two following rears wero very profltrJW*

By bis marriage RogwrLsruqne bad forlfied excellent relations will* the beat Paiwan aodcty. Ho went much into company, and they wero boll), he ond bis wife, very happy, particularly when in 1863 Suzanne was born. Before his marriage with Henrietta, BogR had met ono evening at a ball a woman who* remarkable beauty surprised and troubled Kim Sho waa Mme. Julia de Noirville, wife of a celebrated lawyer, and daughter of a Spanish father and an Arab mother, and abe bad tho seal of ber races strongly morkecf in ber features and her tutura Ber profile was perfect, with fine none, beautiful mouth end teeth, and magnificent eyes fall of ardent ftiwo Her form was slender, yet rounded with a perfect grace, and her every movement was full of a soft and languorous cbarm.

What fatality ptnfaed tbem forward, who am tall? Lovo? If be bad bod time to reason with himself regarding the strange infatuation that drew him onward, perhaps be might ban resisted, but in bis unthinking youth, borne noon a raalstieaa and rapid currant, be feB a victim, and after ha lmd fallen ha IIIMIIIII with shame to bava ao easily ceded. Bat it was too late be was Jalia's slave.

We cannot explain nor axenaa such a fault, out ft waa a aad fact which waa to bear bitter fruit to after jmn.

Julia loved Soger with a linigWi pad depth of ylnfi .that fUthhaieil whfla 11

wearied bim. Relying upon that strange prescience of true love Julia knew that Roger did not lovo her, had never loved ber, and bar untamed nature made her fierce and cruel in her demands. This waa the only fault tn the life of Laroque, and he was to expiate it cruelly.

Lucien de Noirville, tbe lawyer, bad married Julia during a voyage he had made in Algiers. The first years of their marriage bis lifo was calm enough. Julia bad two children, boys, and when they were, so to speak, out of her arms she plunged into tbe wildest extravagances, and ber toilette* were tbe marvel of all who saw her and who knew that Lucien, although making a comfortable income, could not afford such unlimited expense in dress and jewels.

At last Lucieu was constrained to have an explanation with his wife, the more so aa be had overheard some very severe criticisms on ber extravagance during tho evening at a ball. As soon as they were at homo he came to her and said: "Julia, I have something to say to you, and it is useless to put it off any longer, for it is a vital subject We are not rich, aa you kuow, aud 3*et 3-our toilets cost more ever3* year than all our other expenses, and with them almost exceed our income. Twice before this I have paid bills which you have contracted which wore more than 80,000 francs. While I do not object to your dressing as well as our means afford, I do not wish you to go into debt again. I havo a horror of debt, and we have also tho future of our children to consider."

For an answer Julia cave him an indifferent look as she unfastened her magnificent hair and let it fall over her shoulders. "It is, therefore, important, «ven urgent, that you check this reckless extravagance," continued Lucien, a little bitterly, as ho observed her indifference. "Listen to what I say, and it is my last word upou the subject If you do not take heed of what I say I shall leavo you, and a separation will cause a great scandal and it will break my heart, for I love you." "If you loved me," said sbe scornfully, though she grew pale, "how could you contemplate such an endingP "I do love you," said he, rising to take leave of ber, "but remember tbat I have two sons to think of as well as my honorable namo and bo ware, Julia, that you disobey my com-, mand, for I am resolved to pardon no moro, and, itainful as a separation would bo, I shall ask it in tho interest of my children."

With this he retired, having aaid what ha considered to bo bis duty. Julia smildd disdainfully before him, but sank into a chair, palo and frightened, wbeu he had gone. If she had loved her husband, tbo sacrifleo of her extravagant t-into would have been a trifle, but, unhappily, sho did not love him. 8he had married Lucien for freedom from a cramped and narrow lifo in Algiers, and found her only pleasure in tho excitement tho admiration of her rare beauty brought.

Continued on SeventitJi Paffe.

Peculiar [f "f

fn'itie'combination, proportion, And tlonof Its Ingredients, Hood's Harsaparllla accomplishes euros where other preparations entirely fall. Peculiar In Its good name at home, which is a "tower of strength abroad," peculiar In the phenomenal sales It has attained, Hood's Sarsapnriiln Is the mont successful medicine for purifying tho blood, giving strength, and creating an appetlta.

rsVitiated Blood

Scrofulous, Inherited nnd Conta-

:^»ygiou8

Humors cured by ,, Cuticura. »,?.. *, I.

rpHItOUOH the medium of one of your books received through Mr. Frank T. Wray, Druggist, Appollo, Pa., 1 became acquainted with your Cuticura Remedies, nud take this opportunity to testltiy to you thut their use has permanently cured me of me of the worst cuses of blood poisoning, In connection with erysipelas, that I have seen, and this after having been pronounced Incurable by some of tho best physlcans in ouf country. I take great pleasure In forwardlug to you this testimonial, unsolicited Unit Is by vou, In order that others HUfleiing from similar maladies may bo eueouragedtoglve your Cuticura Itemed lew atrial.

P. rt. W111'l'LIN UKlt, Leech burg, I'a. Reference: Frank T. Wray, Drug'!,, Apolhi.Pa ScrnfuloiiH llloern. .Tames E. Richardson, Custom House, New Orleans, on oath says: "In 1870 McrofulouH Ulcers broke out 011 my body until I was amass of corruption* Kverythlng known to the medical faculty was tried In vain. 1 became a mere wreck. At times could not turn In lied was In constant pain, and looked upon life as a curse. No relief In ten years. In 1K80 I heard of Cuticura Remedies, used them, nnd was perfectly cured." Hwom to Iwforo U. 8. Com. J. D. Crawford.

On® Of h« Woint CMS#*.

We havo been selling your Cut icura Remedies for years, and have tho first complaint yet to receive from a purchaser. One of the worst cases of Hcrofula I ever saw was cured by the uso of five Imttles of Cuticura Resolvent, Cuticura, and Cuticura Hoap. TlieMoap takes the "cake" here as a medicinal soap.

A L^)R. AT A LO It, Drug'ts, Frankfort, Kas

Scrofulous, Inherited.

And contagious Humors, with Loss of Hair, and Eruption of thcHkln, are positively cured by Cuticura and Cuticura Moap externally, and Cuticura Resolvent Internally, when all other medlclncs fall. Bend for phamplet

Druggists Use Them*,

We have obtained satisfactory result* from the use of the Cuticura Keniedles In our own family, and recommend them beyond any other remedies for diseases of the skin and blood. The demand for tbem grows as their merits become known.

MACM1LLIAN A CO., Drug'ts, Latrobe, Pa. Cuticura Remedies are sold everywhere. Price, Cuticura, fiO cents Resolvent, 91.00 Hoap, 25 cents. Prepared by the Potter Drug and Chemical Co., Boston, Mass. Mend for "How to Cure Skin Dlaeaaea."

MPLEH,Humors,

Blackheads, Bkln Blemlshea, and Baby use Cuticura Hoep.

Choking Catarrh.

Have you awakened from a disturbed sleep with all tbe horrible sensations of an assassin clutching your throat and pressing the life-breath from your tightened chest? Have you noticed tbe languor and debility that succeed the effort to clear your throat and head of this catarrhal matter? What a depressing Influence It exerts upon the mind, clouding tbe memory ond filling 1 ho head with pains and strange noises! How uifflcult it is to rid tbe nasal passages, throat and lungs of this poisonous mucus all can testify who are afflicted with catarrh. How difficult to protect tbe system against Its farther progress towards toe lungs, liver and kidney a, all physicians will admit It is a terrible diaease, and cries out for relief and ouie.

The remarkable curative powers, when all. other remedies utterly fall, of Man ford's Radical Cure, are attested by thousands who gratefully recommend It to fellow-sufferers. No statement is made'that cannot be sob* stantiated by the most respectable and relia^tt^ordV^Ksdleai Cure comfarts of one bottle of the Radical Cure, one box Catarrhal Hulvent, and one Improved Inhaler, neatly wrapped in ont package, with foil directions price, fLAX

Each package contains one bottle of tho Radical Cure, one box Catarrhal Hoi vent, and an Improved Inhaler, with treatise price,

Potter Drag Chemical Cos, Boston.

ACHING MUSCLE.

lialE

*4: IU

Bdimd in as* mlnnta by that new, original, elegant, and infallible antidote to to tin and in flam-

ij£ B£FjUi •^^^^mation, the •\_PlsiOT. No ache or pain, or bruise Ifll strain, or cough or cola, or muscular weakness but yields to its speedy, altpowerful and never failina, paln^altevtatlng

Cmtonra A at!-Fata

,L00

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