The Aberystwith Observer

JST" [AM. itighn MaBRTZD. j IA CRIME IN AN OMNIBUS. A STORY OF PARISIAN LIFE. ty FORTUNE DU BOISGOBF^ Translated from the French. CHAPTER XXVI. THE inhabitants of the Rue de la Sourdière who aired themselves that day upon their doorsteps were treated to an unusual spectacle. Two cabs, one following closely on the other, stopped at the corner of the Rue Gomboust, which they approached by the Rue Saint Roch, and drew up close to the houses. Four men and a fat woman descended from the first, and immediately separated into three groups. At the same moment two men left the second and walked slowly towards the market Saint Honore. The woman entered the Rue de la Sourdiere. Ten paces or so behind her followed a little old man in a soft hat. Further in the rear came two strong-looking fellows whose exterior was not at all prepossessing. D The fifth passenger from the first cab took the same road as the two who went towards the market. This latter was dressed in black, with a white cravat like an undertaker. All these individuals-although not seeming toknow each other, formed part of the same expedition. It would have needed, however, a close observer to discover the fact; 'he small traders who saw them pass had no idea of any pre-arrangoment, and this advent attracted no one to the windows although even trifling occurrences created interest in that quiet street. The woman entered the courtyard of a large house, and began chatting with the porter. The little old man who followed, arrived before the colloquy had finished; and, as each enquired for the same person, the porter FEave the same answer- 41 On the first floor-the left-hand door but I do not know whether madame still receives, for she is going on a journey." The two mounted the staircase together without exchanging a word. On reaching the landing, how- I z, ever, they spoke. You quite understand what to !ay ?" asked the man, lowering his VOlC". "You are my house- keeper's sister. I am deaf and have tried everything to cure my infirmity. You have mentioned M. Stella as a person who gives advice on all sorts of matters, «nd hope she may be able to prescribe some treatment for my benefit." 79 I understand, I understand," replied the woman. And when you have announced me, you must let me speak." Yes, you must, for I should never know what to say." Here is the door," said the old man, pointing to the plate engraved in large letters with the name of Madame Stella. "Ring, my good woman." As she pulled the brass handle, he perceived another inscription opposite. "411 right," muttered he; "here is a \usiness agent. The partner, doubtless. I have & strong idea I may kill two birds with one stone." Nobody comes," said the woman. Ring louder." She applied again, but without more success. The usual visitors must have some way of making themselves heard," said her companion, in a low voice. Wo must find it out, though it does not seem easy.Continue to ring; we shall soon see." The bell produced no effect. No one moved in the prophetess's room, but the old man (who was only deaf within doors) thought he heard a movement in the apartment of the agent, and went nearer to listen. He was about to place his ear against the door when it opened. Is it possible!" cried he. Monsieur Pie- dourae!" and he promptly thrust his head and arm in at the doorway. What! you there, Father Pigache!" exclaimed the man who had opened the door. j" Ah. I am so pleased to see you," said the druggist, for I have a lot of news to relate. Some funny things have taken place at the Grand Bok since you have ceased to visit us. I did not expect to meet you here. I have come with my servant to consult Madame Stella." She is not in," roared Piedouche, making a trumpet of his two hands. "That is a pity, for they told me she would give me a cure for my affliction. Then I must come again some other time but as I find you here, we may as well have a chat together." "I have not any time to spare, replied the other. Oh, I won't occupy you long. You can give me five minutes," replied the old man. What have you got to say P" Something which will interest you. Only fancy For the last two days Pere Poivreau's establishment is full of detectives." Piedouche still kept the door only half opened, and showed no disposition to permit Pigache to enter. He looked at him suspiciously, and noted the fat orange woman, who could hear their conversa- tion. But at the word" detectives" he changed his attitude. What is passing at the Grand Bok ?'" asked he as loudly as possible, so as not to have to repeat his question. It seems they seek a man who is mixed up in an assassination and who frequents the house under a false name," was the answer. I can give you all the particulars, but as this is not your house," added the old fellow, glancing at the brass plate whereon appeared the name of Blanchelaine, you,' perhaps cannot receive me ?'' "I am taking enre of a friend's rooms for an hour during his absence." "Ah;! then I shaU not be disturbing you, and we have time for a chat. I will tell my servant to wait for me in the street." This proposition decided Piedouche, He hesitated to let an unknown woman into the apartment but the deaf man caused no misgivings, and he longed to learn what the police were about at Poivreau's cafe. We cannot talk here," resumed Pigache. My infirmity compels you to shout, and we shall, attract the notice of the neighbours. Go" down again, Virginie, and if you get tired of waiting you may walk to the Tuilleries gardens, and sit near the great bason. I will come to you there shortly." He knew Virginie understood his wishes and would not go so far away. The orange seller obeyed at once without question and descended the stair- case considerably quicker than she had mounted it. Come in, old fellow," said Pi6douche, retiring a step or two for Pigache to pass. He closed and bolted the door behind them, and then led the way into his office, where was a woman whom Freneuse had he been there would have recognised without difficulty, for she was dressed in precisely the same way as "onl the evening of the representation of The Chevaliers du Brouillard." She frowned on perceiving the person her com- C, panion brought in, and her eyes sought his inquir- ingly. It "Don't be uneasy," said Piedouche to her in a low voice. I want to get some news out of this imbecile. If I find I am; deceived in him he shall not leave here alive." "AS he spoke, Piedouche*! watched the 'ci-devant druggist narrowly, but the old man gave no sign of having heard what passed — his physiognomy remained smiling and vacant as usual. All right-I feel safe," continued he. I feared he might only be pretending' to be deaf, but he really is. We can speak freely, just as if he were not here." J J But WHO is he, and why has he come P" t. He is an old fellow who frequents tha 'Grand Bok,' and he has not come to see me: his servant brought him to consult you about his deafness." Then it was he who rang just now ?" t" No; his servant. And on going to the door, to my astonishment, I found myself face to face with him." But why did you bring him in ?" Because he told me there were detective officers are AFTER6"11'8 CA^ AN^ WAG^ know what they RR' 1 -IN' 6 ^ASTF TFOM, FOR I do not like leaving the T T" NE-' I talks of going' away this evening, | and to quiet her I have promised to fetch her sifter's | box from F-ophy Cornu's." 8 INNING this SHORT dialogue Pignche remained I standing before M Stella, preparing to salute her. J HIS Iddy is the wife of the friend whose office I am taking care of," cried Piedouche. Present my compliments to your friend," eaic! the old man. bowing low. ? "Good! good replied Piedouche, hurriedly, "Now sit down and say what you have to tell me. So the police have been looking after a murderer a' Poivreau's, eh ?" II Yes, and I suspect they won't catch him, for n one goes there now, and he is too knowing to Be foot in tho I Grand Bok' aarain 1" "But whom has he killed. The papers have not mentioned any such crime for eight or nine days." They say it is not a very recent affair. A girl was killed some short time back in an omnibus." This reply, given in the most natural and uncon- cerned manner, Jwas not without: effect upon M. Stella and her companion. They had scarcely expected to hear the old man speak of Bianca's death, and mention it as though all the world knew she had been assassinated. They exchanged looks, and the woman moved as though to depart. "How do you know it?" said Piedouche to the druggist, forgetting to raise his voice. "You are asking the name of the assassin they are searching for, 'responded Pigache, making a kind of acoustic trumpet with his hand. Un- fortunately, I do not know it any more than j our- self. Poivreau's customers are not in very high repute, and suspicion rests on them all, but particu- larly on those who have ceased to go to the cafe. However, I can tell you the author of all the mis- chief is that miserable scamp named Binos, who used to play picquet with you. It appears he has lodged an information at the Prefecture." I am not surprised," growled Piedouche, address- ing his companion. "The old fellow probably speaks the truth. I am now more and more certain of his deafness, for he did not answer my question; he has not understood a word we have said." I don't doubt that," replied the woman; but it does not alter the case or make the matter less serious. I believe Binos has denounced us. tyou were very unwise to talk with him about this affair." I was forced to in order to obtain the pin and letter. I expect that, as he has not seen me lately at the café, his suspicions have been aroused, without taking into consideration the pressure put upon him by his friend Freneuse. Freneuse has seen you and me together, and if by ill fortune Paulet has given him the addrestTof the agent, Blanchelaine, we may find ourselves awkwardly placed." That means we may sleep in prison this very night. You must agree with me that we ought not to run such a risk. I have a great mind to leave with Pia this evening." Put you forget it is necessary we should first obtain her sister's box." "If that were all I would get it directly, but she insists on going to the cemetery again." "And afterwards she will consent to leave f" asked Pi.: douche. Yes, that is what she desires Well, then, drive her to Sophy Cornu's house, and then to St. Ouen; it will not taVe three honrs to perform that journey. You will still have time to prepare for the express at eight. The sooner vou are out of Paris the better. It will quickly' he known that the girl has left Lorenzo's house, and perhaps a troop of artists will set about scouring the .1 city to find her we are quite at the mercy of chan e, and an unlucky encounter would undo us." Oh! I will take good care to pull down the cab- blinds and, besides, no one is searching for her as yet." No; bat to morrow they will be. By all means leave this evening for Marseilles. I will join you there the day after to-morrow." You are right," answered the woman, and not to lose more time I will send the negress for a cab." Very well; only wait until I have got rid of this old wretch, who has ^unintentionally done us a srood turn." And turning to the old man, who remained seated, he cried in his loudest voice: "Excuse me, Monsieur Pigache, madame has informed me she has just heard of this story of the omnibus. For myself, I believe there is nothing in it, and I intend to reassure that poor devil, Poivreau. Will you go and wait for me at the Grand Bok r" I will be with you in an hour." With great pleasure," replied the "deaf man. Like me, you do not forsake your acquaintances when they are in trouble. I will not detain you then further, so I salute you cordially, and tender my humble respects to madame. I shall come to-morrow to consult your neighbour, Madame Stella," he added, retiring backwards. Piedouche conducted him to the landing, bade him adieu with a hearty shake of the hand, and return- ing, locked himself into his apartment. « The moment he was satisfied the door was closed, Pigache straightened himself, descended the stair- casejfour steps at a time, and passed quickly across the courtyard towards the Rue Gombroust, where the two cabs were waiting. CHAPTER XXVII. IN her character of prophetess, Stella was always ap- propriately served. She did not wait ten minutes before the return of her black messenger, whom sho had sent for a cab. The nearest stand was not very close by, but the little negress had jbeen lucky enough to meet an empty carriage returning at a foot's pace down the quiet Rue de la Sourdiere. Pia was always equipped for going out. Having but one costume, she never lost time in changing her dress, and so when the lady had that day pro- posed to her to visit the Rue des Abbesses and the Cemetery of Saint Ouen, she assented without hesi- tation, tor she desired nothing better. It mattered little to her whether she left Paris alone or in company, provided only that she did leave it. What she feared was enco'mtering Paul Freneuse, for she doubted her own strength of purpose should he beg her to remain. Madam Stella, who had a hundred things besides that to make her apprehensive, took care to pass in front of Pia when they reached the doorway, and give a rapid glance up and down the street. She saw nothing to arouse suspicion. The cab was drawn up by the kerbstone, and the driver had dismounted and was talking to a man that looked like one of his own calling, unemployed for the moment, for he wore a shiny hat, and a red vest under his blouse. "Is it you my servant fetched," she asked, "a little negro girl of twelve ? do" ^CS' ma'am>" replied the man, opening the "Then I take you by the hour, and drive fast; you shall have something for yourself." "I All right, ma'am. I'll do mylbest. Where to, please f Rue des Abbesses at Montmartre. Turn to the left at the top of the Rue des Martyrs. I will stop you at the house." Very good, ma'am. But if you will allow me, I should like to take my friend outside he is going to the mairie, two steps from where you want to be." Do as you please," replied the so-called pupil of Mademoiselle Lenormant. She was in a hurry and anxious to get Pia safely into the vehicle and pull down the blinds. You do not want to be seen I know, dear child," she said. No," murmured Pia. This little precaution is very necessary then, for we shall be obliged to cross the artist's quarter there is no other way to Sophy's." It does not matter so long as I am cut of sight; but no one thinks about me now. Stella had excellent reasons for thinking the contrary, but she kept them to herself, and the journey was made in silence. Pia was miserable) and felt exhausted. She allowed herself to be led unresistingly like a lamb to the slaughter. Her abductress was cautious not to distnrb this mental lassitude; it did away with the need for answering what might have proved awkward ques- tions. All goes well! she thought to herself. Cornu is expecting us, and will most likely be in the alley, I BO we shall not have to stay many minutes. At tha j cemetery we must be more than unlucky to meet anyone that knows us, and this evening at eight o'clock we shall be rolling towards Marseilles." The cab was going at a wonderful rate, and the fortune-teller congratulated herself on her driver. They went full trot up the hill that leads to the exterior boulevard, and once there continued to pro- ceed unusually fast. Stella took such care to shelter herself from the glances of passersby that she did not perceive the direction the coachman was taking, but on raising a corner of the blind she became aware that she was going in the wrong direction, and that instead of climbing straight Up to the Rue deiSAbbesses he had turned to the left. She knocked on the windows to point out his error: she sounded the nnMIr.hAlI. hut in vain. The driver might have been as deaf as old Pigache, for he only drew rein when he had reached the Place Pigalle. Stella, furious and astounded, lost sight of all caution, and lowered one of the windows to seize hold of the man's coat who had disregarded her instructions. But upon the crescent-shaped pavement against which the cab had come to a stop, she beheld a group of persons, who appeared to be expecting it, and the meaning flashed upon her in a moment, for her eye fell on Freneuse and Binos. Her only thought was of flight, and she turned naturally to the opposite door of the carriage. She opened it and sprang out, but only to be caught in the arms of the man in the blouse, who had got down from his seat beside the driver expressly to re- ceive her. She tried to slip from him, but he lifted her like a feather, and carried hesr into the artist's house, where he deposited her in the lodge of the porter, where .-he was unexpectedly confronted by two policemen. It was so quickly done that she had scar < ly timo to raise a cry, and the bystanders merely thought a lady had fainted. Pia, absorbed in sad reflections, remained as it were unconscious of what passed, but in another in- stant the cab aoor was thrown open, and Paul Freneuse presented himself. Oh she exclaimed, recoiling, this woman has de eived me!-she has brought me to you-leave me-- This woman," cried Freneuse, is the same that murdered your sister, and she would have killed you as wt 11 if we had not succeeded in saving you out of her hands. I cannot tell you here Binos must take you into the studio, and I will fol'ow in a moment." Your studio P Never!" exclaimed Pia, choking with emotion. Why not ? What reason have you for not going there rh. All right! I know," cried Binos, coming up. "SLc is afraid of running against Mdlle. Paulet. Never fear, little one, I promise you that handsome blonde won't set foot in there again in a hurry, and if her respectable parent dares show himself, I will undertake to kick him out; ask Freneuse." I promise you solemnly," responded FreneufJe, and his eyes said so clearly that he was not de. ceiving her, that Pia, pale and trembling, took the hand that Binos offered to assist her in alighting, and permitted herself to be led into the house. Now it is my turn, Madame Piedouche," said Freneuse, between his teeth. Ah the vile impostor vociferated the orange woman to himself, who caught the words. "Let her try to deny before me that she was in the omnibus." "She will not venture to deny it," said M. Drugeon; "but do you think they will arrest her accomplice r" He ought to be caught by this time," answered the m tn, who was still perched on the box. The boss who undertook that part of the affair will be here before another ten minutes. How do you think we have managed the business ?" Capitally. The idea of you and your comrade disguising as coachmen was excellent." The real drivers looked precious queer when we ordered them to 4 swop clothes with us; but the witch woman swallowed the bait well." Frcneuse and Virginie Pilon left M. Drugeon to sing the praises of the so-called Pigache, who was neither more nor less than a superior officer of the detective force, and hastened to the lodge where Stella was detained. She looked like a wild beast caught in the toils, and when she saw the two witnesses, whom she could not refute, appear before her, a flash of anger lit up her whole countenance, but she did not move, and disdained replying to the questions of the artist, who eoon grew tired of inteITogating her. He had just been to look for Pia when Pigache arrived. That shrewd person had accomplished his work in the Rue de la Soudijre, and Auguste Blanchelaine, arrested in his own house by a com- missary of four policemen, was now on the way to the lock up at the Prefecture. The entrance of Pigache brought on a scene. The apparently deaf man had overheard the con- versation between the woman and her associate, and knew exactly the degree of culpability attaching to both of them. Where is the pin with which you assassinated Bianca A strodi P" he asked without preamble. You have it about you, and if you refuse to hand it to me, the good lady who sat beside you in the omnibus will be obliged to search you.' "Quite needless," answered the abandoned creature in a hollow vo'ce, I will give it you. It is here." She had held it concealed in her glove since she had been taken into the porter's-room. She now closed her hand firmly upon it, and fell a corpse. The murderous point had penetrated the flesh of her wrist." Bianca was avenged. "She has spared the assize judges some work," remarked Pigache, philosophically, as the two police sergeants threw themselves forward to raise her prostrate form. "I bet anything that poltroon Pitdouche will not have the courage to do as much It is true he has some chance of getting off. I must take charge of the pin, for in default of that piece of evidence, now his companion has made away with herself, no jury would convict him." He picked it up from the floor and wrapped it carefully in a newspaper. The orange woman fled when she saw the fortune- teller fall; at the entrance of the passage she ran against M. Drugeon, who was talking to a person whom no one expected to see there. In a cab, driven this time by a real servant of the company, were seated Monsieur and Mdlle. Paulet, and the lawyer, who was passing up and down the pavement, was not a little amazed to perceive them, for but an hour before they had parted very coldly, Monsier Paulet having refused to furnish the private agent's address. As he was quite aware that Freneuse was acting in concert with Monsieur Drugeon, what could have brought him the painter's studio ? I know the name," he cried, as he was getting out of the carriage. He is called Blanchelaine, and lives in —— The Rue de la Sourdiere. I am aware of every- thing," interrupted the notary. "He is undtr arrest." "Under arrest! Good heavens! Then all is true--he is steeped in crime! I call upon you to witness ihat I brought Irs address to M. Freneuso directly I had found it. You had not been gone ten minutes when I came upon it among my papers." Monsieur Paulet did not feel at all easy, for lie recollected the written agreement and the au'o- graph letter that would undoubtedly be seized by the police at BIan; helaine's. ge had change 1 his mind, and taken what precautions he could to [tvo:d being suspected of instigating the villain to commit the crime And in coming to see Freneuse he wws careful that his daughter should accompany him to give a colour to his visit. Det us go upstairs, father," said Mademoise^o Marguerite,^ looking if possible more beautiful and more imperious than ever. Monsieur Freneuse can explain all that has happened." I warn you he is not alone," said M- Drugeon. Ah! well, so much the better," she replied. "We shall learn everything." She guessed the Italian was there, but she was not a person to hesitate. She entered her house and her father followed her. Don't look into the porter's lodge," cried Vir- ginie Pilou. They had no desire to do so, for the gentleman was as anxious as his daughter to reach the painter's studio. n There was no need to ring. The door stood half open, and they came into the full view of an unex- pected picture. Pia was sitting in the same place whence Mdlle. Paulet had driven her on a certain memorable after- noon, but Pia was this time not in tears. Pia was listening with a joy beyond all words to the vows of Paul Freneuse, kneeling before her; Pia was giving her hands to the artist, who was covering them with kisses. And Binos, facetious as ever, stood over them in an attitude of mock blessing. He was the first to perceive Monsieur Paulet and his daughter arrested on the threshold, and had the impudence to call out," Isn't this touching ? Daphne I and Chloe, don't you know!" Freneuse was on his feet in an instant, and walked straight up to them. Pia waited, pale and anxious. Her fate was trem- bling in the balance. Come, father," said the proud Marguerite, drily. <( This is no place for me, since this gentleman har- bours a creature who has robbed you of your brother's fortune." s You insult a being far superior to yourself!" j retorted Freneuse, giving way to uncontrollable j BegQne!" And you, sir," he continued, addressing Mon- sieur Paulet, understand that Mademoiselle Astrodi renounces the inheritance you covet. She will not touch a penny belonging to a man who deserted her mother. I hope that justice may not call you to account respecting your scandalous acquaintance, and I trust never to see your face again!" Father and daughter bowed their heads. Pia also was avenged. Three months have passed. Blanchelaine, alias Piedouche, is to be tried at the next assizes. He hopes to plead extenuating circumstances. Pigache has obtained promotion; this affair has brought him into notice. He will rise some day to hold an important position in his profession. Monsieur Drugeon has returned to his clients, bearing the grateful benedictions of Freneuse and Pia, who have gone into Italy. They are soon to be married at Subiaco, and will not need the wealth of Monsieur Francis Bozer to make them as happy as the day is long. Freneuse has missed this year's Salon, but his pre.ent felicity quite indemnifies him for the loss. In the absence of his friends, Binos consoles him- self with unlimited bocks. Monsieur Paulet has not been inconvenienced by the officers of law, and his daughter is the possessor of an additional half- million. But somehow she does not find a husband. Everything is known in Paris, and the omnibus mystery has not by any means increased her happi- ness. THE END.