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Prtm- thi OMrtbwi ATmthfy*AN INEXPLICABLE FANCY.Frenchmen or Frenchwomen ore tragic, or nothing, uuless thoy happen to be comical, Nature Isas endowed the Gallic mind with an adroit aptness and seizes with equal facility upon the terrible or the grotesque, a revolution or a masquerade. ' Tills, by way of preface, and the story of ll an inexplicable fancy11 beginsHenri Car done was a young French artist of distinguished promise. His neat little domicile and his pretty little wife were situated in suburban Paris. One early twilight 111 the month of November of a certain year, us he entered Ids home, his wife run unto him, twined tier plump arms around Iris neck, bestowing a fullblown affection upon his responsive lips, aud immediately exclaimed, “O, dear, Henri t I had such'a surprise, such an odd visitor, this afternoon; a man with such an inexplicable fancy that I have been waiting these two hours for your arrival, anil (bestowing a playful cut thereupon) your ears.'“ And now these ears have arrived, Irene, my pet, I suppose your merry tongue will tattle away as glibly as a new wound up inusio-box; and 0:100 started, I shall not have an opportunity to put a word in even edgow.iso until‘ * thisHeyou have run down completely. But for old man, with llie ‘inexplicable fancy.1 could not have taken a fancy to you, for thatwould have been neither odd nor Inexplicable Did he, utterly regardless of the divine set of his trousers, go down upon his knees and beseech of you to lly with him to some intensely rural retreat, there to subsist upon moonshine and his adorable moustache ? and was it his inexplicable fancy that you should ho accompanied by such little articles of available value as this poor hovel might afford ? Or. was he a wander.“g Gypsy lord, who predicted that yon were lo be the Queen of nil proud French, instead of one humble heart ? And did Ire, Just as he was about to surround your august 'brow with the imper ial crown, suddenly sus-might cause you to conceive a morbid dlaliko to It, aud, as It is really a pretty toy, 1 liked to see you wear it. And now for tlx; mysLory. l)o you remember tire murder, six years ago, of a nobleman of the name of Corn to do St. Ai mandc, in the ttue dc (Jermaine V ”*lt; Distinctly,” replied Irene. “ AH Paris was thrilled with horror at the mystery mid barbarity of the deed. Hut what association can this cross ltavc witlv that dreadful affair ?”“An Intimate association. Tlut cress was found by 121c cu the identical spot of the murder, aud but* Uujso days thereafter. If you im theclosely cxami1indevside, you will observe0 uia small drilled hole‘at each extremity. From these holes I am led to infer that it was worn by the unkuqwn assassin on the fatal night in question; and furthermore, that ll was wrenched' from Its fastenings by the hand of the haplesshanging, and that la quit* anlirt—I tor 9lt;irpc*~glared suddaoiy fro* cmI*poaeTlie foiled villainto the other, and made 00 lUenypt tokedtbaComte in his dying struggle. Naturally enough,thpond it and take an inexplicable fancy to have his dirty palm first crossed witha crown ofsilver?’ Or—”“There, there! do cease your badinage, said the pouting little woninn stamping her small foot impatiently. “You will never become wise listening to your own wisdom.”“ Nor weary, listening youts, my charming sage,” laughed the voluble Henri, caressing her sou. brewn hair fondly; “ proceed— from tills on I am all ears.”“ Well, let all ears listen. At about . o'clock this afternoon, as I was sitting intent upon taking the finest possible stitches around the border of your finest cambric, there came a sharp 1 ap at the door. I hastened, opened it,_ arid found myself face to face with a man of middle age, who bowed |xlitely and inquired If Ire were on the Rue do Chalons. On be fug in-,formed that he was, he thanked me very affably, and was turning to depart, when his glance chanced lo fall on this little cornelian cioss, which then, as now, was lying on my bosom. Tic stopped, gazed fixedly at it, as though it possessed some terrible fascination, turned first deadly pale, then livid purple, and in a hoarse whisper articulated, ‘Madame, you will pardon me, for it is 110 ordinary curiosity that prompts thequos-iiou. but might I venture to ask how that trinket.’ pointing a trembling linger at the cross, * came Into your possession—under wlint circumstances ? ”“ Well ? ” queried Henri, in a low, interested tone, “ what was my little wife’s reply ? “ Your little wife (old him, sir, it was a present. from her husband, and that it had been in her possession about four years. How or where you came ly it she could not Inform him.”U IMiffit lut /liMVlWrfl ? 71it fell to tltc ground, wlnire I found it. To this day, in spite of the superhuman effort* of a by 110' means obtuse police, and the incentive of fabulous reward by St. Armaiule’s relatives, the murderer is undiscovered, and the whole afliiir remalus wrapped in impenetrable mystery. After all these uurovealtng years who shall say that the coming togetlier of this man and the cross Is not the wmkingof a retributive falo? Too well does the man of inoxpliwOUo know that the little toy he so covets is adequate, if it falls into proper liutids, to work the crucifixion of a great scoundrel.”“ Ugh 1 shuddered Irene. “ And I iiavo been wearing it nil this time, and admiring it. lolully ignorant of the terrible thing its blood-red color symbolizes. I can wear it no longer. Here,— removing from her shrinking neck the chain by which it was suspended—“lean now view ll with no interest but that ol' horror; and bhe threw it nervously into her husband's lap.“ Why, you little fool 1 ” said Henri, in a jocose tone, “ are you going to taint ? Are you afraid of It ? It is just as harmless as it has boon, and just as bcautifi!1.”“ I do not fear il,” replied Irene, shrinking from it, ncvertlMiloss. I am not that foolish, llut I dislike it. Its innocent charm is lost to me forever.”Afler weighing the matrer in his mind until lied“ Then lie departed satisfied ?“No, indue 1.”“ Then he inquired your name, age, and profession ? ”“Did he?” I do not know whether I ought lo feel complimented or insulted. Did you tellhim ? ”“I lics'tlalcd, and told him.”“I wish von had nut hesitated, and then toldhim. Something of moment may grow out of his curiosity. Hut it will not matter. ThenIfI'f111he departed ? ”“No; he stood absorbed in troubled thought a few minutes, ns though weighing a deep problem, and then said he had taken a \oiy strong and eccentric fancy for the trinket find nsked if I would for a consideration consent lo pait with it.”“ What was your reply to that very businesslike proposition?“ That, being your gift, I should much disliketo let it go.”“ Of course, that must have terminated the con vei sat ion ? ”• “Of couisc, but It did not, though. It became more pointed than over.”“Well, well! I am eager to learn the denouement,” said Uenrl. “If 1 am not, at fault in my surmises, something will shortly grow out of this affair that will interest a very wide circle. Give me tiie exact particulars. What followed ? ”“ He said ho was wealthy and did not value money; and that he had conceived so strong a desire to jiossess the cross, that, «ild as the offer might seem, he would not demur at giving 500 francs for it.”“Fiie hi 1 mired, parbleu ! Tlic trlnket is not worth five francs,” said Henri, excitedly. “ The man is either a lunatic, or—what I more strongly suspect him of being—”“And what is if possible for you to more strongly suspect him of being ? ” asked Irene.“ A knave. In spile of the totnptatioi; of 500 francs, I see that you still boar your cross.L would have thought the sum sufficient to buy tip all the crosses in Paris and all the women bearing them. How did you resist ? ”“ If i did not know that your slur on women and (heir crosses was said more in humor than earnest, I would not give you another word of infonnation. I told the man the. offer was very tempting, but tluiL I could not possibly accept it without first consult mg you.”“That was a noble reply, my darling.” said Henri, drawing liis wile dose lo his side, bestowing 011 her an eloquent glance and several passionate kisses. “ Hereafter 1 shall consider you cheap at off,000 francs! What said oldCroesus to your priceless answer ? ”“At first he appealed much discomfited. After a little while ho said he was going into the country to reit..in one week; that he should return this way, and if I, in tho meantime, gained your consent, or concluded (opart with the cross without it, he would make good his offer. And then lie bade me a reluctant adieu, went to a post chaise that was waiting in tho road, got in aqd drove off rapidly to Chalons.”“Finally we have the finale of act first,” replied Henri.“Yes,” responded the musing Irene, toying with the object of so much discussion, which was in reality of but Intrinsic value, and In no way remarkable, excepting from peculiarity of design. It was of a clear, blood-red cornelian,the specified week had nearly elapsed. Henri suddenly and sagely concluded to acquaint (lie Prefect of Police with the story in all Its bearings, real and suppository, Thai astute functionary proved to be an intelligent and patient listener, atfd was only too glad to del nil two subordinates to further i\ scheme that promised to result in the capture of the criminal who had succeeded in eluding the pursuit of justice. Early in the morning, a week subsequent to that on which the supposed criminal had called, Ilonri sent Irene into the city on a visit to some friends, with the explicit understanding that she was not to return until lie came for her. Following close upon her departure, came the arrival of two gendarmes, who were foithwith secreted in her but recently-vacated bedroom, thereafter to make thoir re-cntroe in the presence of the expected stranger, or not, as lie might or might not criminate himself in the interview with Heuri.All the preliminary arrangements being made, our artist detective took station at the window, and behind his closed blinds became n silent and intense watcher. Ho was a brave and resolute man; but, nevertheless,an occasional misgiving (lilted across his mind. Tho business before him was of an extremely hazatdons nature. Should tho supposed criminal proveto be the real criminal, his capture would be likely to be preluded by a desperate encounter, if fain I, fatal to whom ? Homi thought of this, (hen of Irene, and closed ids eyes, Then he thought of the goldmines in the next room, set Ins jaw, and, in a spirit of grim defiance, put all forebodings from him. Horning, noon, uflci noon, and evening glided by.with no result. Henri yawned with impatient discouragement. His allies took to the bedroom floor and cards early in the forenoon. Hitherto the exc item cut of the chase had been quite strong enough lo sustain Hc.iria interest. Hut now, u ould t he expected not come at ail? A brief consultation with the olliceis, who adhered tn the opinion that lie would couio, and was much more likely to make his appearance within the next Unco horns than at any Lime previous during the day, especially if lie was a rogue, and was no! la-icing 111 the usual ; cunning, braced Hemi somewhat. Lighting a' lamp fin the quondam gamesters, and another for himself, he camped on the lounge, lie had got but comfmlnhly settled, however, before a resonant rap on tho street door brought, him instantly Ui Ids feel. .Schooling himself to meet the probable crisis with quiet deliberation, he leisurely proceeded to the door and opened it. From Irene’s graphic description lie bud no difficulty in recognizing liis visitor. The expected man of the cross stood before him. His heart gave a tremendous thump against Iris lnoast.; but his voice v.assteady and quiet as lie saluted the stranger with “ Good evening, sir.”“Good evening, sir,” responded the visitor, scrutinizing llenri closely. “ Is the inndame athome?” ‘ „“Mv wife is the lady to whom you refer, I presume,’’ said Henri. Slio*is absent on a visit. Can 1 serve you in anything? Will you not step in, sir?” Henri threw tho door wide oijen, that the man might see the room was vacant, and hence might imagine him to be alone.“ Ah ! you are Iho husband of tho lady.*’ re-111:11 ked the stranger, who, after peering in, walked in.“ 1 have the honor. Fray be seated.”“ I will trespass upon your hospitality but fora few moments-“ No trespass, I assure you. Solitude is not“ That ! right,” romwkad tht tiOear wb*spoke before. “ Take It «my—aho*r« you tm b*a nhilosoplwr ntid a man of common mom.*The prisoner coolly folded bit anna and Moodsilent. _“ Monsieur Cardone. coutlnuad th* attber#“ as your friend toorns to take kindly our Interference with his little plan id glva you a Ion* restlug-spoll, will you, with equal dielsftejeetud-ness, provide us with a rope far kk betMOtf Unluckily, we camo flout town awl torn* to bring the professional bracelets—an uuIqUq* tiouol oversight, which, I asaura you,” adfcea* lug the prisoner, “ wo deplore mow than you yourself can. In fact, «« wore rather anotrtain of having the pleasure of your company U *V return.” . ,“ Nov will you have that pleasure,H fjvsonltlie hitherto quiescent captive, suddenly striking out with Ids two powerful arms, upsetting both officers, kicking over tho table on whteh itood the light, aud leaping out 'ato tlie darkneao, As he vanished, a bullat hissed by either ear, but lie escaped unhurt. .The report of the pistol* hurried He r.I encit Into tho room from which he had gone In qwett of n rope.“ Quick! oxcifthned one of tbe omoax*. “ The devil lias outwitted and escaped us. We must bo after hint at once. Il is I^one Bretne, the most reckless and ferocious of tlie many cutthroats who infested Furl* six years ago. Hs most miraculously dlsapjwared about the time of the St. Armando murder, aud tbe vlepartcwwt had given him up for dead. We must allow him to have his lcugth for a moment. Our fir* move is to Judge Inlormalion at the time heads of the police department. He is au astute do* of lullnius resource, and the whole force on th* scent will hardly sufllee to capture him.lireme was eventually takeu. But so adroit was lie, that he contrived to remain at Urge for three weeks nfter liis escape Rom Carucne’e house, lie was tried, condemned,'and executed for t lie 111 ui dor of St. Armando, several witaorew being (bund who Identified him, and tesUnco hi having seen fastened to his shirt bosom, 00 tho evening of the murder, that blood-red cross.Irene was never afterward peisuadedto w**r It. It hung over the mantel lu I»er boudoir,' and mrvnv an evening visitor lias been beguiled by Henri with a recital of the two dark opiaodeslu its history which Are cm bodied in this story,nnd have dc|tatted shuddering at its sanguinaryIIthe best of com-'BiliousWithout removing his hat, the stranger took tho proffered chair. “I can I airy but a shoii. time.” ho said. “ Probably our wife has informed you of an offer she received a week ago, for a small, fanciful cornelian cross that was in her possession ? ”“Yes; she did mention (lie mailer tome.1jli3t■ithe upright pillow lming cawed to represent a sendne1-0ht-1-endescending arrow, and the cross-piece a very fine wrought imitation of wings.“ What attraction tliis bit of a thing, winch, aside from being your git), I look upon as worthless, can possess to render it so exceedingly precious in the eyes of the man. 1 cannot conjecture,” continued the puzzled Irene.“ I think I can furnish you with a clue to the foundation of this extraordinaiy interest,” remarked Henri. “ What was his general appearance ? Tiiat of a coat re, ill-bred person ? ” “ Far from that.- He was quite tall, not over flesliy, well-dressed, and refined in bearing and language. His countenance betokened much illness at some early period of his life, or excessive dissipation.”“Should your cross-enamored friend call again, and I should much doubt if ho, ever does,” said Henri, “ I am the person with whom lie must, deal.”“ Why with you, dear?”“ Because tlie object he is so extremely solicitous to possess has a mysterious history known only to myself.”“ And that mysterious history affords a key to tlie solution of the seemingly insane oifer of five hundred francs ? ” !“ I apprehend such to bo the case. That cross was found upon a spot where, but a few days previous, a revolting crime had been committed. If my surmises are correct, this stiango visitor of yours was the author of that crime. If so, he and that little red cross are old acquaintances, and lm would teadily sacrifice several times five hundred francs to compass its possession. Wliy ?Simply because, bo long as it remains in other idshands than his own, he is painfully conscious that it may at any moment rise up in judgment before him, and cost him The more {(reparable sacrifice of his head.” 1«And you have kept all this dark mystery from me,” complained Irene.« Bliave, but will no longer. I have refrained from making you acquainted with the circumstances that are associated with my finding of tbe trinket, Rofelf from a fear that the knowledgeand we both wondered at the strange fancy of the man, and tlie excessive price he offered. Well,” replied the stranger, with a forced laugh, “ the fancy can tuff matter lo you; and as for the price, if you gel it that ought lo satisfy you on that point. 1 am the man; and I renew the oiler.”“All! No, certainly not, the fancy docs not concern us, of course not,” and Ilonri eyed the stranger keenly. “ But you know that unusual occurrences will sot the least curious of mortals to surmising.”“ Of course, of course,” said tlie stranger, with strong symptoms of uneasiness. “ People cannot help thinking, that’s what brains were made tor. But to the point.; if you stilt possess the cross, and v, ill exchange it for the sum offered, that sum is youis. Your answer? You will excuse my seeming abruptness; I am pressed for time, and cannot dally.”“ I hold you perfectly excusable,” said Henri, drawing the coveted cross from his pocket, and noting the eager dashing of the stranger’s eyes, as ins' gaze fell upon it. Deciding to thrust the probe homo at once, he deliberately added: “ Another reason, other than want of lime, may exist lo occasion your abruptness, my friend; want of confidence.”“ What, sirl” ejaculated the mail, slariingup in a threatening, apprehensive way. “ What do you mean by that rcmaik ? ”“ Listen, and I will tell you,” replied Ilcnri, fully convinced that lie was on the l ight track, a3 his visitor iudecisively sat down again,“ Listen aud I will tell you what I mean. This cross, for which you have taken such an inexplicable fancy, came into my possession under very peculiar circumstances, circumstances that invest it m itli extraordinary interest.” Pausing a moment to note the effect of his language, Henri fixed his burning eyes on the stranger’s. .Speaking slowly, and emphasizing every word, he continued: “ I found this cross 011 the 3d of January, 1859, on the Iiue dc Germaine, on the very spot 011 which, three days previous, the Comte do.St. Armxnd hail been brutally murdered.”Duri tig tho utterance of the concluding words of the above, the countenance of the listening man underwent a most appalling change, and dreadful, indeed, as though he had heard the sentence for liis immediate execution pronounced. Tlie muscles of his face twitched convulsively, his uuder jaw fell, and his eyes rolled in tlielr sockets as though following the fantastic evolutions of some horrid goblin.The paroxysm lasted but for a moment. By a superhuman effort of the will be recovered his faculties, sprang to his feet, and with the demoniac fury of a madman, dashed at Henri, hissing between his teeth, “ D—n you, the telling of that tale is your death-kncll.”Just as his muscular hand closed oppressivelyantl.v jerk*on Henri’s throat, he was vlolcantfy jerked backwards, and found himself in the tenacious clutches of the two gendarmes.“ So ho! my fine fellow 1 ” ejaculated one of the officers. “ Wc are altogether too deeply eouceined lor tlie future welfare of your 6oul to permit you to perpetrate such a crime. Yon have dune bad enough already to bring you to
Newspaper Details
Bristol Bucks County Gazette
Bristol, Pennsylvania, US
Thu, Sep 04, 1873
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Mary B.
USA 17 May 2018
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