Transcriber's Note:
1. Page scan source: http://books.google.com/books?id=ZBUCAAAAQAAJ&dq
NEW WORKBYGEORGE AUGUSTUS SALA.PARIS HERSELF AGAINIn 1878-9,With Four Hundred IllustrationsBYCham, Bertall, Pelcoq, Grévin, Gill, Marie, Morin, |
[All Rights Reserved.]
"But, Doctor, for heaven's sake tell us what this is all about."
"The whole town is talking of it already, and still we have heard noparticulars!"
"Surely it is impossible, Doctor, it cannot be true!"
He, to whom all these questions and exclamations were addressed, rappedhis stick with an air of impatient vexation against the pavement, andreplied in a rather dry, concise tone--
"What you may think possible or impossible, gentlemen, is not for me todecide; the fact is simply this, that the sum of 20,000 thalers ismissing, and that the steward, Brand, has shot himself this morning.You can decide for yourselves the connection between the twocircumstances."
The assembled officers of the Prince's household surrounded, with pale,horrified faces, the principal physician of the town, from whose lipsthey had just received confirmation of a report, which had alreadyagitated the little town for some hours.
"It is really true, then! And they say that the misfortune happened inCount Arnau's own room."
"In his business room! The Count had suspected the steward for somedays, and therefore sent for him this morning. He called him toaccount, and finally charged him to his face with the robbery. Brandattempted to deny it at first, but at last confessed to it, and beggedfor mercy, which, of course, could not be granted to him; and as theCount turned to ring the bell, in order to have him taken into custody,he drew out a pistol and shot himself before his Excellency's eyes."
"Did you hear this from his Excellency himself?" asked one of the oldermembers of the Count's household.
"From his own lips."
"Indeed?"
"What do you mean?" asked the Doctor, surprised at the s