“From one
“WHO KNOWS.”
Norbert ran through the contents of this infamous anonymous letter in an instant. The blood surged madly through his brain, and he uttered a howl of fury. His servants ran in to see what was the matter.
“Where is the fellow who brought this letter?” said he. “Run after him and bring him back to me.”
In a few minutes the sturdy grooms made their appearance, pushing in the messenger, who seemed over-powered with tears.
“I am not a thief,” exclaimed he. “It was given to me, but I will give it back.”
He was alluding to the louis given to him by Norbert, for the largeness of the sum made him think that the donor had made a mistake.
“Keep the money,” said the Duke; “I meant it for you; but tell me who gave this letter to you.”
“I can’t tell you,” answered the man. “If I ever saw him before, may my next glass of wine choke me. He got out of a cab just as I was passing near the bridge, and calling to me, said, ‘Look at this letter; at half-past seven take it to the Duke de Champdoce, who lives by his stables in the road to the Forest. Do you know the place?’ ‘Yes,’ I says, and then he slips the letter and a five-franc piece into my hand, got back into the cab, and off he went.”
“What was the man like?” asked he.