Ballad of a Godless Man (Part 5d)
Newspaper Report about Gervais
SON OF DISGRACED BUSINESSMAN FOUND IN CHARTRES SLUM
THE body of a young boy found in a street in Chartres has been identified as that of Gervais Lagnier, son of disgraced businessman M. Jean-Baptiste Lagnier, whose business fell into insolvency last year. It was believed that the Lagniers, including the 12-year-old son and heir Gervais, escaped their numerous creditors in a midnight flit shortly after this insolvency was announced. However, following a police advertisement surrounding the identity of a corpse discovered near a Chartres slum, it has been reported that a former servant of the Lagnier estate has come forward to identify it.
It is believed the child died from starvation and hypothermia. However, given the body’s close proximity to known vagrant spots, investigations are currently ongoing as to whether foul play may have been involved.
Anyone with any knowledge of M. or Mme. Lagnier, or other close family thereof, is encouraged to contact the police.
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