The daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1873-1877, 1875-07-31
''Your patient lies there sir.

1Our pauenG lies tnefc Sit.
My grandfather's eyes followed the
direction Of his finger, and observed wo-,
man stretched upon couch. Where had
he seen that face before? Slowly It
dawned upon his memory. "A few days
back he had been to the theatre, and,
glancing round, was struck by beautiful,
fair face, which for the time fascinated
him; he thought it the loyeliest there.
He looked on it again now; but how chang
ed The hands were clasped upon the
breast, as though in prayer; dumb, white
terror was written on the face; and IN the
great uplifted eyes there was hopeless,
despairing agony sickening to behold.
He inquired what was the matter how
she 6ad been attack red, ahd seeing that SIZE
waS gagged. he begged them to release
her mouth, that she might answer his ques-
tiobs, adding: EIIsIEt az Il
Il mustknow .sometbing Of the symp-
toms beforeI car, attempt cure: rs
Your business here is, To- kill, not to
cure, deetor," said one In q strangely sad
tone, which accorded i'll With his stern fear.
| full phrase. Your patient has spoken her
last word il this world. She is doomed to
die by secret though strictly just tribunal.
but we would temper justice with mercy
and spare her the shame and public dis
grace. You can cause her to die easily
and secretly therefore we have brought
you here" fSMs q Ab544e7
IF this lady has committed any crime
so great as to deserve death, he answered,
full of compassion for the unfortunate,
she must meet her punishment from the
handsof the public executioner, not BY
mine"
by yours, and yours only" said one Of
his conductors gravely, There is no time
/ to waste in mere words. She knows that
she has deserved death, and she knows
that she must die" l. - 81 T.. -. ~ X
''God Forbid" exclaimed the physician,
a frozen horror stealing over him. The
ominous stiffness, the grim aspects of the
terrible men, struck chill to his heart.
He realized all the horror of his position.
4 "A doctor never, travels without his
4 tools resumed The stranger; and ashe
spoke he turned the lace back from the
tender throat, and pointing to it, added
significantly, open the jugular vein; it
is the easiest and quickest way to die"
i My grandfather started back amazed
and horror struck. These were the very
Il words he had uttered during one of those
1 pleasant gatherings at the house of cele.
brated Neapolitan 0 few days back.
How dare you to propose to me such Q
J crime?" he exclaimed. IT am an Eng.
, lishman, and will not commit murder"
"Pshaw! your nation produces, as many
h honorable criminals as any other. TC
, your work, sir, and quickly. If you have
] conscientious scfuples, remember an en-
forced sin lies lightly on my conscience
D lay that comfort to your soul. No NOR
: words he added peremptorily one
! this is the time for action" 81 fs fEh
Il refuse to obey your cruel command
Let me co. - ~
3 The man who had been writing. an(
; until now had taken no part whatever III
1 the scene that was passing round him
e then. rose up and Joined the group. Lay
2 ing his hand lightly on my grandfather
shoulder, he said:
There is no escape for you, doctor
every moment you hesitate you prolonl
that woman's pain. She must die; an(
t you can dispatch her with painless speed.
s What if l refuse? You cannot fore
y me to commit so foul murder"
He pointed to two-S swarthy figure
s leither soldiers or liveried servants of som
! noble family-my grandfather could nc
y tell which, who had been standing motion
!. less by the couch, and answered:
VI Then those faithful fellows will dis
Ipatch you, and afterwards dispatch her
J. they are not professional, and their wor
!, will be clumsily done, IF the operatio
a be not performed upon your patient befor
/ the clock strikes you know your fate;
. you are obdurate, remember YOU thro
# away your own life without saving her
p She is doomed; no power on earth ca
s save her."
n 1t was vain TO speak or expostulate wit
d those fiends in human form. He felt the
p we're as stern and memorable as fate.
,e was as cruel as horrible and coward
8, Five men assembled to witness the pr
Ig fessional murder of beautiful woman
y What had she done? who
OF had she offended? Some seer
&c tContinued on third Uage.)