The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-01-21

take it as favor if you'll come to him
at once. for he's dying.
''Dying!' l cried, surprised, for that
morning I had seen him pass my study
window, looking as we'll as usual.
''Dying!'' CALCULATED my wife. in
horror. "Oh, what can be done!'
@only. if you please if Mr.. Hartop
will see him.
certainly. Dear, dear me y ejac-
ulated, taking my hat. "Come, my
man; let US 60.
| believe my wife would, if possible,
have liked to have accompanied US
but she whispered to me to return as
soon as could.
As we proceeded, I inquired of the
steward the nature Of his master sud.
den malady.
Sudden" he repeated. "Sir, it's
been of years duration. Tow the end
has come. My dear master-you will
hear all, Mr.. Hartop. from him.
The old mans grief was so evident
that l forbore to question him further,
and went on in silence.
.Kenelm Priory was fine building of
the Elizabethan era. Five years pre-
vious to this story it had been taken by
a Sir Leicester Connington. The gen.
try were delighted at the addition to
the neighborhood, especially as the
Baronet was unmarried, and not much
over 30. But it was soon found Sir
Leicester intended to keep no society.
With him came two servants-the old
steward and an elderly superior female
domestic. The other servants were en-
gagged from the town. and only employ
ed in those mental Offices which never
brought them in contact with their
master.
The visits that were made at the
Priory were never returned. Sir Lei
cester led the life of recluse. For
months together he never quilted his
house; then he might be seen riding on
superb horse about the country, with
the recklessness OF a maniac, or, as my
wife had remarked, like the Earl King
himself. He never crossed neigh Dor S
threshold, and no strange foot crossed
| his.
For my own part imagined Sir
leicester had committed some grave
sin, and was thus expatiating it by re-
morse. 1t may be conceived, then,
that felt both curious and little
anxious at the thought of hearing the
truth from the dying mans lips.
On entering the Priory, | expected
to be taken up stairs to the upper floor,
where l knew were the bedrooms; but
instead, my conductor, crossing the
spacious hall, opened the library door,
and ushered me into Sir leicester S
presence, where | stood, surprised, mo-
tionless, contemplating the dying"
man.
Dressed as was his wont, looking as
usual, pale, sad, and carcworn, the
Baronet sat writing at the table, as un-
like dying man as any l had ever
seen.
On hearing my name he arose, and
with a grateful expression. advanced
and took my hand. He was a tall,
we'll made man; gcntlemanly in the ex-
treme, and saw was not only good
looking. but remarkably handsome
while the eyes, dark and piercing at a
distance, | found were sad, soft, and
| gentle as woman s.
at is very good Of you to come thus
speedily, Mr.. Hartop,'' he remarked.
Il thank you very much"
"My time is ever at the service OF
my Pensioners. Sir leicester" said,
taking the seat he himself placed for
me. Il am glad, however, to find that
your need is not so grave as was led
by your steward to believe
lie regarded me, as he laid back in
his chair opposite, with a faint, tran
sient smile.
1T is quite as grave, | can assure
YOU" he answered. Morrison did not
exaggerate. am dying, as he stated.
la less than two hours | shall have
ceased to livel
stared in amazement. while my
wife S assertion seemed to gain confir.
nation. To me Sir Leicester had sci.
!. dom looked better.
at is scarcely to clergyman that
should make the confession | am abou,
to- he proceeded. But the name
you bear fer all that is good and char
liable tells me may trust to your
secrecy. am dying, Mr.. Hartop, be.
cause am poisoned. the poison being
self-administered. Yes, you behold one
who has just taken his own life.
"Sir Leicester cried. leaping up
"what arc you >ayingi You are either
hooking me in my calling. or. if true
medical aid must be obtaied at once"
As | moved toward the door. h,
caught my arm gently but firmly, ano
forced me back into my chair. while
with an earnestness almost prayerful
he exclaimed: at is no mockery, L
is true, and the most skillful doctor
could find no antidote for the Eastern
drug | have swallowed, which. in two
hours after it is taken. generally pro
duces O painless death. If you. Mr.
Hartop, feel any compassion for me, d,
not let these two hours be lost. hav
, trusted in you. / beg you will not di.
appoint me, for you see before you tn
most wretchea man on earthr'
81 cannot comprehend" l began
confusedly.
i "Listen to my story, and you will.
he said.
Ale is mad, surely" I reflected. look
. ing into his face. There is no trace o
death there. will humor him"
: Perceiving me quiet, he then pro
| eoo1od