Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1879-05-03

fearless eyes, surveying the rum ne nad
wrought.
The thought that was occupying his
mind will doubtless startle the reader.
Half an hour passed.
Hampton finally stepped to the door,
and beckoned Thomas to him. Together
they left the room and disappeared in
the darkness without.
They re-entered the cab and were car
ried at rapid rate to Hampton's pala-
tial home. Here they alighted and were
soon talking in low tones in the private
library. Hampton was the first to
speak:
"Tom, I want your services in an i'm
portant matter-one vital to my future
happiness. l have tried you before, and
| I know of no one to whom could apply
with greater safety. Can l depend on
youW
"That's owing to what you want done
and what the consideration will be-"
"Well, it is no worse than you have
done before for money. will give you
FIVE hundred dollars to do the work for
for me-"
"What is tia dirty job 2"
81 want you to see that James Rich
ardson does not get well. That is, if he
shows signs of recovery after the crisis
1 want you to see that he dies p
"What-you mean poison him|
eyes, exactly"
"This was unexpected, and somewhat
startled Thomas; but after momentary
hesitation the thought Of the financial
advantages frightened his bloodshot
eyes with fendish delight.
He said:
"It is an ugly job-and I'll do it, but
not a finger will raise at that price,"
"Well, name your price"
III must have one thousand dollars
nothing less will get me into that vii
famous scrape."
"It's bargain. And now here's fiv'
hundred down. You must be ever OF
the alert, and if he dies without youl
having to administer the poison | vii
consider myself under obligations TO-
the other five hundred"
Good! You are brick. Here's my
hand on it that the obligation on m,
part with be faithfully performed" sait
Thomas.
I'll trust you, Tom"
'Tm dry said Thomas, "can't you
order refreshments 7"
Drinking and coarse jokes prevai!e'
until Hampton began to fear that Thorn
as was imbiding too heavily to perform
his part in the terrible drama they hat
just improvised.
He said:
~ have other engagements now, Tom
and we must bring our little meeting t.
close. Be off and on duty, or til
chance may slip"
"Aye, aye" said Thomas, and wa
gliding through the door when Hampton
said:
Farewell, old boy, till we meet again
Remember, fortune favors the bold p
Thomas was gone.
Days passed. At last the doctors sal
our invalid must either improve or fal
as victim to the disease which held it
grasp upon him. .
Thomas had been employed as th
y principal nurse during the two tryin
weeks, and it was through him that a
,, medicine had been administered.
Night cane, and with it the doctc
and his usual instructions to Thomas
Surely he had worked his plans we'll an
= accurately.
The fatal drug had lain during tina
weary period secreted in his pocket
ready to be applied if nee essary.
The hours wore YEARLY on !! Midnigf
tolled it's presence. James awoke fro1
a deep, prolonged slumber. a
He would recover. Joy was NANTES
on the faces of those who witnessed tn
favorable change. His mother, no'
that he was considered out of DANCE,
consented to retire to rest. Utterl
. worn out, she soon fell asleep.
All had left the room except two pc
sons-Nellie, who occupied the same pc
sition she assumed upon entering til
room, and the villainous Thomas.
He saw that it was necessary to az
minister the poisonous drug, and draw
ing little slip of folded paper from il
long secretion, he poured the content
in glass of water
This was accomplished with tremulor
u fingers, which indicated some Intern
y excitement. 1t was not the hearts
was about to rob and grieve that smo
his conscience, but cowardly fear tn
Q detection would deliver him into tt
hands of law and the gallows.
+ Hardened criminal
With gentle motion and soft, serpen
1 like words he raised the invalid in h
S arms and held the deadly glass to h
fcvered lips.
The contents were swallowed!
d His vile work was done-she left.
Nellie was left alone with the sick.
|, watching and waiting!
d Alas how vain are human hopes
"Where ignorance is. bliss
|, IT'S folly to be wise"
y To be Continued Nert Week.