The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-02-27
A DESPERATE EXPERIMENT.
BY W. r. STEELE.

In the year 1870 there was located, some ten
miles northwest Of the city of c., an old brick
building, which had for several years been I'M
occupied 1t was an Old-fashiohed structure,
with small blindless windows, and dingy,
dirty-looking affair, forbiddng in general APP
pearance, when once one could get close
view of it; for il was inclosed by a high brick
wall The inclosure comprised, perhaps, an
acre and half of ground, covered with stunt
ed trees, which had been so long untrimmed
and uucared for that the branches were
tangled mass of unfrultful limbs, upon which
now and then blossom would show itself as
the spring advanced, only to receive smile
from the sun, and then, as though ashamed OF
its surroundings, droop and sink ana drop off,
and no fruit WAS ever known 10 mature. The
place had an evil name. No one could explain
why, or seemed o know anything of its former
tenants, except that they had rented it, Occu-
pied it for few months, and then silently and
mysteriOusly disappeared.
The properly was IN charge Of an agent,
whose office was in the city. He advertised il
repeatedly, and had succeeded in having three
or four parties go out to look it over, with
view of renting it; but one and all returned,
threw down the keys, grunted dlsapprOval,
and declared they wouldn't lave ii 1t any price.
At length, at the time stated, a young man
calling himself DR.. Elihu Thorpe made his ap-
pearance, and stated to the agent that be had
made inquiries concerning the place, and
thought il would suit friend OF his from the
South-a certain Capt Cross quiet eccen-
trio gentleman who desired retired dwell
lug at convenient driving distance
from town He obtained the KEYS.
Went out and inspected the place, and rented
1t at n nominal price for such time as his &C.
centric friend might feel contented to remain.
The agent was quite elated at having the prem
l-es tenanted, and asked few questions, as the
d1ctor paiE year in advance, and the business
closed.
few days subsequently, Capt. Cross ac-
cnmpanied by Ned Waters, his steward and
servant generally, repaired TO the old mansion,
aud quietly took possession. There were 10
oiher servants or companions. They furnished
only two or three rooms, and stocked their
KIT hen with only such implements and arti-
cles as seemed necessary for men of simple
habits. As the house was isolated from other
dwellings, they had no near neighbours and no
OH visited them save DR.. Thorpe. who resided
iii the city, and his calls were seldom, and al
WAYS in the evening
In order that our story may be thoroughly
understood il is necessary that we here insert
n few words as 10 the personal history OF DIR.
Thorpe. His parents had both died during his
youth, leaving him small iegacy-barely suf-
ticient 10 meet the expenses of his student life,
until he should master profession, and be
allie tn care for himself At the close of his
collegiate course he at once commenced the
study of medicine, applying himself asslduous-
ly, and finishing IN que time with the usual at
tendance upon lectures, al examination, and-a
diploma
The doctor had in the wide world but one
relative, an Uncle Gen. Israel Thorpe few
years prior 10 the opening Of our story, the
General had retired from the regular army, and
settled down to the quiet enjoyment of de-
lightfully pleasant hume, with his amiable and
loving wife, among many Old friends in the
city of @. Surrounded by every luxury that
wealth could supply, the closing of his active
and eyentful lite promised TO be a more than
usually peaceful and happy one. They had
one Son, VINO entered the navy during the re-
beillon, and who, viii o III the discharge OF a
dangerous duty, WAS run down by blockade
runner one night off Charleston, and drowned.
The death OF this son had cast a gloom over
the Generals entire household, and the mother
fell beneath the blow, pining and mourning,
and refusing to be comiorted or become re-
conciled TO her great bereavement Her spir-
It's dropped, and her life was bhghted forever.
She moved about her house with great dignity,
but with an air Of pensiye sadness that went To
the hearts of the servants even, and caused
settled melancholy that visitor would have
been unable - understand or account for. A
few months ter the poor heart broken moth
or died, and the General was left solitary and
alone to mourn for the absent, and pray for
reuuios beyond the river.
TIE matters were at the time the nephew,
DifThorpe, came West for three months
,xss1 to tho General, preparatory to the selec-
tiSn of his future home aud the commence
ment OF his professional career Til use who
knew DR. Thorpe best never accused him OF
any dishonorable act He was tall, dark
featured, and somewhat forbiddng or repul-
sve IN his manners, 80 that those with whom
he came in contact seemed to feel a certain
inward relief when they had left his society
A good facial observer or character reader
would have said that his thoughts were not of
n kind 70 bear the light of truth or honor
And his features did not belle him.
Tho presence of such man did not help to
dispel the gloom or brighten the home of the
uncle, and, though the General frequently en-
tered into pleasant conversation with Ills
nephew upon various subjects, the discourse
was always labored and continued with an eff
fort that was monotonous and tiresome, and
consequently Of short duration.
1t was during this visit of DR. Thorpe that