The daily gazette., 1882-03-24
WOMAN'S CURSE.
BY F. o. W.

Ono nignt an OLD citizen, respected
and honored In the comI uaity, was
murdered. For weeks Mr.. l., my pal
and myself had been working up the
csas. A clew was no sooner fund than
lost. There was q world OF mystery
about It, which our experience and skill
were unable 10 unravel. / had almost
despaired Cf ever being able to detect
the criminal, when one night we were
visited at the Office by q young girl, who
demanded . private interview, aud
startled " by the announcer II that
she knew the murderer OF Mr.. H.
l say the announcement Startled us.
How else could such Intelligence have
been received, coming from the lips Of
young aud beautIfu grip She could not
have been over ffeen-slender and
petite In form, but nodded 10 en- exuul-
Dhe symmetry. Long tressss Of golden
hair hung about her waist, and the dark
eyes burned beneath the black Iasbt 4
with passionate CLEAN that made one
shuddeT. The c.elr olive tint Of her
complexion told Of the spanish blood
that fred her veins, Such creature as
voald make youth 60 wild with pas
son was this beautiful Spanish girl.
She announced her purpos3 10 quiet
Stern u.terAnce, that told of passionate
resentment. II did not require my ex-
peuenee to d. tect that anger and ieal-
ouly we're the controlling incentives 10
this disclosure.
"You say you know the murderer of
Mr.. H:S l Inquired.
~ do.p
"And You will tell rs who be is-Ruide
us 70 him, or reveal his hiding placePD
"All this | will tell you, aud more;
will furnish the proof necessary 10 bis
conviction, put you In possession of
evefy fact necessary TO bs known, on
one condition"
"Aad that is-" -,
"That you will allow me an hours
interview with him af.er his arrest"
"Yonr purpose In thitp"
SIS my affair alone, aud does not con-
cern you to know. DO you consents"
"YesW
"Then follow mel"
She turned quickly and left the
room, followed by Mr.. l. and myself.
It was late at night, but she trayersed
the streets with Q quickness and accu-
racy Of movement that showed her
perfect acquaintance with every turn
ing Of the intricate thOroughfares.
Far down into . labyrinth Of streets
abe led the way, never pauaing, never
hesitating, until she reached low.
old=iaehioned building, running far
back into . square, and losing itself
In . wilderness Of houses that rose all
around IT,
Haze she paused, and, facing us with
every trace Of color gone from her
countenAnce, she spoke with q low,
rapid utterauoe that bespoke feelings
profoundly excited but sternly re-
pressed
81 am about to do that which will
consign me TO misery and tho man l
love to death, The reason for thia
will be developed after the arrest you
are now to make. In this house the
criminal is concealed, When enter,
follow mel speak not q word: saw
nAught to any one you may see; be
surpriaed at nothing you may hear,
but do your mission"
could not tell you why, but all the
time the girl was speaking ahudder-
ing could not subdue ran through
my frame. ! felt as IL / stood in the
presence of . demon insteEd OF a
young aud beautiful woman.
We promised compliance with her
instructions, and taking key from
her pocket she opened the dor. It
admitted us into q low, arched hall
way, from the far end OF which q light
cleaned through The KEEP hole. Step
ping lightly, We followed her closely
as she advanced TO this, aud turning
the key, threw II open. A brilliant
light flashed through the apartment,
revealing room elegantly furnished,
with pictures ON the wall and books
aud statuary adorning the apartment.
lis arrangements and appointments
indicated, certainly, cultivated taste.
At a table sat man writing. He was
middle-aged and strihingly handsome;
but there was that in the appearance
Of the man which repelled while 1t
attracted. There was . steady glitter
In his great, black eyes, that evinoed
& disposition that was emotionless TO
pity or regret.
"rhis is your man."
Al tie first sound of te- voice, tie
man sprung 10 bis feet, aud his hand
twltched nervously, as IL Ia search of 3
weapon. ItBuch had been Ills inton-