The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1884-11-22

wall, but no bracket could | find. Ny
hand touched the Intel of door in
stead. Then l knew for certain [ was
in the wrong house. The only thing to
be done was to creep out as quietly as
| had entered and try my luck next
door.
As turned to grope my way back l
heard the murmur OF voices slate as it
was, there were people talking in the
room, the door OF which my fingers had
so lightly touched.
1 could not distinguish words, but
was sure the voices were those of men.
| stood irresolute. Would it not be
better to knock at the door and throw
myself upon the mercy of the inmates
of the toom? could apologize and ex-
plain My blindness would account
for the mistake Some one would no
doubt, be kind enough to put me on my
best thing to do. l could not 90 on
creeping into strange houses like mid
night thief Perhaps each house in the
row had an equally common lock and
my key might open all. Ii so the end
would be that some alarmed house
holder would put q bullet into me be-
fore | had time to assert my innocence.
just as raised my fingers to tap at
the door l heard another voice-a
woman's voice. 1t seemed to come
from the back room and was singing to
an accompaniment played softly on Il
piano. paused and listened.
1 have been so occupied with COM
planning of the hardships of my lot L
have not told you had one solace to
my misery; that merciful gift, so often
bestowed on the blind, music. Had it
not been that l could pass many weary
hours away playing to myself, that l
could be taken to concerts and hear
others play and sing, my days would
have been unbearable, and | shudder
to think of what aid l might have
called in to render them less burden
some.
waited and listened to the song. 1t
was taken from an opera recently pro-
duced on the Continent, an opera not
ye, popularity known in England, and
the song was one that few amateurs
would dare to attempt. The singer,
whoever she might be, sang IL softly
and under her voice, rs though fearing
TO throw it out with full force. The
| lateness of the hour might well account
for this restraint. Nevertheless, any
one capable of Judging must have
known he was listening to no ordinary
singer. 1t was easy to recognize the
trained skill and dormant power, and
imagine what, under favorable circum-
stances, that voice might accomplish.
l was enchanted. My idea was that ]
had stumbled into nest of professio on
als-people whose duties ended so late
that to enjoy any evening ut all, night
must be greatly encroached upon. All
the better for mel Bohemians them
selves, my unexpected nocturnal in
truson might not brighten them out Of
their wits.
The singer had now commenced the
second verse. placed my ear close to
the door to catch every note. l wa:
curious to hear what she would make
of the effective bu: trying finale, when
oh horrible contrast to the soft sweet
liquid notes and subdued words of pas
sionate Lowell heard gasp, spas.
modic fearful gasp, that could convey
but one meaning. heard it succeeded
by long deep groan, which termina ed
in a gurgling sound which froze my
blood. heard the music stop sudden.
ly, and the cry, the piercing Cry of 9
woman ring out like frightful change
from melody to discord, and then a dul
heavy thud on the floor!
waited to hear no more. knew
that some dreadful deed had been per.
petrated within few feet of where
stood. My heart beat wildly and fierce
ly. In the excitement of the moment
forgot that was not like others--for.
got that strength and courage coulC
avail me nothing-forgot everything
save desire TO prevent the accomplish
ment of crime the wish to do man's
duty in saving life and succoring thu
ones in peril. | threw open the dool
and rushed headlong into the room
Then, as | became aware OF the pres
ence of strong light, but light which re
vealed nothing to me, the folly anC
rashness of my proceedings came fully
home to me, and like flash it crossed
my mind that unarmed, blind and help
less, [ had rushed into that room t
meet my death.
l heard an oath-an exclamation o
surprise. In the distance | heard III,
cry of the woman, but it sounde,
muffied and faint; it seemed TO me tina
a struggle was going on in that part o
the room. Powerless though was t.
aid, / turned impulsively and took
couple of steps in the direction whenc
the cry came, my foot caught in some
thing and fell PROSTATE OF the bod,
of man. Even in the midst of TIA
horror that awaited me shuddered as
felt my hard, lying on the fallen man
grow wet with some warm fluid whicl
slowly trickled overit.
Before could rise strong muscula
living hands were upon nv throat
holding me down, whilst a short dis
lance off heard the sharp click of
pistol-lock. Oh, for light for a sec
ond! If only to see those who wer
about to take my life--if only-strang
fancY-to know in what part OF me {