The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-10-17
SELECT STORY.
THE LUMP OF CLAY.

ishly, so that our house was crowded
with costly trihes, and our plate the
finest in the city.
Often friends spoke of us, half in
jest and half in earnest, of the tempt
ing bait our dwelling offered to bur-
glars or dishonest servants but Ludi-
vico laughed at their warnings, and l
never knew fear when he was by.
So we lived five years, less careful
of bolts and bars than many who had
little save their four walls to protect,
and never suffering save from some
petty pilfering.
In the autumn of lS-, we had Just
returned from trip inland, and Lud-
ivico was busy on new work fresh
clay had been carried 10 his studio,
models engaged, and everything pre-
pared for busy winter. | had my
new duties and cares also, for an in.
fant, not three months old, lay upon
my breast. And we were very proud
and happy in our new treasure never
in our lives had we talked so much of
the future. Every hour of the coming
winter was portloned ott.
One night put my babe to sleep
and went out to the kitchen to see the
cook concerning breakfast, but could
not find her. Our servants were for
hidden to remain out later than nine,
and it was nearly eleven. felt angry
with the girl, the more so that she had
left an outside door swinging in the
wind and with an exclamation of
impatieuce | went to close it. As |
stood for moment on the threshold,
could see the garden still full of
flowers, and at its foot, leaning over
the low fence, stood the girl, Jane,
talking to man.
The moon shone full upon them, and
| saw the features of both plainly.
Jane was light mulatto, but it was
impossible to tell whether the man was
her color or swathy white. But
white or black, the expression of his
face was brutal, full of cunning; a
face to be seen among felons.
| gazed one moment, then called out
sharply and quickly. In moment
Jane was with me, apologizing in her
servile way, and taking my rebuke
very quietly. gave her my orders
and sent her to bed, and then l went
up stairs and forgot all about the mat
ter, though it was in my mind when l
was at the door. For, once in my
room, found my husband had brought
in upon board piece of wet clay
and set it at The foot of the bed
Tomorrow, the first thing, l am
going to begin-can you guess what?'
asked Ludiviro
"No," said 1.
"Our baby" said my husband "we
will make sleeping cupid of him. 1t
shall be my first work this winter
laughed with glee
81 shall prize it so," 1 said. "He is
lovely, is he not?' and I kissed the
child softly as he slept. An hour after
that l was sleeping also, TRANQUILITY,
dreamlessly. The lamps were out, all
was darkness and peace.
How long it lasted, l do not know.
/ awakened with start, and after ly-
ing few moments, became con-
scious that some one was moving
stealthily about the room-some Que
with bare feet Soon ! heard a stum-
BILE and an oath, suppressed, but plain /;
then the board on which the clay rest
ed seemed to be pushed across the
floor. My heart throbbed fearfully. I
knew that burglars were in the house,
and thought only of our personal
safety. They might take all, if they
did not harm my husband and child
l watched and listened, holding my
breath until a ray of light shone in the
room, and knew the thief had a dark
lantern. heard the tinkle of the diff
ferent articles he slipped into his bag.
l heard drawers and wardrobes stealth
lily opened, and l prayed that his Gu
pidity might be satisfied, and that he
might go, leaving us unharmed.
Alas the prayer was vain. Some
noise louder than the rest awoke my
husband. strove in vain TO restrain
him. He shouted, "Who is there p
and made for the DARK shape just visi-
ble
| In an instant the lantern was dark.
ened, and struggle in the dark began.
shrieked frantically. Steps and
lights approached. A pistol was fired,
a heavy fall followed. l heard the
robber dash from the room and down
the stairs, and the next moment the
room was full of trembling servants,
and | saw, by the lights they carried,
Ludivico lying upon the floor, welter-
ing in his blood.
called his name. He made no an
swer. l lifted up his face. Alas /! the
truth was written there--the bullet
had entered his heart. He was dead
What need to dwell on that sad time
Friends tlocked to my aid, but cared
for nothing, now that he was dead.
The house had been stripped of valua-
bles and money.
1t was the boldest robbery accom-
plshed for years-said the police. But
despite all efforts-all offered rewards
the culprit was not found. He had
escaped as completely as though he
had vanished IRON the earth.
When ! had buried my darling in
the strange city of sepulchres, where
the dead of New Orleans repose, and
waited many weeks in hopes that his
murderer might be found, / took my
child and went home to my kindred in
old Connecticut. was wealthy, and
in no fear of want during my life. But
the only possession now valued was
my child, the boy who some day might
wear his fathers mein, and speak to
me in his fathers voice.
had dismissed Jane. She had been
under suspicion, and examined care,
fully; but she appeared innocent. Oh
all the servants, kept but one to as,
sist me in packing, and to travel North
with me.
While the packing was going on
she came to me and said
"There's queer bit of clay on a
board under your bed, maam. Shall |
throw it away ?"
burst into tears.
"The last thing his hand ever touch