Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1885-08-28

down near him and cycling him curi>
ousl.z.
There was a dead silence in the room
for moment; then the telegraph in
strunent, disturbed by some exterior
current, began to click.
a sudden inspiration "a faint ray
of hope-shot into Fieldings heart.
He knew that the wire communicated
with the Ashley mansion. If he
could convey his peril by means of it
to any one there he might yet be saw
ed.
It was slender thread upon which
to hang the chances of life and death.
But, alasl it was his sole hope.
The Key of the instrument was i'm
mediately behind him and within
reach of his hand. With the perspir
alton streaming from his forehead. he
slid the spring which completed the
circuit. At this moment Reynaud,
who had been studying his watch,
looked up.
''Three minutes more" he said in
suppressed voice, again fixing his eyes
on his watch.
Once more the young mans fingers
sought the key, and, while his brain
swan and his heart seemed to stop
beating, he rapidly tapped out this
message:
"Helpl I am in the bank. Rey-
maud is about to murder me by shut
ting me in the vault.
RUPERT FIELDING.
1t required but one moment to tap
out this Irief appeal for help, but, oh
how long that monaent of agony seem
ed! Reynaud still sat with his gaze
fixed upon the watch, his face darken-
ing as the moments flew by. Suddenly
he arose, with look of deadly resolu-
ton in his eyes.
"Your time is UP, he said, in meas
ured accents. "OGce again, will you
go from this place and never again re
rurnY'
Fielding cast one last glance around
him.
There was no weapon at hand; the
key of the instrument was silent; his
message had not been heard. He was
Indeed lost. Looking in the face of
his relentless enemy, hr replied firmly
though family:
II refuse; do your worst"
Thea followed brief though ter
rible struggle. Reynaud cast hlmself
upon the slight frame Of the young
man and seized him bodily in his
arms. There was sound Of stamping
feet, painting Of laborlng chests and
cracking of strained muscles, and all
was over. Fielding was hurled into
the vault, the doors clashed together
and the bolts were shot. Then, with
an evil smile Rsynaud took a chair
and sat down opposite the living grave
of his enemy to e1ult in his triumph.
A half hour had slowly gone by
when there was a violent rspping at
the outer door.
He started up and listened, evident>
ly with nc intention of answering the
summons.
The blows were repeated, accom-
panied by voice that caused him to
tremble in every limb. 1t was Aus
gusta's.
"I.et me in," she cried. Rupert !
Rupert Mr.. Reynaudl For the love
of Heaven, let me come mr.
Then he went 70 the door and open
ed it. Attired in an evening dress,
bonnetless, and without a shawl or
wrap, Augusta rushed into the room
Rupert" she exclaimed, breath
lessly, Selling Reynaud by the arm.
What have you done with him2"
"Well. my dear young lady," be
replied, with well acted establishment,
what should l do with hlm2 You
see he is not here"
YES" she cried, passionately.
striking the heavy door of the safe
with her hand; you have locked him
in here and he is dying"
"Hushr he said, with a face that
would have terrified her had she not
been past all fear for herself. What
leads you to charge me with such a
crime?"
Read that" she ans werad. handing
him a slip of paper on which was
transcribed the messages Fielding had
sent. THAT came over the wire
from this room. | was in the library
and heard it. Now, release him in~
stantly, or | will Cry out your crime
in the streets, she added.
HAS any one but yourself heard
that message, or have you told any
one of it2" he asked, in hoarse voice,
NO" she replied.
He pa, sed his hand into tia breast
of his coat, and when he withdrew it
sac saw the shining barrel of a revols
yer.
For an instant she shrank back at
the sight of it, then faced him again
firmly.
Kill me if you will" she said.
eff Rupert dies l wish to die too"
He threw the weapon upon the floor
with groan.
mo, mol" he muttered. mot for
life itself could 1 harm q hair of your
headp
"Unlock the Safe" she said, clasp
ing her hands appealingly. BE as
merclful to him as you have been to
mR."
"Neverm he replied, his face hard
ening again. "You spare because
love you, even at the risk of nay life;
but he-he must and shall diel"
She fell upon her knees and seized
his hand.
In the name of heavenly all you
hold sacred-l conJure you to give me
his hfel" she cried.
He shook his head
You appeal in vain, he said stern
ly.
She looked wildly around and her
eyes fell upon the revolver at her feet.
A strange smile crossed her lips as she
saw it.
With a swift movement she seized
it, sprang backward and placed the
muzzle against her own heart.
He uttered a gasping cry and moved
towards her.
Not another step, or 1 fret" she
exclaimed, firmly.
Hear mel" he began, beseeching-
ly.
I will hear nothing" she returned.
If ia one minute you do not open
that door | will kill myselfr
Augusta, for heavens sakel"
''Open the door, or my blood will be
on your headp'
He looked at ner and saw in her
CHASTITY face and blazing eyes the UNI
alterable determination of the woman
made desperate by love. rs hesitat-
ed, passed his hand across his eyes,
then, with a staggering gait, went to