The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1885-05-09

II also have made my decision; if you per-
sist in your resolve, only one of us shall
leave this room alive
He was facing me as he spoke; there
could be no doubt that he meant what he
said For my own part, I had no fear in
my table is drawer, and in that drawer |
keep loaded pistol, ready for emergencies;
my hand was on it as l replied:
"You have quite made up your mind on
that point p
Perfectly"
"And nothing | can urge will move you
from the position ?"
'Nothing."
"Then," | continued, ''it seems there is
but one solution to the difficulty. As the
originator of the scheme, | take it that you
have well considered its feasibility under
the circumstances, therefore, you are clearly
the better fitted of US two to carry it into
effect" Then, before he could say word
in reply, DIV out the pistol and, rapidly
taking aim, pulled the trigger. The next
moment he dropped dead on the carpet,
shot through the heart.
[ confess to some regret at having been
forced to this step, but the logic of the
position was irresistible | admire a man
who has the courage of his opinions, but |
think, and [ believe most people will agree
with me, that Sugg carried the principle
too far. Had he been little less rigid in
its observance, he might have been alive at
this moment.
Personally he had caused me great in
convenience could not allow him to re-
main where he lay, for Joseph's return
might take place at any instant, and
dead body is not usually reckoned
among the essential requisites of well
furnished library. At that moment I re-
membered the furnace in the laboratory
and at once recognized that it afforded a
convenient way out of the difficulty. 1t is
needless to go into details which can have
little interest for outsiders, and [ content
myself with saying that after several hours
work my task was satisfactorily accom-
plished.
With sense of considerable relief | re-
turned to my easy chair, and, ringing the
bell, ordered Joseph to make me cup Of
strong coffee When this had been brought
told him I should require his services nc
more that night, and babe him go to bed al
once
A little later the clock on the mantle
piece chimed midnight, and began tC
think the time had arrived for following
Joseph's example. As, however, Irose tc
do this, was surprised to hear some one
call me.
oCome in" I said, thinking it must be
the servant; but no one stirred. For &
moment I stood irresolute, but on repe
tition of the sound walked to the door and
threw it open. There was no one outside
"Mr. Clifel'' again said the voice, this
time coming from the neighborhood of the
fire; "Mr Clifel'
[ closed the door and turned back
"Who and where are you ?" | asked.
"I'm here" was the answer, "and Tn
Sugg, the solicitor"
''Poor, pooh," I replied, dropping int
my chair, "Sugg's-" Fortunately
stopped in time | must be careful not tt
incriminate myself "Sugg's at home, anC
no doubt in bed an hour ago"
dts no use, Mr.. Clife," returned thu
stranger, Il know better, and SO do you
you're clever fellow, Mr.. Clife, but you
can't argue bullet out of mans body,
and the voice laughed in dreary kind o
way.
The last statement had its weight witt
me; clearly, if this were not Sugg it wa
some one possessed of a curiously precise
knowledge of what mad just occurred
"What are you doing here p asked.
"At present I'm trying to warm myself,
he said. zone finds it trife cold at frs
without any flesh or clothes.
[ began to realize the position this
then, was Sugg's ghost, probably come t.
take revenge on me for having killed it
owner.
II suppose you mean to haunt me"
suggested eff SO, you'll certainly hav
your trouble for nothing my nerves ar
tolerably strong"
ooh, dear, no" he answered ''you'r
quite mistaken; that's an absurd idea PEG
pie have. Spirits are not allowed to re
turn to this world.
"Then you've no right to be here,
replied, conclusivcly; "when rules ar
made they ought to be observed"
"Thats true" he said, "but an exception
is needed now and then just to prove tina
they do exist I'm one" he added, wit
a touch of dissatisfaction.
every well" I replied, "now that yol
have fulfilled your mission, you had bette
go. Tn off to bed, and can't afford t
keep up fire all night for your pleasure.
II must finish my business first, he pre-
tested.
'That's your affair."" 1 retorted, rising
~ know" he returned; "but for that
must have your help"
Indeed" rejoined, Gin what way ?"
an explain in word, if you'll sit dow
again" he said. With my usual goo
humor 1 did as he requested. After
pause, during which, l presume, he wa
settling himself comfortably on the hob, h
proceeded
"Of course, what | am about to tell 20
will be considered strictly confidential.
may count upon your discretion ?"
| nodded toward the fireplace; its occu
pant seemed satisfied and continued
"For some time before my-my denis
| was large and unfortunate speculate
on the Stock Exchange. Nothing succeed
ed with me, loss following loss with al
palling persistency. After disposing of a
my own valuables 1 was forced to fall bac
on those of my clients-among othel
yours Permit me to make you some
what tardy acknowledgment of the assist
ance yielded to me.
'But the worst has to be told. fe
into bad company, and was hurried int
the commission of deeds from which in
cooler moment should have shrunk; VIII;
torments me most is that l induced SON
of my friends, and those precisely the mo'
guileless and unsuspecting, to follow m
example unwittingly. My unexpected
here he again hesitated--"demise prevent
ed me from destroying certain compromi
ing documents committed to my care, an
unless l can do this heavy and undo
served punishment will fall upon thoS
blameless but too confding persons"
II am sorry to hear it, [ interrupted
ubut 7 do not see how I can interfere"