Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1885-07-23

and turned pale when she saw this
bill. Her lover noticed this, and on
being told the cause. laughed.
my darling" he said, "you ought
to be cured Of that trouble by this
time. Remember that in few days
you will have husband to protect
you. know your horror ia only
temporary. shouldn't be surprised
if you asked me to take you to see
him in few days.
Was tprophetio2 The desire to see
Sholback's performances again grew
upon Irene. The simple knowledge
that she was in the same city with
him had a strange fascination for her.
She struggled against her growing de-
sire to see Sholbaoh, but found her.
self unable to conquer IL. At length
in sheer desperation, she asked her
lover one evening to take her TO see
the Magician. He laughed heartily.
F" / knew you we're cured Of your
strange aversion for him. There's
nothing like light heart and good
digestion to remove unpleasant fan.
cies.
Accordingly they went in the even-
ing to the hall and secured seats near
the stage. When Sholbaoh's eyes fell
upon them he started as II he had
been shot. He fixed burning glance
upon them, and in a moment UNDER
stood their position; for Irene chung
TO John for protection. Then Shol-
boch bowed slightly and smiled rsas-
suringly. From that time until near
the close Of the entertainment be APP
peared to take no notice Of them.
The usual tricks had been perform.
ed and he began his concluding feat.
A man was summoned from the among
the audience to 80 upon the stage.
Then he removed bis collar and neck
tie and coat. Then Sholbaoh appeared
with large knife and suddenly seiz-
ing the man plunged itinto his throat.
The man screamed and struggled. The
blood poured from the wound. The
audience, convinced as they were that
the man was a confederate, were
silent with horror. Presently sholboch
whirled the knife around with quick
movement and then held up the mans
head. Amurmur ofhorros ran through
the audience. The body was remov-
ed and the professor treated the au-
dience to three minute lecture. He
was interrupted by the appearance at
the other end Of the hall Of the man
who had been deoapitatsd alive and
smiling. The audience heayed q sigh
Of relief and then awarded the success.
full magician round Of applause.
"You may think" said Sholbaoh
chat the man who has just been on
the stage was confederate. Now, in
order to convince you thathe was not,
! desire any gentleman who has the
courage TO come upon the stage and /
will repeat the experiment"
As he said this Sholbach looked at
John Manners. The powerful young
physician suddenly felt an irresistible
desire TO go upon the platform. He
arose as If to start.
John, you are not going !" ex-
claimed Irene, in tone Of terror.
YES" he replied, laughing; II
want to find out how IL was DONE"
LET me 80 with you ?"
And without waiting for his answer
she followed him.
"This is hardly the sort Of exhibi-
ton for lady to look upon at close
quarters" said sholbach. "You had
better sit behind this screen until it
10 over"
"Nol mol" said voice from the
house. "Lot the lady see how you do
it IL she can. -
Sholbach bowed, andgays Irene a
chair on the aids-vf the stage, oppo-
site 10 Manners. As be went off to
get the knife he paused for single
instant in front Of her and glared into
her eyes.
Don't you move or speak," he
whispered.
Poor girl She could not have
stirred il her life depended upon 10.
Cold beads Of perspiration broke out
on her brow and shivering chills ran
down her spine. But she was voice.
less and neryeless. Sholbaoh had
brought the full power Of his will 10
bear on her and she was completely
mesmsFized.
When the conjurer stood before
Manners he gazed intently into bis
eyes. The young physician, strong az
he was. felt himself grow weak before