Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1885-12-18
N EEDHAM'S FAILURE
By JOSEPH HATTON.
Author of ''The Queen of Bohemia" "I,hs
Three Recruits" Etc.

When the two men servants had gone
Mr.. Needham (having asked John to leavs
the stable key on the study tabIs) wen into
the yard and smoked a cigar thera-a very
unusual thing for him to do. He went into
the stables, and patel the cob which he
used for city work IN his single brougham.
Then he examined the harness and the
brougham, strolling in and out of the
stables, tho harnesS-room and the coach
house. After while he carried the cob's
harness into thu stable and put it on He
peeped out into the yard to see if he was
noticed No, all was quiet. He then ex-
amlned the brougnam, came back and
looked at the traces; went back to the
coach house. returned to the stable, I'M
harnessed the cob, pattsd its neck, replaced
the harness; then picked up the cigar he
had laid on window ledge, and went back
to his room
Il might do it some other way" he said
to himself, did not late and circumstance
point to Gne one way-my way-the way I
was going myself My own plans are laid
they are simple and natural, AMI I see them
in detall from first ID last. Ga the eve OF
their fuli, lent there co mes to me this sub
stitute, this second self, to take my place.
Ii accept him. l slould put him into nv
place, detail .or detail, AMI the only way is
to drive him to the spot where the body of
John Needham is to be discovered There
is no oLher way; but the doing of it, the
successful carrying out Of such subs0itu-
ton of me for another-what an undertake
ing! 1t must be done quickly and with a
firm hand. What if bungls as l have done
SO often of late? What if bu lgls and am
detected in the midst of my work? Well,
there will be poison enough for both of US
l feel as if had already taken some noxioas
stuff into my veins. Men who commit
murder must first be mad 1t is insanity.
Ny will is moved by some other power then
my own. 1t is as if l were creeping and
crouching for my prey and l grow hot and
cold"
He paced the room in that catlike, tiger
ish way which had previously character
lied his move ments, and he pauseI to catch
sight of his pale face in mirror-pale facs
and bloodless lips. Presently h. sat down
again-sat at his desk and sorted papsra
Then he made some memoranda in his diary,
took bundle of bank notes from the safe.
and placed them in pocketbook. Pros
entity he ruag the bell.
Send the cook to me-" he said to tina
parior maid who ans were1 the bell
Yes, sir"
AM, Mary"
eyes. sir"
Were you ever at the operas"
Yes, sir; thank you, sir''
ut is great night at the opera tonight.
Wonll you like to go to-nights"
Thank you, sir"
You shall, then, and Jane as well; here
is only Jane best les the cook, ehg'
"And Sarah, sir'
'Well, lshau not be home until very late
tonight, and you can all go. will get
seats for you in the upper circle; shall
be there, SO shall expect to see you in your
Places
"Thank you SIR"
"An1 let me seq, l suppose R ,gers would
not mini taxing charge of you, ehg'
Don know, I'm sure, SIR
"Ah, well, I will speak TO him-that will
do
THANK you, sir" she said and bowed
herself out OF the room
Masters gone mai!' she exclaimed.
"Clean mad-mal as halter! Where's
Rngers?'
In The buffers pantry"
81 want to speak to him; if ever there
was halter as was NAL, masters himv'
Mary flew to the butter, who received her
request With some incredulity and consiler-
able loss OF dignity
Me take charge of lot of kitchen
wenches at the hopera; Mary, It's you as is
mad!" said the butler