The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-01-14
Prohibition Department.
ny
]. b. JONES.


| was visiting n TREND at his sum
mer residence number OF years ago.
1t was situated in ono OF the most
beautiful and iar.iamed spots Of our
land, and the society in the house
mud immediate vicinity numbered
among it some of Americas most
gifted sons and daughters. Every
thing that culture could devise and
wealth purchase surrounded MS, and,
as the days and weeks flew by, | felt
that that there was at least one para
disc on earth. There were times when
q shadow fitted across the fair face
Of the mistress OF the mansion; but
we smiled at her sadness, little dream
ing that tho hour was near at hand
when the Skeleton iii the house
should be revealed in all its hidsOus-
ness,
We had returned one evening from
long drive, and were seated in one
Of the deep bay windows, from which
wo'looked down upon the broad river
that flowed slowly and silently beneath
the steep precipice, whose brow Was
concealed by majestic trees, and
whose top was crowned with gardens,
filed with the choicest and rarest
exotics. The purple and gold OF the
setting sun had faded into twilight,
and we we're watching the silver moon
rs it rose above mountain peak up
on the opposite side Of the river, wheH
sharp cry broke the stiffness, and
we SpranH to our feet with that feeling
OF underlined fear that 30 often herald'
the approach Of danger, One OF oul
number turned toward the door o
the room, and as she did so a deadly
pallor oyerspread her face. With
sudden movement she closed the doc
and turned the key. The next mo
ment succession Of heavy blows re
sounded through the room, and tn
voice OF our host demanded admit
tance. The blows, the words, tn
tones OF the voice were those OF
maniac. and we leaped from the wiz
dow, uncertain what to do, until h
too emerged from the house wit
glaring eyes, and brsndishing loat
ed pistol. We fled in terror, and b
with whom we had few hours b
fore slipped the social glass, followe
us with fierce impreCations and FEM
ish yells. We found refuge in neig'
boring mansion, and strong han'
pinioned the arms Of the maniac ar
led him home. At midnight we r
turned to the house to find him ses
ed in the library, with number
gentlemen around him. The decar
or and wine-glasses were upon the
BILE, and the party smoked and talk
together. Somewhat ashamed OF o
fight, we fingered in the hall befo
separating; but as turned to s
goodnight to the lady OF the hou
her husband stepped between US, al
quick as lightning drew a stiletto fro
his bosom, 1t flashed in his hand
he raised it above her head, l spra
forward, and catching his arm, call
him by q name he had loved in bc
hood. He paused an instant, g
that instant saved life.
When we met again he lay we
and helpless as a child and as
by biz bedside, he laid his trembli
hand on mine and thanked me Il
/ had saved him from the sin OF m
der. Then, in tones OF utter hopelt
ness and despair, he told me OF the
satiate demon one glass OF wine ave
within him. Ny eyes even yet g.
dim as ] recall that confession /
the strange contrast between the h
less victim and his gorgeous surrou
ings. The mansion has passed
the hands Of strangers, and many
those who sat around its hoSpitS
board have gone to their etei
home.
God grant that those of us who
left, may say, Wherefore, If n
make my brother to offend, | will
no flesh vile the world standeth." "