Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-05-30

face OF the foremost man, then he uttered
great cry OF agony and terror. The dea.
had indeed come back to earth to stand Is q
witness against hum.
"Karl Vandible aliver'
Then the shattered spirit sank weakly,
and Captain Starbright fell heavily into his
chair, covering his face to shut out the view.
Before them stood the man we have
known as Don Benito. the maniac. Now
there was tn light of reason glowing in his
eyes, yet he was thin and pale, and leaned
on the arm of his companion, an officer, for
support
said the wronged Californian, in solemn
voice. GA blow from your hand clouded
my brain and sent me forth demented
wanderer upon the earth. A weight of
years has whelmed me, yet did not forget
nor forgive the man who struck that blow,
the man I trusted and confided in only to be
murdered. almost, by his treachery.
"Your last attempt upon my life proved
as futile as the first, thanks to this brave
doctor and his equally brave helper, Lura
Joyce. Both were on hand to rescue me
from the watery grave into which your
mInious had cast me. The stone broke
loose at the outset. was unconscious for
some time, and these friends conveyed me
to Stonefield in a light vehicle. The shock
to my system was terrible, but it served the
gOO0 Turn 10 restore my reason.
t'From the hour of my regaining conscious
ness knew every thing. Ny head is yet
sore, and am very weak, yet managed
last night to astound you on the brink Of
the forest pool, where you had gone to con-
template your latest villainy. had been to
the cave after something left there by me,
and spying you moving toward the pool
logged your steps and executed a little
tableau that frightened you so that yoV
swooned. From your pocket distracted
this" holding up delicate vial, (which the
good doctor informs me is subtle and
deadly poison. You have used it. My
brother Morgan died from its effects before
he signed the will, to which you afterward
affixed his name. Your race is run, Law
renee Brandon. You have many murders
to answer for, all to gain million that was
not for you"
As the man paused Lura held aloft fold
ed document.
'sThe last will and testament of Morgan
Vandible, which leaves all his property to
Karl, his beloved brother. This will has
been concealed, and is the only genuine
document in existence from the hand of
Morgan Vandible. congratulate you, Mr..
Vandible.''
Starbright dropped his hands and glared
at the paper in a hopeless. despairlng way.
His face was like death itself.
"And now,' said Karl Vandible, 81 have
the satisfaction of turning you over to the
custody OF an officer, Lawrence Brandon"
'sWait,'' cried the culprit, husk1ly, as
Vandible's companion advanced, displaying
q pair of handouts. Then he came to his
feet and shrank back across the floor
toward the window.
''Seize him!'' cried Lura. there's a
ladder at the window. He will escape"
'sHalt, siru'
II will not be taken alIve!" hoarsely
uttered the haggard villain. On the instant
he presented revolver, which he always
carried in case of emergency.
This movement deferred his seizure, and
then, crouching quickly, he glided through
the open window. Both the officer ard Dr.
Cotton dashed forward and peered out. The
escaping villain made a misstep, slipped
and, with wild cry, plunged headlong to
the ground below.
ssIl feel that I am not long for this
world, Karl"
The voice was faltering and low, and the
lips that uttered the words blue and
shrunken. Beside the couch sat two men,
DR.. Cotton and Karl Vandible. Outside the
first snow OF the season was sitting softly
down upon the gray roof at Lone Hollow.
One would scarcely recognize in the enact
ated man on the bed our old acquaintance,
Captain Starbright.
Bodily and mental suffering had done its
work. The plunge from the upper story OF
the great house on that night just fort
night before had given the man a shock
from which he could not recover, and he
was slowly and surely dying.
''There is no help for you, Captain
sHush! Do not utter that title. 1t was
as false as my life has been. Where
where is Austin Wentworth He ought t.
be here"
HE is still behind prison bars" answered
the doctor.
land for my crime. Yes, it ,rds mine.
meant to get rid Of them both when I free
that shot. My aim was not good. l was
nervous, suppose. Dropping the pistol
fed, and making swift detour, came upor
Austin and Grace from the direction of the
house. Hope he may be set free. An6
Grace
'.She is improving
s.II am glad.'
''And now" said Karl Vandible, ssteu Us
about the others, the will, and"
Every thing said against me is true,
even to forging the name of your brother
to that will. He never would have changed
the first one had he not supposed you dead
never"
The dying man was breathing huskily.
Soon he opened his lips and told the story
of his villainy. confessing every thing.
the wrongs I did, Karl--Kari, you who
we're once my friend!" faltered the dying
man at the last.
Karl thought of his own sufferings. of the
dead brother FASTENED to his grave by
poison administered by the hand Of the MAJ
before him, and remained silent.
ssYou can notv' groaned the dying man.
"a higher power may-look there, not te
me-" answered Vandible, in tones of sol
emn gravity.
Then he|sinking man gasped, attempted
to speak, but failed. a conclusive shuddel
passed through his frame, gasp and theI
silence-the man Of evil was dead.
With his death comes the ending Of oul
story. We have no desire to prolong ths
narrative. Through the efforts of Lurs
Joyce, assisted at the last by DR.. Cotton.
retribution had oyertaken the man who hai
stalked his soul in the struggle for a fortune
He had meditated the destruction of the
last Penroy in his eager desire to gain the
wealth of Major Vandible. Caught, he hac
fallen and died miserable death.
Austin Wentword> was at once released
The forged will was cast aside and the gen
uine probated, which was satisfactory te
all, Mrs. Penroy having the promise OF
|