The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1889-05-18

remove the possibility, II possibility ex-
listed. of being identified as the thief by me.
He set about his work with devflish cir
cumspection. I heard the metal RIGGS clink
as he took up the fallen curtain from the
floor and folded il and the bed creaked as
he got upon It. As he approached from be-
hind. he steadied himself by setting one
hand upon my shoulder. Then he laid the
folded curtain over my other shoulder and
his bony knuckies touched my chest as 20
arranged the stuff over my breast. k
what that meant; it was to prevent tho
traying blood from squirting upon his arm.
In the pause that followed l faneied he
must be turning up his sleeve. as a butcher
does who has beast to slaughter.
A thousand thoughts whrled through my
mind In that brief space; but great awe
came upon me as felt his hand firmly grasp
my left shoulder. for then | realized that l
was on the very brink of eternity.
A feeling of regret for the i'll use had
made of many days-for the loss of Edith.
and the world which she had filled with Joy
and hope; deep and tender wish for her
happiness, and the welfare of the compan-
ions who had toied with me to win the Hes
per. took the place of terror, and 1t was
with something like resignation that |
awaited death,
AS he srasped my left shoulder. felt him
lean over my right and the next moment he
stabbed me.
tie had not used sufficient force, for the
knife point stuck in one of the ribs under
my left breast. and went no further.
He pulled the knife out and tried again.
but this time the blade scarcely punctured
my skin.
Then seeing that tho thickness of the
doubled curtain was too great an impede
ment, he unfolied and rearranged it. pass
inc his hand over my breast and pressing
lis fingers here and there to ascertain
whether he had got it right for his purpose.
1t was then that, my nature revolving
against this barbarou5 refinement of cru
city, | prayed like Samson for strength. and
made one more effort to break my bonds.
The twisted sheets and firm knots with
stood the strain, but the effort saved my
life. The calculating villain knew that
must exhaust my strength III Il few min
utes. and would not risk breaking his knife
or getting it smeared with my blood as |
writhed;
And presently my force gave out. and all
hope laaving me | ceased TO struggle. and
was callous to his touch. when he once
more touched my shoulder.
But in that moment OF dread silence.
when his knife must have been raised to
strike the final blow. the door handle
turned. and l felt his grasp relax-nay, his
fingers tremble as they lay on my shoulder.
There was an interval of minute. and
the door-handle turned again; then voice,
that | recognized as Lola's, spoke in low
tone outside.
and she added, You amt sick, are you?"
She had como to my door and heard me
writing against the post.
What would the rascal do now? His hand
still trembled. 1t gave me courage, for il
showed that he feared discovery, and [
knew he would not risk his own neck for the
mere pleasure OF killing me- ] put out my
strength agaihi making the bed post slap
Under my strain.
Shall | sing out?" Lola asked, a little
l0uder and with an accent Of alarm.
The hand slipped from my shoulder and
down my arm as the villain stepped from
the bed. His position Was getting more
perilous. If Lola sung out" there would be
little chance of his making off with the
diamond
had loosened the towel that bound my
head and gagged me. ] wriggled about
furiously. worked the fold out of my mouth.
and got my chin above it, breathing freely
for the first me since had been tied up.
At the same moment | hearl the key turn
in the door, and | knew that the murderer
intended to let Lola in md silence her.
Fake care. take care!" | shouted, as
loudly as the towel that still covered my
face would permit.
Another wriggle. and felt that the upper
part of my face was uncovered. Moreover.
/ distinguished a long gray patch before
me. The curtain of the oriel had been
drawn back; the light hal sensibly increased
during the time occupied by the events l
have narrated.
/ almost fancied saw the silhouette of a
mans figure against the grayness. 1t moved,
and was sure that my eyes were not de-
ceived; it disappeared. aud almost immeIi-
atelr aftcrward | heard n fall upon the ter
race below The man had dropped down Il
distance of fifteen feet from the window
drop OF not more than six feet for an ordin-
man hanging from the ledge.
The feeling of relief combined with cX
haustion caused by my frantic efforts, was
too much for me. | was giddy and sick, my
eyes closed, the sweat stood cold upon my
face. every muscle gave way and quivered.
only the bonds upon my body kept me from
falling.
"Y'aint hurt. are you, dear?" were the
first words | heard. 1t was Lola's voice.
very mile and tremulous.
No; you have saved me-" said l.
She gave little moan of delight, and her
hands which hal been busily Juggling at
the knots, stopped in their work.
She threw her arms about my neck, and,
pressing her face against my breast, sobbCd.
TO he CONTINUED