The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1889-08-09


"She busted it out about dark and
arranged the bottles. Land sakes
What are we to do tonight without
that opium?"
A bright thought seemed to strike
Nicholas Garland.
Run down to the housekeepcr's
room," he said; "I remember she had
some not long ago for a toothache. II
there's any left she'll give it to YOU"
Will you remain herea"
He" with significant glance at the
closed door, might want something
and ring"
"All right, go along"
Mrs Hanks hurried away and Gar
land approached the fireplace, and for
some moments his whole soul seemed
centered upon the good woman's tea
pot that was steaming away upon the
sure that the shuffiifinag a iooisteps we're
rapidly losing themselves in the dis
tance, he cast one wolfish glance about
him, then emptied the dark contents of
the purloined phial into the steaming
tea.
"That will insure the old beldame
sound sleep till morning." he muttered,
as he cast the empty bottle into the
pile of ashes on the hearth; "Grace is
out of the way, and by midnight the
way will be clear. SO far so"
His muttering ceased with jerk. He
raised his head the better to listen.
"Harkl" breathed the coward to his
own conscience, where was that-in
the bedroom? Noi Ha! Somebody's at
the Window"
He had scarcely made the startling
discovery when the easement was eau
tiously opened and man entered muf-
fled beyond recognition in grcat-coat
and slouched hat.
y "Histl Garland!" whispered the in
truder.
"For Gods sake!" gasped the man,
recognizing the voice. "Mr. Boydeni [
Where did you come from2 / thought
you by this time safe up in Londonp
$50 I must be by day ybreak to-mor-
row, in case an atibi is necessary" was
the reply.
"You started; what did you come back
forp"
Max Boyden loosened his wrappings
sufficiently to display handsome
countenance, but repulsive from the
ravages of dissipation.
Il must have those two thousand
dollars tonight; have decided that
can't go back without them"
"But Mr.. Clifford refused to let you
have another cent, said Garland.
Il understand that; but you told me
that he drew twice that amount from
his bankers only yesterday"
$50 he did"
"Well, then, old boy, when YOU 90
into his room tonight after the will"
"Hushl hush!" breathed the terrified
-Come nov" laughed Boyden coarse
ly, "if you're going to be SO chicken
hearted I'll do the business myself, md
that without gloves, I promise YOU"
Nicholas Garland fretted neryously.
well, go on" he painted; quick
What is it you want?"
"You told me no kept his money in
his bureau"
'Yes, yesi''
well, when you've nabbed the will
just freeze on to oil the money there is
there"
"All rightl But go-gor"
"As it is bright moonlight, I'll wait
for you down back of the stables"
eyes, yes-go! Oh, for Gods sake
gol"
"Ono word more. just you calm
yourself, or you'll make botch Of tn,
whole thing"
Garland was pushing his accomplic,
with might and main toward the opei
easement when he suddenly paused.
"Hark |" he gasped, in abiect terror
"some one is coming. We are lostl"
Boyden also heard tho sound of ap
preaching footsteps, and, keenly aliv,
to the consequences of his being dis
covered there, he glided out of the case
mont, which Garland closed just as tn,
door of the death-chamber silently
opened.