The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-10

Dihuue stammered out, trying to smile.
A glass OF wine will drive il away, pour
me out some"
Claude swallowed at one draught the
contents Of the glass, and ordered 1t filled
again. Then minging in the general con-
versation. he endeavored TO show his good
humor in light chat while he drank his
wine.
The evening was passed in varied CONVEX
satlon, during which the hour grew late,
and the customers gradually withdrew,
so that at last, besides Claude, there
were but two at the table with empty
glasses before them. 1T is time TO return
home," said one OF them, glancing up at
The clock. 1t was some time since Claude
had looked at tho clock, regretting that
the hands were not to remain motionless
till daylight. He would have liked TO stay
longer, much longer in the warm, quiet
atmosphere OF the little cafe. He had
vague dread of leaving it. The owl was
silent, however, although he surmised that
she was outside.
ut will be IL o'clock presently" re-
marked one OF the companions. 81 must
be up al daybreak. am going'
81, too" said the other friend. even
should we not go, Papa Binot, who is
falling asleep standing would put us out.
Is 1t not true, Pere Binot?' and the young
man laughingy slapped the keeper Of the
cafe on the shoulder.
"lndecd ! would" bluntly replied the
latter, as he gathered up the glasses from
the table. 81 admit ! am glad 10 see you
going"
Claude had to rise with the others.
Pierre, are you not coming with me?"
he asked.
"Why, certainly not, as our roads lie in
opposite directions. Good night" lie
took Claude's hand, and suddenly felt the
latter push him back toward the threshold.
The murderer hid just perceived the glow
Of the phosphoric spots IN the darkness.
What ails your" asked Pierre.
Nothing"
How could Claude acknowledge that
bird could brighten him? Several good
nights" were exchanged. Then they sep
araied and soon were lost 10 sight, Tor the
night was dark.
Almost immediately out of the black
ness. where Claude had disappeared, q
dreadful piercing cry was heard, followed by
prolonged groans, in which there was scarce
IL anything human. Claude's two friends
turned back and Pere BinOt proceeded at
the same time in the direction whence the
screams had come. When the three were
near enough TO distinguish what had hap
pened, a lrightlul spectacle presented It.
self. On the bare head OF the staggering
man an owl was standing upright with her
claws entanglcd in his hair and furiously
pecking at his eyes. Who's the two friends
got nearer TO Claude the enmged bird had
finished her work OF vengeance, and flew
away.
Claude, with his hands closely pressed
20 his eyes, uttered piercing shrieks. They
led him back 10 the cafe. The blood
flowed in streams They washed his face
and gave him something TO drink. Feeling
about and cropping around, he ondeayored
10 stand up
81 cannot see, cannot SCI" he cried.
"Oh, II is dreadful What torture!
would rather de-"
lie wrung his hands and tears OF blood
ran down his cheeks.
at il the owl, the owl that is avenged, I"
he muitcrcd between his teeth
"What owlY'
"The one whose eggs broke the other
evening when I was climbing the tree.
All, | thought had iorescon everything.
But no, TINT cursed nest had 10 be in my
path. The old man may well laugh in his
grave"
"Of what old man Is he speaking?n thoy
all asked. As low rs the words were pro-
nouuced. they reached the ears Of Claude
''Oi what old man am speaking2" ox.
claimed he, with diabolical laugh: ''oi
old Landry; why. OF course. DO you want
70 know where his money is hidden? Go
inio tno WoOi, ..c.,T ;,is higli'T.;y. IN the
first glade on the right there you " III find
the trunk Of a shattered tree; count thirty
steps from II in the direction OF the town,
and, behind n thick c,ump Of brush.wood,
there is buried the old mans money"
With gesture OF despair Claude again
pressed his hands 10 his eyes with frantic
rage and began TO cry out
''As for the murderer Of the old man, |
may as well confess H. The murderer is
not his nephew. II Is -