The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1890-01-29

llouS- S1lleEty Tue Ll1H AfV>cS NIof'-
ping the lady's hand, drew up chair
opposite to my own. and with an impa-
tient, uneasy exclamation, brought my
| investigation TO termination.
You will draw up the ordinary form
ula Of testament" ne said, giving the
young girl close, scrutinizing look, in
which | could detect warning express
sion, !" writing as dictate, Miss Pick
ering having acquainted me with the
destined disposal of her property, and
allowing her to acquiesce when it is fin
ished. l suppose her affirmative will be
all that is necessary ?"
/ was somewhat surprised at the
strangeness of the request, bat an
sxered
Certainly, if I am confident that she
is eomPos Hsatis, and she is too sick to
dictate herself"
I EHere slightexclanation broke from
the lips of the occupant of the bed, as if
about to frame word or sentence, but
she was checked by Jackson, who, with
threatening scowl, evidently not meant
for my observation, said
Do not exert yourself, my dear niece;
will 90 all that is necessary and then,
as drew the writing material before me
he quickly leaned over toward her, and
Kissed in her ear:
Remember be careful with such
emphasis as to cause her to sink, pale
and trembling, back among the pillows
of he bed.
A half hour elapsed, and the viii had
been completed. All Blanche Picker
ing's property, personal and real, was TO
be divided between the man jackson and
his son Henry, with the exceptions of a
few small Iegacies Then read it, and
after propoanding the few necessary in
terrogatories to the legs or, which were
answered in a low, trembling affirma-
tive, requested her to sign it.
Drawing my chair up TO her side, with
the paper and pen in my hand, l await
ed for her to obey my request-intimat-
ing to Jackson that it would be as well
to have Cooper as witness
The latter individual had, evidently,
fallen asleep, for, a call to him not bring
ing him to the bedside, Jackson arose
and walked over to where his confrere
lay.
At this moment, and with the rapidity
of light, the girls hand caught my own,
and leaning my head downward, so that
could listen to what she might desire
to say, heard her whisper, in passion
ate, beseeching words
am forced to this They intend to
Kill me- For heavens sake, try and help
mer'
Then she sank back, and before Jack
son had been able 10 observe US, We had
both resumed our former relative posi-
tions.
At last the viii had been signed, wit
messed and sealed, and, hat in hand, l
stood at the table, awaiting my clients
further pleasure, as if l had not the i1ea
in my mind of returning before morn
ing, and that, too, with an officer Of jus
tice-
Mr.. Jackson handed me a bill, OF
large denomination, shook hands with
me warmly, and then requested Cooper
to show me to the door As left the
room, / cast an encouraging glance al
Miss Pickering, which did not escape
the notice of her lynx-guardian, for he
looked me sharply in.ithe face, as if to
detect some sign of recognition there.
Then followed my seryitor down the
stairs, listened TO his untruthful regrets
that the carriage must have returned to
the house, as agreed upon. and then gone
to the city, declined his offer to remain
for the night. and having been directed
the route to Harlem, stood once more in
the open air.
Ny nrst thought was 10 make all haste
to the city, ami, on the slight evidence
of foul play had, to obtain justice for
the young girl.
The idea was Immediately discarded,
for, as ! was about to start out, wild
scream Of terror assIiled my listening
ears.
In moment vas again up the steps,
and turning the knob of the door in an
Intellectual attempt to again gain admit
lance.
was about to attempt to force an en-
trance through the window, when the
door was flung suddenly open, and the
man Cooper stood before me.
He discovered me at once, and with an
oath struck at ME with his clenched fist.
Evading the blow, whipped out my re-
volver, and striking him with the butt
end, knocked him senseless upon the
stoop.
l was again about to turn and enter,
when the form Of Jackson dashed down
the staircase, through the open door, and
| felt myself in his grasp.
saw at once that be was unarmed,
and eleyating my pistol, fred but the
shot was turned aside, and the weapon
knocked from my hand TO the ground.
Then ensued fearful struggle between
us, in which we both were precipitated
down the steps upon the gravel wal be-
low uppermost.
1t was, perhaps, for two minutes, that
held him by the throat, dealing him
blows with my disengaged hand-he
having the other in his strong grasp
when, with dexterous twist OF his pow
crful arm, he turned me aside, and | lay
PROSTATE upon the ground, with the vice
like grip of his strong fingers grssping
me BY the throat, until nay eyes we're
starting from their sockets and every
muscle became inactive.
Seizing large stone which lay near
him, Re raised it in his left hand, and
was about to strike me on the head,
when sharp, loud report rang on the
air. The form Of the ruffian fell back
his fingers released their grasp.
A form in white passed before my un-
certain vision; and then, for the space
of Eve minutes l was utterly uncon-
scious-
When, at length, my mind awoke from
its stupor. a form, in nightclothes-that
of Miss Pickering-was bending over me,
.k.fen, .nx g.. s,fa. a..t .&s~.v. ..ss,.,. -,