The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-01
A STRANGE PICTURE,

ne WAS visiting an old uncle OF mine who
fE2 lives in acknowledgement in four-story
II brick mansion, which l am likely to in
herit. Uncle Claiborne was formerly an
active, enterprising peddler, fond of adven-
ture and never slow to relate events in his
personal experience. remember one stormy
December evening, when the wind was
blowing disasreeably outside, and the snow
driving iercely against the window-panes,
he stirred the log fire into a cheerful blaze
and related the following exciting adyen-
ture:
When l was about your age. Moses, was
reckoned the stoutest lad and the most
active young peddler in the country, ready
for fight or frolic; but while con slant
pedestrian, meeting with no incident worthy
OF testing my courage and endurance, an
event occurred which, though not Of the
character anticipated, was sufficiently novel
to satisfy for some time 10 come my love for
personal adventure.
l started off one week in November with
my pack on my back, cheerfully whistlng
as l trudged through the lonely byroads,
where many helpless traveller had been
waylaid, ever and anon starting as some
Jagged stump or gnarled oak assumed the
fierce guise of lurking robber.
Toward the evening of Il raw, chilly day
L reached the outskirts Of a small village,
ltJOlCCu " IctpSuiLc u tdScEH sign, WIN a
full-lepgih figure of Lafayette swinging in
the breeze, SO | marched inside and quite in
dependently ordered a hot supper and bed
for the night.
The laDdlOrd-a burly, red faced indi-
vidual- cooked his head on one side and
CONSIDERABLY informed me that, while the
hot sup er might be furnished, not a bed
was to be had in the house for love or money,
as t was assiZe week and every spare room
and closet was occupied.
You can't accommodate me, then?' said
|, much disappointed.
No." replied he, decidedly. 81 am
sorry, young man, l can't, but seeing it's
pretty cold night and no chance of you
finding quarters elsewhere. I'll take you in,
provided you'll keep watch over sick man
upstairs, and you can have your supper
gratis III the bargain"
t." How far Is it to the next tavern?" l
asked, after short pause, undecided as to
the offer.
" Ten long miles"
l looked up the road, thought of the cold
wind and inhospitable farnl-houses on my
route. and rather hastily concluded to accept
the strange proposition Of nine host.
You see." observed he, as he led me into
the supper-room, we've man here,
young lawyer, sick of fever. All his friends
are tired out watching with him. | don't
like 10 leave the poor fellow alone, for l
hardly expect he'll last The night through.
All you've got to do is to keep an eye on
him now and then; when he dies just let US
know"
l imagined at that moment the i'm
keepers face bore rather a singular ex-
preston. l wondered at it then, but |
understood better before two hours had
passed.
When ] had dispatched my supper was
shown into the sick mans chamber, and
Bonlface, after few instructions to me,
babe me good evening and left ME there.
The apartment was of ordinary size, and
situated in wing OF the building where the
noise and hustle would not modest the in
valid. Tbs furniture was in the usual
style, but there was something very familiar
in a portrait that attracted my attention, for
after casting glance at the sick man, who
lay muffled up in bed and breathing heavily,
my eye involuntarily turned to the picture
again.
1t was the portrait of young and beauti-
full female that had barely reached her six
teenth year, the face beaming with the inno-
cent vivacity of girlhood ana the eye spark
ling with 4 wonderful degree of light and
intelligence.
Riveted there by an unaccountable and
mysterious fascination, stood gazing at the
lovely embOdiments, almost expecting the
face to glow with animation, the lips to part
and speak. when | was startled as a clear,
musical voice observed, "A beautiful pict-
ure. that" -F
turned round to discover, with no small
degree Of establishment that the sick man
had partially raised himself to a sitting pos
ture, and was contemplating the lovely por-
trait with rs much earneStness as myself.
The invalid, despite the ravages of disease,
which showed itself in his hollow eyes and
attenuated frame, was an uncommonly
handsome man. His features bore the i'm
press OF arlstocratic lineage, and his finely
chseled nose and mouth expressed strong
passions and uncomfortable will.
~ on feel better" | said. recovering from
my surprise.
He waved his hand impatiently.
~ on have not answered my question. The
picture-the picture! What do you think Of
Pardon me, sir. 1t is beautiful"
"YOu have no idea Of the originate"
"None, SIR"
at is the portrait" replied the sick man.
speaking slowly and deliberately, and fast
enng upon me his black. giittcring eye. ut
Is the portrait Of my dearest WIFE"
Your wife, l replied.
my wife, Evelyn st. Croix," pursued the
sick man; do you notice her eye?"
Il do"
"a strange, unearthly expression; the art
lst was true to nature. She was mad when
he painted her; she died ravng mad"
What dreadful fate for one 50 youngw
Listen; she deserved it, Evelyn st.
Croix was beautiful, but she was weak and
VAN she was graceful as q nymph. bus
false"
HC DIN itii udCk Oh MS pillow, GX-
bausted by the violence of his exertions;
then. after few minutes, he raised himself
again and mutercd, hoarsely: at affects
me, the remembrance Of her perfidy. 1t
sometimes makes me wild and deirous
Stop; you shall bear about 1.-THE story of
my wrongs and sufferings."
You are too weak; it excites you. l
Will listen to the story some other time"
mo, you shall hear it now" reiterated
the sick man, almost tiereely. Il loved her
met her-loved her in a moment, before l
had time to ask her whether she had any af-
lection to bestow upon me. She was disap-
pointed, and married me when she could
not wed him whom she adored wor-
SHIPPED her, and deemed her as pure as the
driven snow. She whispered in my
fool like, believed it and accepted
her caresses and protestations, never dream
ing that woman loves silently The best. and
kisses and Establishments are too oft n an
artful cloak TO conceal base designs. | was
cozened and bcguiled with soft honeyed
words and fattering caresses. | dreamt
not all the while was clasping viper to
my bosom. You are not listening 10 me !"
I" / am"
My family physician was young AMI
fascinating. He had free access to my Nile's
society. He availed himself of it and made
her love for him a vehicle to his own selfish
passions. The world guessed the truth. l
knew nothing OF my dishonor for had faith
In Evelyn. My friends wondered at my
blindness and pitied me. But finally note
fell in my hands; it opened my eyes--made
me feel wretched. laid snare for my
faithless wife and her paramount and slew
him before her eyes. She went raving mad.
Since that fearful hour | have sworn vo W
which have ever kept"
The invalid paused and glared at me with
ferocity that caused feeling of uneasi-
ness to creap over me-
You cannot gueSs?"
NO"
Il win tell you. Every year I have
offered up a sacrifice on the altar of my ven
geance. You must be the victim now" .
You do not mean that!'
"Ha! hal hat" laughed the sick man.
suddenly raising himself on his feet. while
his eyes flashed like two balls of fire. "You
think me Meak-you are mistaken; l have
the strength of Samson; you shall see."
As he said this, with one bound he vaulted
to the floor and deliberately locked and
boiled the door. And now the horrible
truth dashed upon me that l was with
mailman, and that he had me completely
and absolutely in his power. COMPOUNDED