The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-10-16

Cyrus Maddox was evidently not long
one, rs it was finished in less than an
hour
Eleven o'clock" said Mr.. Maddox
and l have finished. How slow the time
passes, to be sure! Now, what shall
do until 10, for am determined not to
die until noon"
A knock at the door.
Go away" cried Mr. Maddox an
Grily; you can't come in !"
II am very sorry to disagree with you. ="
said voice outside, "but can come in.
have a duplicate key here, and if you
don't open the door will"
Mr. Maddox rose and unlocked the
door savagely, and Mr.. Guy Cheevers
stalked into the room, carrying an oblong
box under his arm.
He placed the box on the table and
then took seat opposite Mr.. Maddox
and stared blankly at him.
What do you want?" asked the latter
hercely. Don't you see am engaged?"
"Oh, I know" said Guy, what you
are about to do! Don't think that I'm
going to interfere-not at all. But be.
fore you make your quietus wish to ask
you few questions. Have you pro.
vided for your niece's welfare?"
Whats that to you?"
Considerable. l am about to marry
Miss Silver; so her interests are naturally
mine.
Then she is provided for-amply.
Thank you for the information. Very
glad to hear it. And now excuse the
apparent impertinence of the question,
but where is your willg"
Here, replied Mr.. Maddox, laying
his hand on it.
Suppose you give it to me to take care
Off"
Give it you! Why, pray,"
at might become misplaced, ex-
planned Guy.
"Tll keep it myself, said Mr.. Maddox
in a rough tone.
Then just leave a memorandum on
the table," said Guy earnestly, "to tell
where it is. 1t will save trouble. per.
haps."
"Get OUT" cried Mr.. Maddox angrily.
"Ah, see!" said Mr.. Cheevers coolly;
ain hurry to begin. Well, won't de-
tain you; but l have little sug yestion
to offer.
"Well?' said Mr.. Maddox impatiently.
at is this, said Guy. Miss Silver
informs me that you have made several
previous efforts to C It short your trouble
and your breath, and always unsuccess-
fully. Now it seems to me you ,u't go
the right way about it. This box and
here he opened the box alluded to-~con-
tains several little plans that / think
might please you. Here's one," and ho
showed a little steel Instrument.
whats that" asked Mr. Maddox.
This, said Guy, is an article that
you can place round your neck like col.
lar, then, by striking your hand on the
left side OF your neck, a sharp spike is
driven into your jugular VEIN"
But that would kill me-" said Mr..
Maddox, staring.
well, amt that what you want?" de.
manded Guy sternly. "Now. here's
another, =" he went on. "Heres a wheel.
you observe; you place this band round
your neck, pass it round the wheel, and
give it two or three turns-then let 90.
The recoil will twist your head almost
off your shoulders-kill you to cor
tainty."
Mr. Maddox stared at him with un.
feigned horror.
Then, went on Guy coolly, theresa
little package, torpedo. 1t contains
nitroglycerine. You place it in YOU,
mouth, snap your teeth on it, and of
goes your head, smashed into millions Of
atoms"
Good heavens." exclaimed Mr.. Mad
dox fearfully. what terrible idea"
Not at ALL" said Guy soothingly,
"Be.. ntiful invention-I quite pride my.
self on !. scientific suicide, you see:
ANY one can take poison, or blow his
brains out; but to do it scientifically re.
uuires real talent. You have it, and I
am confident you will reflect credit on
nv inventive skill. Now if you could
use all three of these inventions at once
cut your jugular, garrote yourself, and
hlow your head off all at once-why, I'd
thank you.
aWhat!" cried Mr.. Maddox fiercely.
"do you think I'm crazy? Do you think
I'm going to use any Of your internal in
yentions? Leave this room, you cold
blooded villain, before throw you out Of
the window,"
But have great many more to
show you" demonstrated Guy, land you
see want you to try as many as possible.
Well, well," he added, as Mr.. Maddox
grasped the poker threateningly, I'm
going. But I'll leave this box here. and
before you get rid of yourself just make
memorandum OF what you will use and
leave it on the table, because you know
there will probably be nothing left Of You
10 draw conclusions from, and So"
Here any further speech was cut short
by Mr.. Maddox seizing his visitor and
hustling him out into the passage.
"Well?" said Lizzie anxiously.
81 think its all right" said Guy, grin
ming. "Get the luncheon ready. Your
uncle will be down."
And sure enough, SO he was; and