Morning journal and courier., 1891-08-28

destination. He must stop 1t by some means. But howl That was the question. He remembered the box where he hsd dropped it. A postman would take it from there to the branch office, when it would be forwarded to the general deli very" for distribution.
 After some reflection he concluded that the branch office for that particular box must be close by, not more thsn five min ute's walk. With rapid steps and full of hope, he soon found the place, politely in- quired for the superintendent, and heard with some disappointment that he was ab- sent He then turned to one of the clerks and explained the case, invented @ pretext for recalling his letter, saying it was 6 business transaction, and he had received a telegram since writing 1t, and wished to change the contents.
 The clerk, with 6 supercilious smile, in formed him 'it was no easy matter to get back letter." and then he did not know he was the right man, he might be deceiv ing him; and being in no hurry whatever, began telling him long stories of jealous husbands and lovers trying to play that game. Paul grew impatient, protested, implored, but of no avail; all the clerks f gathered around to see what was the mat ter, while the public angrily complained of the impertunate person who occupied the pOct-OhCS "luuOW eO AllcI a stormy discussion, he was advised to bring two witnesses to certify to his indentity.
 Here was another question Where was he to find these two witnesses! With some trepidation he entered little wine shop, and after great difficulty induced the proprietor to comply with his request. He had to argue with him, drink with him, and finally had to bribe him. Then the proprietor must seek neighbor for the other witness, and Paul had the same diff ficulty in making him understand what he was required to do. Then all three rushed to the post-ofice. The clerk, still in no hurry, kept them waiting fully a quarter of an hour before he would condescend to make the necessary inquiries. and then cooly informed them that the box where the letter had been dropped was not in his jurisdiction-it belonged to another office. On hearing this Paul felt the hair rise on his head. Still, all was not lost yet. He would catch that letter at the other office, if he could only get there in time. Inquir- ing the exact locality, he hastily bundled his witnesses into a cab, called to the driver to go like the wind, promising double fare Too late, the letterbags had been closed and sent to the general office.
 A real fright now seized the poor fellow. How was he to get back that foolish let teri He must have it at any cost; he was overwhelmed with shame when he recalled the silly threats it contained.
 There was nothing to be done now but to wait for the distribution of the letters, which would be in about two hours. His only chance was to go to her house, watch for the post-man; as soon as he saw him leave, rush in, bribe the concierge, buy that letter back-if necessary take it by main force-he must have that unfortunate let ter.
 Time dragged heavily with him. He paced restlessly up and down the street, sometimes Respondent, then again hope full.
 The sight of tine postman cut short his reverie, and brought back all his fears. He saw him enter her house; he staid & long time, so it semed to Paul. When he came out, he rushed madly in. The room of the ascending the stairs (see how the most trival things can change our destiny) i'm pelled by an extraordinary fit of zeal he had decided to deliver the letters immed lately. Paul heard the door of her apart ments opened and close, and with fright full pang recognized the familiary sound. He felt that he was lost, covered with disgrace. Perhaps at that very moment she was reading the letter that announced | HIS ucdIu. tlt NOulu uGHDcA bt room. What rediculous figure he would | cut, ia perfect health and spirits, not even | dreaming of carrying out his sinister | threat.
 Maddened with shame. his aching brain | in a whirl, he scarcely knew what he was | doing until he found himself in his own room, unable to think, unable to form m idea of what he had best do. In fact he had but one idea, and that was the shame | and and disgrace of that silly letter. With | great effort he regained little cOmposure, | and tried to think of some means of escape. | An! hs has it. He will make her believe | he attempted suicide. Mechanically taking out his pistol, he quickly put it back again. | Oh, horror the touch of the cold steel | made him shiyer To die. He had not | the slightest intention of it;life was sweet, | death horrible and suicide a monstrous | crime.
 However something must be done. He | took of his coat and vest, felt all over his body, trying to recall what he knew of anatomy. He found a place near his heart where he could pinch up the flesh
 between his thumb and fingers; @ ball there would barely cut the skin, without reach | ing any vital organ. But even that fright | ened him; he could not conceal from him
 self that he was afraid; he trembled at the | thought of the bullet tearing his flesh.  Curse that letter,
 | A step on the stairs startled him. Per | chance it was she. Immediately the cur
 rent of his thought was changed What
 was that little scratch he was going to in
 fleet on himselfl Nothing at all He
 would scarcely feel it, and then it would make him the more interesting. Perhaps I-who knew-when she heard he had st-
 tempted his life, it might soften her heart,
 change her indifference to pity, even to
 tenderness.
 With pleased smile, he took every pre-
 caution to make a success of his little
 comedy. He stood near the bed where he
 could fall back on it, carefully placed the
 pistol to his breast, holding it in such 6
 way that the bullet would just graze the
 skin, and waited for the step upon the
 stairs. It came nearer and nearer finally
 stopped on the landing at his door.
 Now this was the moment. Paul pulled
 the trigger, the pistol slipped, and the bull
 let went straight through his heart-deat l.. l. lo TrQn lat snf