The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-11-10

| OF these stairs. 1t was woman, ana In the
| dim light looked like Nettie. Seeing me she
retreated-a little hastily, thought. but for
got all about it moment later, for just then
the door near me opened and DR.. Berkiy came
| out.
WELL" whispered, chow is she9"
Easier, but not entirely out of danger. /
| can't understand it. Must have been some
poison in the canned fruit. Such things hap
pen. I'm going for some restoratives. Keep
it quiet Well go down the back way" he
| added, $50 as not to attract attention"
He started down the steps and FOLLOWED,
walking softly, so as not to make disturbance.
As the Doctor got to where the stairs made a
turn he filled up almost the entire opening,
and in the very dim light could not see be-
yond him, but heard him suddenly stop, then
O voice which recognized as Netties.
"Is she dead?" asked the voice, in . loud
whisper.
The Doctor was staggered at this unexpected
question.
"Dead!" he repeated; "who dead? Who told
you anybody was sick?"
had stopped still and was listening with
breathless eagerness. Evidently she thought
Berkly was alone.
Becoz give it to her." she said savagely.
II know, becoz it was me thet-thet done it;
tibet killed her for yeh."
" You killed her--you killed her for me
The Doctor spoke low, but his voice was ex-
cited and hurried.
"Becoz she went back on yeh onc't fer =
richer feller thet's why. / heerd all about it.
l swore I'd lay 'er out, an did it,"
The Doctor was Supplied for q moment at
this astonishing confession, then he found
words.
"You fool" he burst ont hoarsely; you
fool You have committed murder on &C.
r0fInf Of n lie IFS all q lip t fall
lie. never knew her until she was married,
and you have murdered her for it. You will
be hung, do you hear? You will be hung!
You are a murderer"
Then he pushed past Der, ] following, down
into the deserted trunk-room below. / saw
her crouched down on the steps as passed, her
face hidden. She did not seem to notice that
there were two of u.s. and that had overheard
We pushed on through narrow passageway
that led to the rear into the alley and fresh air
outside. The Doctor was more aroused than /
would have supposed WAS possible
Did you ever hear of such deviltry as
that ?" he groaned. II think the woman will
get through all right, but / wanted to scare
that she-devil so she'll leave the country. For
Gods sake, don't breathe word to anybody.
I'll see you by-and-by. I've got to get some
restoratives, now, aud hurry back. Stay down
in the Office; if anything should 60 wrong /
may want to send you for help"
Two hours later, as l sat trying to read,
Berkly came down. l arose. and We went out
side
She is ell right" he said, when we got
away from everybody; "she doesn't know it
was poison. Thinks something she ate did not
agree with her. Arsenic must have been put
in her tea Let's go somewhere snd get q
drink; I'm all used up"
We went to the Doctors rooms, and talked
far into the night. 81 Better stay with me to-
night" he said, as / arose to 60. ! was too
tired to need second invitation.
We slept late. About o'clock VIC were
awakened by loud knocking at the door.
jumped up hastily. The Doctor. who was &C.
customed to such disturbance, only half reused
himself.
What is it?" he called, sleepiy.
want DIR. Berkly, the Coroner" replied the
voice. (The Doctor was still holding this
Office at the time).
what has happened? Who's dead?"
Woman at the Huntington Housed"
Good God Who is it?" cried Berkly, now
thoroughly aroused.
"One of the r-girls-Nettie, they call
her-fOund dead in her room. Think it's
suicide, but don't know any reason"
And, later in the day, the Coroner rendered
similar verdict.