Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-08-26

FATE'S MEASURE.

1t was an old looking room. Plaster
casts and half-6nished pictures adorned
tho walls, here and there rough sketch.
Bits of broken statuary, dusty rolls Of
canvas, an occasional piece of unmod-
eled clay, easels. pallets and brushes
in hopeless confusion marked this tho
work room of an artist. The floor was
bare except for tiker-skin thrown in
front of large fireplace where the
cracking hickory wood difused chccry
glow throughout the room. A food Of
light came in through the skylight and
Illuminated a portrait resting on an
easel, before which young man was
seated painting.
The portrait was that of u youth
whose sun of boyhood had scarcely set !;
the face was singularly earnest, with
large blue eyes, fair hair, regular fea-
lures, and an expression which baiiled
description.
The artist was Robert MERCER. Now
and then he paused, and then continued
as if his task were painful and difficult
Occasionally he rose and carefully scru-
tinized bis efforts. Suddenly the door
was pushed open and young man en-
tered, He greeted the artist familiarity.
"Ah, MERCER, how docs the picture :
Almost finished, see. You promised
to tell me the circumstances Of Blanc's
death some time. Why not now 7"
The young fellow threw of bis over
coat and sat down by the fire with an
expectant air. MERCER rose, leaned one
elbow on the mantel- piece, and gazed
steadfastly at bis friend
II doubt if you will believe it when
told, but if you care to hear, listen. II
is strange narrative" And he re-
lated tho following:
| knew Edmond Blanc in Paris we
had rooms together in the Quarter Latin.
He was studying to become an artist.
and was very handy with his brush.
That sunset on the mantel is his work.
Hc was not wealthy, and little too
proud. On the other hand he was cour.
teous and good hearted, always knew
just what to do at the right timo, and n
most generous fellow. But he had
temper quick dangerous, and at times
uncomfortable.
One Sunday in October, late in tho
afternoon, | sat in the study, wondering
what had become of my chum, whom
suddenly Edmond rushed into tho room
in perfect frenzy Of excitement. His
manner indicated that something fright
full had occurred; his face was ashen
pale, and his trembling hand convul-
sively grasped small dagger.
He sank into chair, and began in
wild. disconnected strain.
"That cursed tree Az last | have
escaped from i'll"
had never seen him 80 agitated.
Before could answer, however, be re-
sumed,-
"Morcier, listen 10 me. After left
you this morning walked toward the
country. | felt worried about these
academy debts, and thought n quiet
ramble would do me good. was walk
ing along with Fidele at my heels, when
a thunder shower came upon US. |
looked around for some protection from
the rain, and spying tree near at hand,
ran toward II. | found there n man
who had already availed himself Of its
shelter. We fell into a con vcrsation
which lasted long, and somehow was
turned into political dispute. Sud
denly be caught me by the throat and
pulled out dagger. | Snatched it from
him, but by an unexpected twist tho
point pierced his side, and he fell at my
feet, dead. Oh, MERCER, | am a muir
derer r.
Here the poor fellow covered his face
with his hands and groaned. After
awhile be went on -
"But this isn't all. After this b orri-
BILE thing happened turned 10 20 home,
and az looked behind mel swear il
is true there close at my back, was
that tree following me ! | thought was
the victim Of some ghastly hallucination,
and tried 10 reason myself out Of IL I; but
it is true, too true II followed close as
my own shadow. At times | had to
run, for | was afraid il would fall on
me. Thank Heaven, have left it out
side !"
Then he would say no more, nothing
about the man be hal left fer dead
nothing Of the possible consequences oil
his deed, and il occurred 10 mo that il