The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1893-09-13
CLARKSON'S PERIL
By WALTER BRUCE.

In the pocket of the young man who,
with dropping head and with deepening
misery stamped upon his face, walks
with weary step the dark streets of Jo-
hannesburg. Where were the bright
hopes with which he had set out from
his English home only one short year be-
fore? Where was the fortune he had
confidently come to win? Could it be
only year ago2 1t seemed to him as if
whole lifetime had passed since then.
For the first few months everything
had prospered with him. He was be-
trothed to Minnie Colbeck, one Of the
loveliest and sweetest girls in South
Africa, and his prospects were of the
brightest. But suddenly all was changed.
Shares in which he had invested came
down with a rapid run. Claims on which
be had long been working and which he
believed to contain rich reefs proved
worthless. Everything he tried failed,
and Thomas Clarkson found, like thou
sands of others, how success and failure
have in common the same propensity Of
accumulation.
Mr.. Colbeck did not believe in unsuc-
cessful men and regarded failure as
crime. He closed his doors upon Clark
son and told him that he must consider
his engagement with Minnie at an end.
Clarkson had tried to obtain employ
ment, but business of all sorts being at
Btandstill he had failed to obtain an APP
pointment. This night, almost worn out
with his fruitless efforts and struggles,
he walks aimlessly along the streets in
that condition which borders upon hope
less despair. He would give up the
struggle. He would strive no longer.
Hope had nearly fled. Money was all
gone except one solitary shilling which
stood between him and starvation. What
should he do? He decided to go to the
nearest bar and spend that shilling in
something that would deaden the intol-
cradle pain burning in his brain and
heart. He walked up the steps of a
lighted building bearing the extraordi-
harry name of "Beauty's Bar" johann
hesburg is, however, remarkable for the
names borne by its numerous drinking
saloons and boozing dens.
Within all was activity, merriment
and brilliantly lighted scenes Clarkson
stood for "A moment dazzled. Then throw
ing down his solitary coin he ordered
brandy. His strange manner, haggard
face aud wild looking eyes attracted at
tention even there, where strange men
and strange events were common. Many
curious glances were cast i'll his direc-
ton. Some one spoke to Clarkson, but
he turned away without answering. Sud-
denly from one of the rooms came the
strains of music, and voice commenced,
with cruel mockery in such place,
Home, Sweet Home" 1t was rendered,
too, with such wonderful power and
plaintive sweetness that the oaths, the
coarse jokes and the loud, senseless
laughter were for moment suspended
and hushed into silence.
Clarkson hurried from the place, leav-
ing his brandy untouched.
Once more he was out in the streets,
alone with the stars and with great
sorrow. Then followed collapse of the
physical powers, and great languor and
WEAKNESS, partly of weakness-he had
eaten nothing since early morning of the
day before-fell upon him, and turning
into then deserted street he lay down
under the shelter of a galvanized iron
stoop and fell into n deep sleep, or more
properly a stupor Of exhaustion.
1t was early morning when he awoke,
but still dark. He was stiff and cold
and at first bewildered at finding him
self in the street. Giddily he rose to his
feet and made his way to the house
where he lodged. No one was astir but
the landlady, who viewed him curiously
and by no means approvingly when she
opened the door. But Clarkson offered
no explanations. He went to his bed
room, threw himself down on the bed
and once more fell into heavy sleep.
1t was past noon when he was awak-
ened by loud knocking at the door.
Two men in the uniform of the johann
nesburg police stood outside. As soon
as he opened the door they entered the
room.
"Are you Mr.. Clarksonf" one of the
men asked.
II am. What is your business with
me?"
MY business" re- lied the man firmly
and deliberately, sis to arrest you."
ITO arrest mef" repeated Tom, stag
gcred-"to arrest me for WHAT"
"For the murder of Mr.. Diblin," was
the reply.
THE murder of Mr.. Diblin! Has he
been murderedH
Eyes; murdered last night or early
this morning. He was found dead, shot
through the heart"
Thomas was Mortified beyond measure.
He had often in his more prosperous days
had business dealings with Mr.. Diblin,
and he knew him well by report. Diblin
was a hard, selfish, money loving, close
listed man, singularly disobliging and
harsh and just the sort of person to
have many enemies. Twice lately Clark
son had gone to him requesting employ
ment in one of his places of business, and
on both occasions had he been coldly and
CURLY refused.
"Are you ready to come with me nowr'
the policeman asked after time, during
which Thomas had stood still looking at
him.
ITO go with you whereT
ITO the police station. Don't you I'M
derstandS 1t is my duty to arrest you
for the murder"
ITO arrest ME for the MURDER gasped
Clarkson in CONSERVATION and apparent
ly dazed at first.
Eyes, Mr.. GARRISON, on the ground
that Mr.. Diblin didn't deal squarely with
you in the matter of those claims OF
yours, and that it's well known you've
got grudge against him, and that your
revolver was picked up only few yards
from where the body was found"
MY revolver" interrupted Clarkson,
thas not been in my possession for
weeks. 1t was stolen from my room"
THAT will be all right then" said the
! police. Il dare say the people in the
house will be able to swear that it was
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