The morning call., 1893-08-27

>
ing head and with deepening misery
stamped upon bis face walks with weary
steps the dark streets of Johannesburg,
Where were the bright hopes with which
he had set out from his English home onlv
one short year before? Where was the
fortune he had confidently come to win
Could il be only year ago? It seemed
to him as if whole lifetime had passed
since then.
For the first few months everything had
prospered with him. He was betrothed
to Minnie COlbeck, one of the loveliest and
sweetest girls in South Africa, and his
prospects were of the brightest. But snd-
denly all was changed. Shares in which
he had invested came down with rapid
run. Claims on which he had long been
working and which he believed contained
rich reefs proved worthless. Everything
he tried tailed. and Thomas Clarkson
found, like thousands of others. how sue
cess 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 Clarkson
and told him that he must consider his en-
gagement with Minnie at an end. Clark
son had tried to obtain employment, but
business of all sorts being at standstill
he had failed to obtain an appointment.
This night, almost worn out with his
fraitleSs efforts ana struggles, he walks
aimlessly along the streets in that cOudi-
ton which borders upon hopeless des pair.
He would give up the Strugg Ie-he would
strive no longer.
Hope had nearly fed Money was all
gone, except one solitary shilling which
stood between him and starvation. What
should he do? He decided to go to tho
nearest bar and spend that shilling in
something that would deaden the intolera-
Bile pain burning in his brain ana heart
He walked up the steps of lighted build
ing bearing the extraordinary name of
"Beauty's Bar" Johannesburg is, how
ever, 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 throwing
down his solitary coin he ordered brandy.
His strange manner, haggard face and
Withholding eyes attracted attention even
there, where strange men and strange
events we're common, Many curious
glanceS were cast in his direction. Some
one spoke to ClaTkson. but he turned
away without answering. Suddenly from
one OF the rooms came the strains of music
and a voice commenced, with cruel mock
cry in such place, Home Sweet Home"
Ii was rendered, too, with such wonderful
power and plaintive sweetness that the
OathS, the coarse jokes and the loud,
senseless laughter were for a moment sus-
pended and Eushed into silence.
ClaTksOn hurried from the place, leaving
his brandy untouched.
Once more he was out in the streets,
alone with the stars and with great sor-
row. Then followed a collapse of the
physical powers. and great languoC and
-fr Of Hn
eaten nothing since early morning OF the
day befOre-fell upon him, and, turning in
10 then deserted street, he lay down IN
der the shelter OF a galvanized iron stoop
and fell into deep sleep, or more prop
erly. stupor of exhaustion.
1t was early morning when he woke, but
still dark. He was stiff and cold. and at
first hewildered a finding himself in til e
STREET Giddily he rose to his feet and
anAIe his way to the house where h g
{ 5g. who viewed him curlously and by no
WINS approvi1gly when she opened the
4. But Clarkson offered no eXplana-
tiG%s. He went to his bedroom, threw
himself down On the bed and once more
fell into heavy sleep.
1t was past noon when he was awakened
by loud knocking at the door. Tw0me
in the uniform of the Johannesburg police
stood outside. AS soon as be- opened the
door they entered the room.
are you MT ClblksoAF One Oh the
men asked.
81 am. What is your business with me?"
my business" replied the man firmly
and deliberately, ''is to arrest YOU
ITO arrest me?" repeated Tom. stag
gered, ito arrest me for what?
For the murder of Mr.. Diblin," was the
reply.
murdered ?"
YES; 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.. Dibln,
and he knew him we'll by report. Diblin
was a hard, selfish, money-lOving, close
listed man, singuarly disobliglng and
harsh and just the sort OF person to have
many enemies. Twice lately ClarksOn had
gone TO him requesting employment 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 now?''
the policeman asked, after time, during
which, Thomas had stood still looking at
him.
ITO go with you where?"
ITO the police station. Don't you under
stand? 1t is my duty to arrest you for the
murder"
daZed at first
Yes, MI. Garrison; on the ground that
Mr. Dibin DIDN'T deal sduarely with you
in the matter of those claims of yours, and
that it's well known you've got a grudge
against him and that your revolver was
picked up only a few yards from where the
body was found"
MY revolver" Interrupted GARRISON.
''has not been in my possession for weeks
1t was stolen from my ROOM"
That will be all right. them" said the
police. Il dare say the people in the
house Will be able to swear that it was
stolen?"
'Idon't know" answered Thomas; 81
don't think / mentioned the loss"
IT'S pity you didn't" replied the Off
Ger, CURLY. Are you Teady?''
Atthe police station, a wretched little tin
tenement just off President street, he was
searched. and Judge OF the poor fellows
horror and amaZement when in the pockets
which had not for weeks contained single
thing of value there were found bank
notes of the value of go besides a watch
attached to very curious antique gold
chain, which several persons identified as
having belonged to the murdered man.