The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-08-17

| to the barbershop to have a chat at that popu
! lar rendezvous. just al he went TO cross the
road he heard himself called by name, and
| turning found himself face to face with Ar
| mand Barrasi
| EYES, myself" cried Armand, "back again,
and SO glad to see you / thought l would
| give you little surprise, and came six tbs
earlier than the time | said, you see!" Then
| he ran about bow much money he had made
in the West, and about Natalie and his graft
tude, and so on, while R0saire stood like man
turned to stone.
Aren't you glad to have me back?" Armand
asked at last. TOO glad TO be able to say
mnch just yet" rejoined tho other, with an
effort.
We'll, am happy that you think well of me
still. / have brought you a souvenir of the
West as q token Of my gratitude. But Natalie
Is she as well as when you wrote last? Did
she like my portrait? Take me to her at
Once!"
mo, Armand" said Rosaire, slowly, "you
must wait little; she is not prepared-the
sh0ck-the surprise-who knows what might be
the result? She has not been we'll at all lately.
1t is late; but shall 60 and break the news,
for she would mover forgive if delayed until
morning."
Very WE'LL" said Armand, patient as ever; /;
thinking how changed and broken-down poor
Rosairo was. "Be at the door at half-past TO-"
said Rosaire, and with another grasp of the
hand they separated; Armand going into the
barber-shop, and Rosaire striding away in the
direction of Natalie's dwelling
She was much surprised at seeing him again
that night, and more so at his manner. Clutch
ing her roughly by the arm, he drew her into
the room.
Natalie" he Kissed, "this is more than your
wedding-eve."
What do you mean. Rosare?" she cried,
startled at his wild looks.
"What say; the hour of your vengeance is
at hand! / have met Armand's murdorer-it
is Labrie, who went with him to the West. In
10 minutes more he will be outside that door,
Oh, | have planned WELL Do as you WILL
Poor Armand, poor Armand Natalie, is re-
venge still your hearts desire?"
No need to ask. One look showed that all
the evil of her nature was aroused, as was his
Without word he drew a sheath knife from
his belt aud handed it to her, and they stood
side by side watching the clock and listening
to the footsteps that drew nearer and nearer,
and then stopped.
Natalie crept across the room, lifted the latch
noselessy, threw open the door, and with one
spring raised the knife and plunged it to the
hilt in her lovers breast. As he fell across the
threshold Rosare stepped forward and raised
his head, turning the dead face towards Natalie.
Armand oh, Armand" she shrieked. YES"
saids sRosaire, quietly; if lost, at least he did
not wip!"
Natalie, her eyes glittering with madness,
tore the knife from Armand's breast as she
realized in moment the treachery of years
With bound Rosaire gained the road, and
rushed down across the bOoms; still she fol-
lowed. He reached the old wharf speeding
down it in the moonlight; still she followed,
but at the waters edge he turned as at bay,
with his old, calm smile. On she came. ven-
geance personified, her arm raised above her
head, and the long knife glittering.
She was upon him!
Opening his arms wide to receive the stroke.
he clasped her to him passOnately, and to-
getber they fell down, down, and the dark
waters closed over them. With the knife in
his heart, and Natalies form in his arms,
Rosaire wore his old quiet smile.-Short Stories.