The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-02-03

even nOTe llke OultlH tndu tnc oHo
81 thought l saw 1t move
as we came in"
"Oh, no. 1t is only little arrange.
ment of Mr.. Medway's," smiled Mrs
Berwick. He has so many devices"
80 it seems" said silent man, who
went on eating diligently. For some
minutes the supper progressed
"Well," said little man who looked
like a piano-tuner, "I call getting us
here like this tonight rather pleasant
move believe it's one they practice
in Australia"
"Its to be hoped he hasn't taken
trip back there" suggested Mr.. Barker,
the rate collector, in low voice.
Mrs. Berwick looked up, haughtily.
81 can assure you he has done nothing
of the sort He will join us very
shortly"
meanwhile" said Mr.. Willis, the
landlords agent II maintain that he
has given us most excellent supper
and splendid champagne-of which,
flatter myself, am a judge"
81 believe Mr.. Midway intends us to
go away good deal richer than we
came?" a middle-aged man on the left
inquired, anxious to make sure that
this supper business was not put-off.
Rogers" said Mrs. Berwick, man.
aging her naughty manner with great
success 81 think Mr. Medway's check
book is ready--is it not?"
Certainly, ma'am," answered Rog.
ers, who was miserable at having to
wait on what he called "this lot" He
thought they ought to have been
downstairs land had beef and beer. if
they had anything. along with us;
truffles and jelly and champagne is
throwing pearls before swine. that eat
'em with their knives"
"Jt's singular thing to me-" said
Mr. Willis, the man next to him, 'if
we are to get our money tonight in a
lump--for l believe we are all in the
same boat--that our man should have
been in possession here for couple OF
days"
There's bill of sale on the furni.
ture," said Mr.. Garwny opposite.
"How will that infect you?" For as
the supper wore on and Midway did
not appear, they needed Mrs Ber-
wicll's presence less and less, or looked
at her with an easy familiarity that
mbarrassed her considerably.
ut was only this morning, too, that
| heard of couple of thousand he had
raised under circumstances ] should not
like to partcularize before u lady
friend Of his, remarked Jewlsh-lools
ing gentleman who had not spoken be.
fore.
perhaps this supper is thrown to us
as sop suggested some one.
"Oh, gentlemen!,' repeated Mrs. Ber-
wick, ''let me assure you you will deep
ly regret any expression you make use
of hastily
No disrespect to you. mu'am." said
an elderly man who had attempted
evening dress Perhaps. if the truth
was known, you are in the same boat.
too. l vote we make the best of it."
II vote" said the man at the far end,
that we don't move until our bills are
settled"
"And if they are not" said the bull
necked man, bringing his fist down on
the table.
You will be quite satisfied on that
point, / assure you, before you leave
the table" Mrs. Berwick said, raising
her voice SO as to be heard over the
din. "rhere is, besides, surprise you
will find exceedingly pleasant" She
looked nervously towards the screen.
We'll, we should like to know what
it is" said Mr. Willis.
You shall before you leave the
table," she repeated Rogers" she
said, turning feverishly to the butler.
IL think it's time"
There's the health, maam." whis-
pered Rogers. He and the two other
menservants were standing bahind her
chair. Gaping In at the doorway were
the servants; behind them, his head
peering over "a house-maid's shoulder.
was'th man in possession.
You must pardon me for saying
plainly, ma'am," almost shouted the
bull-necked man, that the sooner we
are satisfied the better"
"You shall be satisfied at once" hel
voice rang out loud and shrill; "bn-
first, gentlemen, fill your glasses ant
drink Mr. Medway's health" Sh,
waved her arm back towards Rogers
who frothed up her glass from bottl,
in his hand. Mr.. Medway will b,
with us Immediately; let us drink t.
him" Carried away by her excitement
they rose to their feet and filed theil
glasses.
Lets see him before we drink tx
him." said the bull-necked mar. 'Hov
do we know that it isn't all plant?'
A wild laugh burst from Mrs. Berwick
lips.
Pull it back, Rogers" she cried
''and let them be convinced" Will
slow dignity Rogers walked toward
the screen, and pulled it from between
the tables.
There sat Midway, seemingly at tn
head of his supper-party. in evening
dress, with the flowers in his button
hole. His lett hand was rigidly fast
ened round the champagne bottle
against which rested his check book
The other hand had fallen beside him
and his body toppled a little way to
wards it. His head was thrown wei
back, and the blood WAS flowing fror
his throat, which was cut from ear t
ear. For moment there was dea
silence. With their glasses uplifte
| they stood as ii transfxed. Roger.
standing by saw as il in dream tina
on the sheet Of paper by the inkstan
was written:
"Genttemsa, think you mM omn ht
yo,ir chuims arc settied--G. M"-Mrs v
X Clifford in Pail Mall Budpet