The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1894-08-04

q dramatic company.
ssHalloa," old boyi7 cried Bruce,
who was a genial fellow. "rm glad
TO see You. I want to introduce 81
you an acquaintance Of mine, who
has just arrived and is doing the
Crescent City. You and he ought Co
know each otheri"
Very wellln returned Charlie Mile
Ter. So, little later, the introduc-
ton was accomplished, and Miller
found himself in comp any with a uali
dark man, who answered to The name
81 Burton Dalton He was extremely
clever and Agreeable, aud Charlie
found as the days went by, that time
passed in his society very pleasantly.
But Charlie was vaguely uneasy. ha
was conscious Of certain strange and
curious circumstances. He was fol-
lowed everywhere. when alone, by ca
man whose face he could never see,
try as hard as he might. Once late ~
night, while passing down Royal
street. he was suddenly attacked from
behind by an unseen foe, who -four
ished a sharp knife IN close proximity
to the young mans heart. vigor'
Gus cutlery from Charlie brought the
police to the rescue, but the would
be assassin was gone. The police
especially in certain streets; and then
he called cab. and was driven back
to the St. Charles. his mind full o4
conflicting emotions.
Another thing troubled him beyond
words In all the time he had been
in New Orleans. he had not received
one letter from Louise, not a line. nor
the expected kodak picture nothing.
Late one night Charlie Miller was
awakened to find some one in his
room. tall figure with masked
face was bending over his open trunk
hastily turning over its contents
With q stifled cry Charlie spraag NIP
in bed; but the thief dashed wildly
past him, and was out of the room in
an instant. No traces were found OF
the thief and upon investigator,
Charlie discovered to his surprise that
none of his valuables were musings
nothing but a package Of kodak pie-
lures, which were yet to be deve loped-
Saturday night, the twenty
of April. came, and Charlie invited his
friend Dalton to accompany him to
the st. Charles theater. The play
was unsatisfactory, and between the
second and third acts Dalton excused
himself for a few moments, and LETT
the theater. He went straight TO the
St Charles hotel, and going to the
office, inquired for mail for Charles Il.
Miller and received a letter and 6
small package. At sight Of the pack
age. his face grew dark.
THAT accursed kodak picture has
come at lastT he muttered- "And
now Miller win recognize me; for
have never disguised myself, trusting
to o my work and get away before tb
was too late. In vain have / tried 70
put him out OF the way. He lis ever
on the alert, and though he does not
suspect me, he Is on the lookout for
his hidden foe. Tonight is to see the
end. / have arranged all We are t.
drink in Miller's room after the thea
ter; his drink will be 'doctored,' and
/ he will not live an hour. No one will
suspect me, as I have an excellent
disguise in readiness, and viii ship On
board a certain little craft, which
will be far away from here before
morning"
These murderous thoughts were
rushing through his mind-tho horrl-
BILE purpose to remove his rival for
/ ever from his path. that he might win
the girl who vvould-did he but know
/ it-never be coerced into marriage.
when hasty footsteps fell upon bis
ears. and turning swiftly he saw be-
fore him-Charlie Miller.
Burton Dalton dropped the stolen
mail upon table and stood glarinR
wildly at the unexpected 8pparitiou
of Miller upon the scene. But Char
lies quick eyes had caught sight OF
his own me upon the package. and
with a swift bound, he possessed him-
self of it. and tore IL hastily open. a
small package of kodak pictures
which Louise had neatly developed,
and the one on top was the picture Of
Davenport Day.
A cry of surprise fell upon the Hil-
ence. and, turning. Charlie Miller beA
held Louise Stewart il company with
her father. With outstretchRd hands.
she rushed to his side.
'Ohi Charliel Charliei" she cried.
/ st have never had a letter from vuu
since you left me at Hot Springs. and
/ was SO sure that you were ill. per-
suaded papa to come on herel know
now who intercepted our letters; x
have found him out; il IS that horrible
Davenport Day-and, whyi Charlie
there he IS nowr' And her indignant
eyes rested upon Burton Daltou'a
wrathful face, who saw that his game
was up.
All at once the cry of efres arose
upon the night The st. Charles
hotel was wrapped in flames from
dome to basement. It had broken
out so suddenly, and must have been
burning SO long, that there was no
hope.
In the midst Of it all. the horrible
Indignation. the shrielSs and groans.