The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1894-12-24

thorn villa. Captain Dashbury rang.
No one camo TO the door. He rang
again and knocked. No result. The
house seemed deserted, strangely 81
lent. Then Mrs Goldby noticed that
oil the blinds we're drawn.
"What can have hnppenod?" she
cried and ran to the back. Tho door
was wide open. Passing swiftly
through the hall she admitted the
others and went straight TO the draw
ing-room. Next instant shrek, such
only as terrified woman can utter,
startled oil within hearing. Bessie
followed quickly and found her mo-
ther staring with frightened eyes at
the body of man lying fiat on its
back on the hearthrug.
IL was John Goldby, not dead, in
| deed. but snoring almost loud enough
to wake the dead.
"IIo's been murdoredi" cried Bess-
10, and sho burst into tears.
But Captain Dashbury knew better.
'No, mol IL isn't so bad as that.
Don't distress yourself. He's only
in n fit," he said, and STOPPING he un-
fastened the insensible gentleman's
collar and tried to lift him into q
chair. But John Goldby was no light
weight, and the Captain had to let
him fail; indeed, he fell with him,
rising deathly pale.
'Tm afraid I've wrenchod myself, "
he said, looking ready to faint.
"Oh, I'm so sorry" murmured
poor, terrified Mrs. Goldby, glancing
hastily round for cordial. A decan-
ter and wine-glass stood on gypsy
table. Selling both, she filed the
glass--overfilled it, for her fingers
trembled 80 that she quite spoiled tho
carpet "Drink thisl" she cried.
He took the glass and gulped down
tho wine AS he did 30 the maid
burst into the room, wringing her
hands.
ooh, If you please ma'am, I've
been to tho kitchen. Cooks fast
asleep in her chair and I can't wnken
her!'
"What shall we do" cried Bessie.
"Captain Dashbury, what are we to
do2"
But the Captain was staggering
about the room.
"That wines drugged!" he mutter.
ed, and fell on IN ottoman insensible.
The maid rushed from The house
shouting for the police. At the gar.
den gate she ran against Barnaby in
evening dress. He had been to th'
Office to see the letters, and had nov
como to assure himself that all wal
right at Maythorn Villa, change hi
clothes and give the cook sum o.
money, as wus instructed by telegram
"Back already" lie cried. "Why
what's the matter?"
$50 in, go Inl she answered, ant
shouted "Police!" louder than before
Instinctively he guessed something
of what had happened, hut he wa
quite unprepared for ths reality
Hurrying into the house, he saw hi
uncle and stranger lying insensible
his aunt and cousin in Mysteries, anC
ran at his best speed for doctor an,
q stomach-pump.
'This has ruined me !" no mutteret
as he ran. "Uncle will never let M
have Bessie now. Dick Selby you'll
have something to answer for"
Luckily, DIR. Maddox was at home
Bringing antidotes and the necessar,
instrument, he returned with the re
morseful Barnaby. A police-sergean
and constable were in the room
They had lifted John Goldby into
chair. Having tasted the drugge'
wine, DIR. Maddox examined the mas
ter of the house.
"He'll soen be all right" he said
cheerfully. "Hell wake of his owl
accord shortly. Better let him slee
it off where he is. He returned t.
Captain Dashbury, whom the officer
: were steadfastly regarding. 81 un
derstand this gentleman has only jus
, taken the opiate. He'll come roun
sooner if / use the stomach pump
5 Perhaps you'll carry him out of tn
room, oflicers?"
Before we move him." said tn
r sergeant, glancing toward Mrs. Gold
: by, who, assured of her husband
safety, was almost herself again, 81
l should like to know what he call
3 himself and what he's doing in MI