The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1896-03-12

all the descriptions Of places, and even
portions Of the dialogue are absolutely |
true. / say again am Jasper GoreW
Imagine my feelings Never before
in the history of fiction writing had so
remarkable a thing happened. Some oc-
cult power had clearly been at work on
my brain and directed me to write a |
story founded on fact in degree that
was simply marvellous. The situation
was so extraordinary that it staggered
me. was here face to face with the
murdcrous ruffian of my own creation.
What was to be done? l glanced at
the bell at his elbow.
Never mind the bell, " he said. "Wo
shall not want to use that Listen to
mep'
He brought his chair toward me until
our knees were nearly touching. With
his hands on his thighs and his body
bent forward he fixed his penetrating
eyes on mine.
"I have told you that am Jasper
Gore. But that is only one OF the names
under which authors have used me in
relating my exploits. You are not the
only writer who has employed my deeds
in fiction. You have read Blandford's
novel, The Red WitnessP Well, am
Papl Varnham, the man who poisoned
his brother and threw the body into the
limekin. You have seen the story in
the last number of The Masterpiece
Magazine called The Case Of Roland
Wier?' am Roland, the man who stole
the bonds and stabbed to the heart the
only witness to the deed. Why, the
stains of the crime are still ON my
| hands.
shuddered visibly, and cold sweat
was on my forehead.
"Metaphorically speaking, he added
with a smile, II suppose you have
read'--
"Stopr" 1 cried. "What is it you
want of me? Why do you come to tell
me all thisf"
"I came to make proposal. am a
man of many deeds-crimes, you would
call them. The world is getting too hot
for me. am in danger from the sleuth
hounds Of the law. Shelter me; hide
me, and l will give you material foI
some of the most thrilling stories that
ever were written. l can keep you going
for the rest of your life-with facts, sir,
facts
"The Rowner's Mill affair I don't
know how you got hold Of, but it was
not obtained fairly. But will not say
anything about that. Stand by me, anC
Twill make your fortune and your ever
lasting fame. Is it bargain?"
To accept such a proposal never en-
tered my mind for one moment. My
only thought was to get this dreadful
creature out of my house, whether wha
he said was true or not. How was l Il
do it?
Just then my servant knocked at tn,
door and entered.
Here is gentleman wishes to Sc,
you, sir. "
"Say you are engaged" said Rogers
rising from his chair and grasping me b,
the arm.
But the new arrival had already en-
tered the rDom.
Excuse me, sir" he said. 81 hav,
come for cur good friend, Mr.. Rogers
He lives with us at x"
x | knew to be the place where
certain county lunatic asylum stands.
saw everything in fash. He HANDED
Rogers over to the care of another maj
in the hall, and the poor fellow went a
meekly as lamb. Then the attendan
came back to me.
II hope he has not alarmed you, sir
He escaped two days ago"
"Well, he gave me an unpleasant hal
hour. The man seems to be stepped il
crime"
Hes all right except ON that point
He fancies that he is every criminal tha
he reads about in the story books. W
,, , traced him to your house, and expec
: he has been pitching lively yarn abou
some of his doings. All thought SO
: But, bless your heart, sir, the poor fel
low wouldn't hurt fly"
Nevertheless, he had knocked me OF
my work for that day. Tit
Bits.