Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1896-12-20

the shelf and placed them in the middle of
the table. Willard saw, and something in
the act touched him. for invountariiy he
made the sign of the cross; but his face
moment afterward became rigid, telling
nothing.
Yet as they sat down to eat the eyes
of both men unconsciously wandered to
the crucifx. attracted by the red sparkle
of the rubies, Each ate heartily as
though long day were before them and
not the shadow of the long night. There
was no speech save that of the usual
courtesies of the table.
At length the meal was finished, and the
two turned in their chairs toward the fire.
There was no other light in the room. and
on the faces of the two. still and cold, the
flame played as upon marble.
"Now?" asked Willard, after an hour
had passed.
II am ready"
They came TO the table.
Shall we bind our eyes asked Du-
barre Il do not know the glasses that
hold the poison"
Nor I the bottles that held it. I will
turn my back and do you change about
the glasses"
Willard turned his face toward the time
piece on the wall. AS he did so it began
to strike-a clear, silvery chime: one
two three" and so on.
Before it had finished striking both men
were facing the glasses again.
Take one" said Dubarre.
Willard took the one nearest himself.
Dubarre took one also. Without word
they lifted the glasses and drank.
Again" said Dubarre.
you choose. responded Willard.
Dubarre lifted the one nearest himself
and Willard picked up the other. Raising
their glasses again, they bowed to each
other and drank.
The watch struck u. and STOPPED its
silvery Ginning.
They both sat down. looking into each
others faces, the light OF an enormous
chance in their eyes, the tragedy of Il
great stake in their clenched hands; but
the deeper. intenser power was in the face
of Dubarre, the explorer.
All at once a horrible pallor spread over
the face of Willard and his head jerked
forward His eyes stared wildly at Du-
barre. to whose face the flush Of wine
had come. whose look was now malicious
ly triumphant.
Willard had drunk both glasses of poi
son.
Il win" Dubarre stood up. Then. lean
ing over the table towards the dying man,
he added: "The girl was my sister. She
wronged you: you let her die-well! Would
you know the truth? She loved you-al-
ways! Your brother stole her from you;
but he married her in France
Willard gasped and his look wandered
vaguely along the opposite wall.
'I knew you from the first" Dubarre
continued coldly. fbut I wanted to hear
your story. I played the game with you
honestly. because-beeause it was TIE
greatest man could play. And I, too, have
sinned in my time-a great sin. Now die,
She loved you-murderer"
The mans look stin wandered distracted
" along the wall The sweat OF death
was on his face; his lips were moving
spasmodically.
"Pardon-blessed Jesus he said, and
stiffened where he sat
His eyes were fixed on the jeweled cruci-
fix. Dubarre snatched It from the wall
and. fastening to him. held it to his lips;
but the warm sparkle of the rubies fell
on eyes that were cold as frosted glass.
Duharre saw that he was dead.
Because the woman loved him." he
said. gazing curiously at the dead man.
Then he started, for the bell was ringin9
I'm the chapel.
Dingdongl Helmgangl Dingdong!
He went to the door and opened It.