Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-28

are" said Fournter, in low, clear voice.
You are the greatest villain the world has
ever seen. Sit still! If you stir hand or
foot L will shoot you like mad dog"
PART III.
Toejlt made motion as If to spring from
his chair. but he settled back before the
muZzle of the revolver, smiled, and said,
with a nonchalance that fairly staggered
me:
You have original ideas Of hospitality,
professor. May l presume so far as to ask
an explanation of this performance"
''Will you oblige me by tying that man
in that chair said Fournier to me, ignoring
Toedt's last remark, and still covering him
with the pistol. ''rie him as if for an old
time amputation-so that he cannot move a
muscle
During all this 1 had been sitting SPELL
bound. From the prelimna ries, l had, of
course, been led to look forward to some
thing startling, but the form in which it
came took me entirely by surprise. 1 thought
l knew Fourier well enough to be sure
that he would not venture upon such a step
without very strong evidence, but the assur-
ance of Toedt'S manner was so perfect that
1 felt myself questioning whether my friend
might not have made serious error in his
deductions. l was even conscious of a doubt
as to whether the strain of the last few days
had not unhinged his mind but put it aside
in view of the elaboration and GOODNESS
which had marked all his acts
Picking up the coil of rope therefore,
approached our visitor and proceeded to tie
him hand, foot and body to the chair in
which he sat.
His self-posscssion was simply superb,
and, as l worked, 1 fell to doubling more
and more.
Il depend upon you,'' he whispered, ito
see that the performance of this maniac
shall have no serious results. 1t is better
though, that we humor him to a degree
When You have finished, try to persuade
him to give you his pistol. Have you ever
had reason to suspect such a tendency?"
My job was soon done, and l turned to
Fournier, half with the idea of following
Toedts suggestion AS did so, he laid the
pistol down on the table, and heaved a sigh
of relief. Then he eyed me closely for a
moment with a grim SMILE
Now. may ask you to search his pockets
carefully? There may be some fragile ar
ticles there" II +.
Pardon me, doctor" I said. again turn
ing to the prisoner. -aI
by all means" replied Toedt. but 1 i'm
agined that his face blanched trifle
The result Of my search was not remark
able-a pocket case of instruments. purse,
keys, handkerchief and small germ-cul-
ture tube filled with some gelatinous SUBJ
stance and stopped with wad of cotton.
Il thought we would find this, ssaid Four
table where l had placed it, and holding it
to the light. II hardly think that autopsy
will be necessary, do you, DR.. ,Toedt?"
Toedt looked at me and smiled slightly.
Really. professor" he said. addressing
Fourier, in conciliatory tues, you are
the best judge of that. defer to your
opinion"
Very good" replied Fourier. IT am
glad that you concur to that extent. I do
not believe another autopsy necessary or
desirable. We have this disease pretty we'll
under control, think" q glanced quickly
at him in mute amaZement and per.urba-
tion). There is another little experiment.
though, which do consider highly desir-
able, both scientifically and criniinally.
May I ask you gentlemen to assist me?"
1 bowed without speaking. Toedt laugh
ed again, and said:
II am afraid I can't help You very much
in my present condition"
Il only desire your passive assistance"
said Fourier, colby, and he began to ar
range his Photographic apparatus, adjust
ing thereto what seemed to be an electric
appliance. but with the form and uses of
which / was unfamiliar. Then he request
ed me to aid him in moving the stand a
trifie. so as to get better focus upon our
captive.
While all this was transpiring, had been