davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11
A COMING POSSIBILITY.
By GREG EDWARDS.
copyright. 1897, by the Author.l
CHAPTER I.

One might truly say that never was
witnessed such scene Of tumult and
confusion within the walls of the old
parliament house in Edinburgh as upon
the second day Of the Cruikshank poi
soning case. OF the passages converging
to the high court Of justiciary not
hands breadth Of pavement was to be
seen, nothing save the heads of an eager,
painting, struggling multitude. Here
and there in q common epidemic of bad
temper, fashionable bonnets fluttered
outskirts of the crush anxious young
wigs lowered about in vain attempts to
save the fashionable bonnets from i'll
treatment, while above all rose the
clamor of mingled shouts, imprecations,
tramplings and pushings.
"Its positively Illegal shocking
breach of rules-absolute contempt Of
COURT" gasped Mr.. Solomon, dean of
faculty, as he was shot into Jail with
die of briefs in the other. "Do some-
thing, usher. Don't stand gaping in
that helpless way Clear the corridors
and stop that row!' he cried angrily, as
he proceeded to adjust the disorder of
his apparel.
Thus hidden, the functionary address
ed mounted bench and called for Or
der and silence, with as much authority
as feeble presence and feebler voice
could command and with as little re-
suit as might have been expected of one
SO endowed, whereupon another indi-
vidual, of hybrid appearance suggestive
of both beadle and waiter, sprang to a
similar point of vantage and Justify lent
his aid
''Stan back, ma Fam! Don't shove, la
dies Ye won't get in any sooner by
shovin!"
"Let me in, then!' screamed thin
lady, waving aloft a bag of sandwiches.
"Where's yer ticket?' roared Hybrid.
81 haven't got one-didnt know they
were necessary.
"Well, get out and don't block the
door, woman!"
"I'm no woman; I'm DR.. Simpsons
wife,
Hang DR.. Simpson! Stan back. -
"Let her in and have done with it!''
came an impatient chorus from the mob.
90 und ye! Come in, them" And
$50 hrjf'
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11
CHAPTER II.

When Edward Gardner found himself
in his own room upon that same night,
he was moved to great stealthiness and
caution in his behavior, for he not only
tiptoed about in his stockings, but also,
before closing the door and scrutinizing
its fastenings, stepped back into the
corridor and listened in the STOPPING at
titude Of still attention, until the throb-
bling of his temples was distinctly audi
BILE in his ears.
Having secured himself against the
possibility of sudden interruption, he
took off his coat with careful and de-
liberate movement and then drew from
its outer breast pocket q waterproof
bath bag, whence he extracted drip
ping sponge This he squeezed over a
glass tumbler, and having smelled and
examined with absorbing interest the
liquid therein contained he poured it
into pair of glass stoppered walls,
which he labeled "Bimeconate of NOR
phia," muttering as hewrote, "As we'll
one name as another.
He then seated himself upon the
nearest chair, and with his chin resting
upon his open palm, his eyes staring
before him in vacant abstraction, he
became plunged in deep, silent thought.
What were his reflections can. rover be
known to mortal being, bGS of their re.
suit upon the physical man the knowl-
edge is certain ~
A shudde< BED over him, perspira'
ton broke ouC~ upon his face, and as Q
long sigh escaped his lips he passed Q
wet hand over his brow as if to remove
rome mental picture which troubled
end oppressed him. He had barely done
10 when tremor seized upon his limb.
ind startled him to WITTY, but hi.
movements were as " as thos
A>adi1,
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11

AS he tenderly patted her cheek his
lips distorted themselves into the SEM
blance of srnile-the least fitting ex-
preston for his face to wear, for every
vestige of color had left it.
"Tell me, though, dear, what is the
matter with you?" persisted his wife.
Nothing but a stitch, May. 1t bit
me terribly sharp right over the heart,
but / am quite well now" he answer
ed. trying to speak ~. though
his looks wandered eve1y Mt to
the pure light Of hiswife's connSs gssiice.
"But, Ned, darling, was ,there-I
mean-please don't be vexedS n le
for asking there noth1 - the
paper to alarm your
"Oh, May, how foolish you arel' he
replied, with laugh which had go
mirth in it. 81 assure you that there
was absolutely nothing wrong with me
but that pain; only, to tell the truth,
when it came SO instantaneously was
just going to read you bit of news
which, to say the least, is rather dread
full. But go to your seat first. Yes;
we'll, give me another kiss before you
e"
Mrs. Gardner slowly rose to her feet
and proceeded to her place at the table,
while the doctor, with his face careful
ly hidden behind the paper, went on
with his remarks.
"Now, where was I? All, yes; Won
der, May, if you would remember that
tall woman who came here once or
twice about three months ago to consult
me. :"
Seeing that her husbands medical
visiting list might easily have been
written upon one of her own cards, it
was highly improbable that Mrs. Gard
ner would forget such rare incidents in
his professional life, SO she answered
interrogatively:
DO you mean that extremely hand
some dark woman of about 80, dressed
in furs, who came all the way from
London?'
Yes, the very same person. You will
recollect that she engaged suit Of
rooms in the Buckingham and hired a
victoria and pair during her stay in the
city"
"Of course recollect her perfectly
because she was your only patient wher
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11

you made that lucky stroke in shares OF
something of that kind. Was she not?"
His face slowly disappeared behind
an eclipsing movement of the paper,
and when he spoke his voice sounded
hollow and faint.
81 see that you have not forgotten
the lady, but you will be surprised to
hear that she is dead. +"
"Dead?'
eyes, not only dead, but murdered
in the most atrocious way" he said
with solemn, awestruck expression.
"Mur-der-ed? How awfulr'
claimed Mrs. Gardner in horrit
tone.
"Yes, isn't it terrible? 1t happ
in Florence, and her husband, "
an elderly man, was arrested upe
picion and afterward discharged.
""'rs that he dotted upon her,
'"etrate and near
ed IT,
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11
CHAPTER III.

Seven years have rolled by since the
eventful scene at court in which DR..
Angus Campbell figured SO prominent
ly. Many changes have taken place at 6
Catharine square within that time, not
the least being the death, four years
ago, of the distinguished old scientist,
who left behind him the memory of a
great name and small fortune, be-
lueathed to his only daughter That
lady, promoted to the rank Of wife, now
occupies her post at the head of the ia
BILE, while her husband, DIR. Edward
Gardner, sits opposite to her, dividing
his attention between the morning pa.
pers and the meal set before him.
Other changes may be observed in the
apartment itself. Instead of the home.
ly, cozy old chairs, the great mahogany
chiffonier, always in high state Of
polish, the Anticipated corner cupboards,
Respondent with brass knobs and key.
holes, the faded mahogany screens,
worked in beads by the late Mrs Camp.
bell, the portraits of old ladies in frills
and huge brooches, of DR.. Campbell
himself, looking into the room with the
county of Perth behind him, and of his
reverend father, bedecked in coils OF
white tie, with his glasses in one hand
and concordance in the other-instead
of all these. are seen the modern and
costly in art and fashion, luxurious
couches and chairs, massive sideboards,
heavy velvet curtains, thick carpets,
huge canvases, dazzling in the freshness
of new paint and framed in all the
gorgeousness that gilt can give fol
money.
In every part Of the house-which,
in fact, is less house than an "estab-
lishment''-as in the room now occu.
MED by the doctor and his wife, reigns
the air of wealth and splendor such as
would have astonished the lady's father
had he lived to witness it. But while
these changes are of interest as signifi-
cant of worldly progress we must needs
turn aside and direct our attention rath-
er to persons than things. DR.. Gardner
himself is at the present moment per-
son in whose appearance there is some
(, thing unusual to attract the eye.
That he is the victim of an unsettling
/ mental emotion is evident from the
manner in which he stares Mt the sheet
in his hand. The absence of all color in
his face the quivering lip, the dilated
nostril, the trembling limbs conveying
--'s+'ir" sound to tho paper held in
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11

voice, raising his blanched face until he
looked at the judge, had but for a
moment realized the gravity of the
question it would never have been ut
tered
"What terrible world this would be
if your secret had been divulged in open
court, DR.. Campbell said the seedy
young man to his friend and benefac-
tor, when they had left the courts Of
justice and were directing their steps
homeward.
"That it would, Gardner. No one
would be safe. The crimes of the Bor-
gias would sink into oblivion and be-
come trivial in comparison with the
deeds which might be perpetrated if the
world once had the drug in its power. I"
"But the poison would soon find it's
antidote if it ever became known to sci
entists?" hazarded Gardner.
"What would be the use Of searching
for an antidote at all if the administra-
ton of the poison is followed by no
symptom? Its criminal employment
would not be suspected. People would
leave the world as silently and mysteri-
ously as breath Of wind, and no one
would be any the wiser. No, no. Never
mind the antidote. If the poison should
ever become publicly known, search for
its pathological signs, find out its effect
upon the system, and then the drug
will become too dangerous weapon to
be handled by criminals Presently
the old doctor continued: "You must
help me to destroy it this very evening.
I shall not feel safe until l have got rid
of the small quantity which have in
the house and placed it out of every
body's reach. Come to the library after
dinner, Edward, and give me your as
sistance."
Every we'll; shall do SO" respond
ed DIR. Gardner as they stopped at their
own residence i'll 6 Catharine square.
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11

tue poor creature was III JIG IL
recently and now to be hacked al
tilated by friend "
"Oh, Ned, please stop! The THU
quite dreadful enough without
that, lmplored Mrs. Gardner
appeal seemed TO nave
for MS gaze remained
page, and MS IDS NJ
conscious solllc
Inc thou
blood. l never
Wl1nouG recei
se"0 OF CIR
Il,
rleS
w
L.
ence,
mad been
they nae
ferrous
Edwi
per ihsta.
SHARPLY.
ADDED more
mead Is oeade.
your race as pa1e as
10 ialnt!
quite hkely' my dear
1ar from we'll Inns moralns
Joined the doctor. With
passion she bent over NJ
his brow with her
brushed back his hal"
smooth touch whl"N
of love could ms
face dwelt tror
ate concern and
a o1nu1 foo h1of
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11

Or. Campbell, is there any poison
known to the medical profession which
is fatal and which leaves no trace of
its presence after death?'
Gas far as am aware there is no
such poison-known-to- the-medical
profession.
The answer came slowly and hesitat-
ingly, as if the witness felt painful
reluctance in expressing his opinion.
SIS there any such drug known to
you yourself?' was the next question.
Again the same expression of pain
fell upon tho countenance of the old
scientist as he paused under the search
ing eye of the counsel and then turned
upon the judge mute appeal for for
bearance But finding neither hope no,
mercy upon the stolid face before him
he answered in a low voice:
"There is"
"Silencel" cried the usher as long
Drawn breath qulvered through the
thick atmosphere and low whisperings
ran along the benches.
In view Of the fact that the prisoner
has wide knowledge of scientific ques-
tions, is it your opinion that that same
poison or one of similar qualities might
have been administered by the prisoner
at the bar?"
1t is not. +"
"Why do you think it is improbable!"
Because the deceased lady exhibited
distinct symptoms Of poisoning, while
the drug Of which I speak gives rise to
none"
Is the court, then, to understand,
asked the lord advocate in an incredu-
lous tone, "that there exists drug,
known only to yourself, which is fatal
ly poisonous, which sets up no physical
symptom and which leaves no post NOR
tenn trace within the body?"
yes, that is my meaning exactly"
answered the witness.
"And pray, DR.. Campbell, what is
the name of this mysterious drug?"
"Stop in heaven s name!" exclaimed
the judge, with a sudden emphasis
which made every one start in his seat.
When the full import Of the question
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11

"What terrible quorld this apould be-"
fell upon the people, every face grew
pale and every knee trembled at the
awful solemnity Of the moment.
"My lord, said the counsel in low
voice, raising his blanched face until he
looked at the judge, chad but for a
moment realized the gravity of the
question it would never have been ut
tered
Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1897-11-11

"Well, I assn
not notice the
sistant.
"Of course }
BILE about it just
old scientist inn
help me with
Bah!" he excl
from his Fl
them
more
them
nv
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09
PROPOSALS.

Sealed proposals will be received at the
office of the Secretary of State of the
State OF Kansas. at Topeka, Kansas, un-
I'll u o'clock noon, November g. 1897, for
the finishing of certain portions of the
interior of the dome of the State Capitol
building. in Topeka; Kansas The metal
work and glass will be let separate from
the plastering and cornicing of the ro-
plans and specifications prepared by T.
II. Lescher, State House Architect, and
on file in said office.
This work is authorized by the Execu-
tive Council under the provisions of chap
ter A. laws of 1895 Copies of plans and
specifications will be on file in the office
of the State House Architect from and
after October 10th. 1897.
Parties bidding on the work will be re-
quired TO accompany their bid with
certified check or cash in. the sum of five
per cent g per cent?, to be forfeited to
the state in case the successful bidder
fails to enter in contract and give bond
for the faithful performance of same
within days after the said contract is
awarded.
The attention of all bidders is called to
chapter III of the session laws of 1891 in
relation to the eight hour law constitut-
ing a days labor.
The right is reserved to reject any or
all bids Blanks for bidding will be fur
nished by the State House architect
J. w. LEEDY,
Governor and President of Executive
Council.
w E. BUSH.
Secretary of State and Executive Council.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09
in the state" )"

This is conclusive, and is
based on signed detailed
circulation statements fur
nished by the leading daily
papers of Kansas.
The Directory containing
these figures will be issued
September 1, 1897.
No amount of buster as
to the amount of postage
paid can set aside such a
statement as that made by
the American Newspaper
Directory. On great part
of its edition THE STATE
JOURNAL pays nopostage,
as the delivery is by carrier
or by express.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

Il ARMS FOR SALE
u $50 acres / mile Hartford, r. r. town,
Lyon county, so acres cultivation, 5000
50 acres improved. Joining F. R. town
PaWnee county. wheat belt, $500.
100 acres improved, Pratt county, fine
land, a bargain. $3.50.
50 acres improved, Shawnee county, ST.
200.
per acre; choice farm.
100 acres Pratt county wheat belt, $500
225 acre stock and grain farm in Shaw
nee county, $25 per acre
1850 acres improved fine stock farm in
Riley county $6.65 per acre. easy terms
1000 acre stock and grain farm, Wa
baunsee county, good improvements, SIG
per acre. 49,
100 choice wheat land, Ness county 500.
We have some great bargains in land in
wheat belt in center of state. Prices
ranging from 1.50 so per acre. Some
fine improved farms. Write or call Tor
prices and location.
615 Kansas ave.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

FOR sALE-City property: o,,ou
weIi barn. 3 lots, fine shade, 81, 100,
room house g 3o+9 POTehssi hs iofation ha "s s. ESQ es
+ room house, we'll cistern, fine shade,
lawn. barn. 11h lots. good location, q 9oot ~,
room house, modern hne hone' ~ lots'
room cottage. east side, $500. 1850 -
4 room cottage. well, cistern, close IN
on Polk 40 foot lot, $1,000
room house. cistern, cellar, barns lots
blocks state house, $1,000.
room house, modern, has everything
for desirable home. close in, large barn,
naved street. sewer all paid out. Bargain
room cottage east side, bargain. $500
room cottage. cistern, city water, fne
shade ? lots Buchanan, fine location
easy terms, 81 500. rr.
room house. 1 lot, Gay, near 1uhtoOLl
We have some special bargains in city
nroDertv which we can sell on easy
terms For vacant lots or residences see
70 AoA SCOTT & CO,
615 Kansas ave-
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09
FOR sALE-The following properties on

k[OR SALE-I'ne IOAIOW4u5 pAOpOi IAC9 III
room cottage. cellar. well. II lots,
south part of city, 5000; $50 cash, SO per
month for 55 months; no interest
2 houses one of 4 rooms, one of rooms
good cellars, well, two lots, east part OF
city 1926 for the two; $50 caSh, balance
$40 per month until paid, without inter-
est. e.+
5 acres 5 room house, barn, Wen, fruit
trees one mile from city, I,GoO; Sloo 70
$500 cash. balance easy terms rms Is
en- ranch or small dairy -
room house and one acre of land, 10
blocks from postoffice $500; $50 cash, $40
ner month for 55 months; no interest
Good place for shop man who wishes to
raise big flock chickens or keep couple
cows. 49,,
room house, lot, Kline sti,near Shops
$500. 500 cash, balance monthly
room cottage 11a lots Morse St, North
Topeka $500; 500 cash, balance $lO per
5 room cottage. porches, well, fine fruit
lots. east part of city, $3.50; $50 cash, pal
ance IS per month. -r.
other houses in all parts OF city houses
for rent money to loan List your prop
erty with US. We have several customers
]. W. FERGUsON & CO, 625 Kan. av.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

THE STATE JOURNAL.

THE STATE JOURNAL
for years has been one of
these papers
From the records COM
piled for the first 6 months
ending July 31st, 1897, the
editor of the American
Newspaper Directory fur
nishes the following state
ment to PRINTERS INK" for
July %, 1897:
"The Topeka, Kansas,
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09
slruArl oNs wANTgD-Fa &c.

Are you in need of work? IF SO. you
are at liberty to use these columns for
assistance in that direction. While this
notice appears the State Journal will
publish cree on Saturdav, Monday and
Tuesday. for Topeka or Kansas people,
all notices of Situations Wanted, not to
exceed hve lines. or thirty-five words. in
length. provided that all advertisements
Of that nature are handed in previous to
10 o'clock Saturday morning: also on
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday all ad-
vertising OF this class handed in by 10
O'Clock Wednesday morning.
No advertisements of this nature to be
started except on Saturdays and We'd
nesdays. No obligation is incurred on the
part of the advertiser. No worthy and
needy man or woman need hesitate to
take advantage of this offer. No one in
business or having employment IS eX-
others are invited to aYan themselves
freely
The Topeka state Journal guarantees
circulation by far more than all other
Danies combined. This makes this pa
per the cheapest as well as the best.
daily medium in Topeka, the classified ad-
vertisemenLs below costing but
Five Cents a Line
or 20 cents line for a week; 50 cents by
the month.
Average circulation for first six months
of 1897.
1854.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09
ZOE sALE-REAL EsrATE.

For sALE-A good 5 room house ana
barn. with 155 lots. in Lowman Hill for
81 900; also. a good 8 room house with 215
lots, well located on Morris ave, for 81
For these and other bargains see
FOR SALE-At a bargain, house and
= three lots on jefferson street; price
1000; half mortgage if desired. ]. L.
Eldridge, 213 East Tenth.
FOR SALE-115 lots between Sixth and
seventh, Monroe St. Z room house well
and eistern, shade and blue grass barn.
Price, 81 500; 800 to $500 cash, balance in
monthly payments. This is the cheapest
property offered east of the avenue.
Eleventh st. a new room cottage. hot
nection, nice cellar. Price s., 900; $500
cash, balance in monthly payments. This
80 feet front on Madison St near Tenth,
a %9Qm cottage, large bay window, ee-
pered inside and painted outside. barn,
city and cistern water. Price $500; 500
to $500 cash, balance in monthly payments.
This is a nice little home.
11a lots, east front, between Fourth and
tage, city and cistern water, sink and
cistern water in kitchen, sewer connec-
tion- Price $500, part cash, balance in
monthly payments.
4 lots and two room cottages, city and
$l-05o and Sl150 each These properties
rent for $12 and S13 each, or 13 per cent
on the investment.
The above list is a few of the many
bargains have to offer in improved prop
critics. For further particulars call
W. c. STEPHENSON & co,
6O9 Kansas ave. (oVer Rigby's).
FOR SALE room cottage house. S5
n front feet, cellar, well and cistern, 21z
blocks from court house, $3.50,
6 room house cellar well, ciStern, small
barn, 11z lots. east front, Topeka ave,
between First and Second sts., 81 900
room house, cellar and well, IL lots,
east front, blocks from car line, $500.
New modern house of rooms, best
built and most convenient house in city,
on paved street, in one of the best lOca-
tions in city blocks west of avenue, So
500.
room house and beautiful lots, cellar,
wen and cistern. west of avenue in North
Topeka. 81, 800; $500 cash, balance on
monthly payments.
z room cottage, cellar, well and cistern,
good barn. ? lots on Central avenue, 81, 300.
room cottage, bath, cellar, well, good
barn, 112 lots, block from Kansas ave,
81. 200.
room cottage. cellar. well. cistern.
barn, 81 feet front on paved street, can
sell off 40 feet and have improvements left
for price asked. Located on Gordon st,
= block west of Kansas ave, price 81, 100.
Vacant lots on jefferson St, convenient
to A, T. & S. F. shops, at your own price.
We 70ant offer.
Vacant lots on paved street paving tax
paid, price $400 each, on monthly pay
mentS.
, lots, 4 room house, cellar. well. cis-
tern, barn. on Lime, between Sixth and
Seventh sts., 500. -
5l1 Kansas ave.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

(First published in the Topeka State
Journal October eth, 1S97.)
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09
III |NTOpeka
III Daily
III State
IINJOurna1

The American Newspaper
Directory IS to newspaper
calculations what Dun and
Bradstreet's are TO mercans
tile ratings. 1t is the recOgs
nized authority among advers
tisers.
This work Is now In the
twenty ninth year of Bts
publication.
For years II has guaran-
teed with a standing offer Of
$4,000 for proof that its
statements of certain news-
paper calculations were not
correct.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

TOR SALE-Fresh COW. half Jersey and
Il half Shorthorn. Corner Euclid and
West. St, John Foley.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

EOR SALE-At a bargain, house and
- three lots Jefferson street; price
s., 600; half mortgage if desired. J. L.
Eldridge, 213 East Tenth.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

ORNEYS-AT-LAW.
B. FURRY
Os Attorney and Counsellor at Law,
61I Kansas ave, Topeka, Kan
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09
MISCELLANEOUS.

SEATTLE-If you want situation, in
Cformation about Klondike, about in
vestments or business. or any other in
formation, write P. o. Box 81, Seattle
Wash.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

w ANTED-You to use NcAfee's pure
cider vinegar. Leave orders at SIS
Kan Ave. Tel. 160s
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09

FOR SALE-A good ) room house and
barn. with 115 lots. in Lowman Hill, for
81 900: also, a good 8 room house with 215
lots, well located on Morris ave, for 81
200.
For these and other bargains see
". NJ. FORBES, 116 W. Sixth ave.
The Topeka state journal., 1897-10-09
Five Cents a Line,

or 20 cents line for week; 50 cents by
the month.
Average circulation for first six months