The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1898-11-26

the moment staggered MIN. linen,
feeling the power behind him, he
commenced to work, looking up his
old DISCUSSES, studying the features Of
the butler, and making arrangements
for leaving.
The day Of his departure arrived.
He walked down to the station and
back again; doubled up one street and
down another, then to the station
again. On the platform he adopted
the same tactics, and at last sat down
in carriage thoroughly we'll satisfied
that no one had followed.
The train was on the point of start
ing, and he was congratulating himself
on being the only occupant Of the COM
partment, when the door was opened
suddenly and mn old woman thrust
S omewhat unceremonionsly in. Hell
efforts to commence conversation
were unavailing. Shady replied curt
ly in monosyllables, and presently
she subsidized into quiet sleep and
did not awaken until the train arrived
at P, where they both alighted.
The next two days Shady prowled
around the hall, and was successful in
meeting the butler on several occa-
sions. He was confident of success.
On the 18th day of February, 199-,
about eight o'clock in the evening,
Shady walked resolutely up to the
ball door and asked to see the butler.
When that worthy appeared he So
licited few minutes private CONVEX
sation. The butler demurred. He
had an important engagement, and
was just about to start for the school
room, where the entertainment was
being held, Shady, however, per-
sisted it was matter of extreme i'm
portance, and his request was at last
granted, and he was led into private
room.
Immediately they entered. the door
being closed, Shady, without taking
the trouble to use any persuasive
means, seized the butler by the throat
and bore him to the ground, at the
came time thrushing q cloth over his
mouth aud nostrils. The butler
struggled violently, without result.
He had younger man than himself to
contend with, and, the chloroform be-
ginning to take effect, dazed and made
him incapable of further resistance.
In few seconds all was over, and
the iuanimate body dragged under o
table out of sight. Shady next pro.
ceeded to disguise himself, doing it so
we'll with materials he had brought
and his victims coat, that the footman
failed to recognize him as he passed
quickly out Of the hall and entered the
carriage in waiting.
Arriving at the schoolroom, he dis
missed the carriage, and entering by
o side entrance watched the perform
ance from the wings.
Her hdyship was on in front, and
his partner stood waiting for his one
to enter. No one being near, he
risked slight wink of recognition
and success. The stage, though
small, was replete with every requisite.
Special scenery had been obtained, and
tile assumed author had every reason
to be proud of his first effort in the
dramatic world.
In accordance with his book, the
stage now resembled corner of ball
room. The realism of the scene was
perfect. Couples were sitting,around
chatting quietly, but the central figure
addressing the audience was the most
conspicuous. Shel literally blazed
with jewels, and her appearance had
caused q Juror. A smothered "Ohr'
followed by terrific cheer, had
greeted her, and she was serenely
happy. The audience, mostly COM
posed of tenants and their families on
her ladyship's estate, had never seen
such magnifcence before, and it
pleased her to amuse them.
Thompson, OF Gentleman Tom, as
he was professionally called, stood in
the wings breathless with astonish-
ment. he had anticipated huge
haul, but had never dreamed of such
one as this portended. He forgot
his words, everything, but the desire
Of possession. His white face at
tracted attention, aud warned him of
the risk he was mourning.
With mighty effort he pulled him
self together, and his clenched fist and
drawn face alone revealed his nervous
ness. He heard the cue and entered,
but the fine acting that had distin-
guished him SO much in the preceding
acts had gone, and it was onl y Try the
friendly assistance ofthe prompter he
continued.
The heroine heard him prove his
claim, and the climax of the play was
reached. Raising herself, proudly
and tragically, she accepted him as
the true owner Of everything she pos
sessed, and divesting herself of her
jewels handed them to him one by
one, the audience cheering vociferous-
ly as each piece of jewelry was ex-
posed second to their view.
n1.n>S. haas, ~, ool- ar,l 1,a- n 90 - IN