The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-07-22

I he answered thoughtfully; ITS not very
far from town, but It's bit awkward
TO get at for stranger So suppose you
meet me at Euston at half-past eight
on that Friday evening. and I'll take
you down. It's rather late. but you
shall have good supper as soon as you
get there, promise you"
To this arrangement, accordingly
agreed, and on the 24th met Keen al
Euston. Telling me that he had pur-
chased my ticket he took me to local
train. We got out at Sudbury, the sta
tion near Wembley Park.
There's some little distance 10 walk"
he said. 80 we had better step It out
briBkly."
II must have been a tramp Of over
two miles that finally brought US to a
large house, standing quite alone q lit
Ito way on the road, somewhere IN the
direction Of Edgeware. Although not
many miles from London the country
about here Is very lonely and there was
not house near. II was about 10
O'Clock and quite dark when Keen
opened the door with n latch-key.
WELCOMED" he cried. You must be
tired and hungry. Wen have supper at
once, it's all ready"
And without further ado he led the
way into a good-sized room, lit by q
lamp, and revealed a table spread with
cold viands
There was change in his tone of
voice that made me feel rather uneasy
as he went on
Were all to ourselves, Fendron. I've
let the servants out for the evening.
But everything's ready for US, so sit
down and begin. We must be our own
buffers"
It was an excltable meal. The whole
of the time Keen talked and laughed
and joked. He ran on about old times
and our college days; he laughed long
| and bolsterously-once eXpostulated
with him for his noise.
what does 1t matter?" he shouted.
There's not soul near. That's the
beauty Of the country. You might yell
yourself hOarse in this shanty OF mine
and no one would hear you"
He even touched upon my engage
ment. Leaning across the table, he In
sisted upon grasping my hand.
i've never congratulated you yet,
old chap, you know. Last time we were
on this subject was In hum. But it's
all right now. May you be happy-ha!
ha! ha!-as happy as you deserved"
Supper over he took up the lamp.
Come" he said, well adjourn to
the studio and smoke there. I've got to
show you my great work. 1t win sur
prise you. Come along"
He led the way to the very top Of the
house, and we entered large room
which he had turned into a studio.
Lumps Of clay, pieces Of stones, tools
| and half-finished works were lying
about in artistic confusion. On small
| table was a box OF cigars. several de-
canters Of wine and spirits, slphons and
| tumblers. In one corner OF the room
was large bath, filled with white
| powder, while a small shovel and a
couple Of pals Of water stood by 1t. In
the center OF the room was a very
large, hollow wooden pedestal, shaped
like a cylinder, and quite as high as
my shoulders, such as is used some
times for standing heavy busts upon.
! The top, however, had been removed
from this cylinder and there was moth
ing on 1t. The room was evidently only
lighted by a skylight, and thick cur
tain hung over the door, and stretched
across what was apparently a recess at
| the farther end OF the apartment, was
another curtain. hanging in black folds.
Keen gave me cigar and sat me
down in a chair.
well. what do you think OF my
Workshop" he asked.
"I've hardly had time to look round,
yet" replied. WHATS that huge Pc
you'll see later on" he said.
Again that ominousi change in his
voice.
"And what's in that bath?"
"Oh! plaster Of paris, he answered,
with q laugh; but now watch! I'm
going TO draw the curtain!"
First lighting couple OF more lamps,
he drew the curtain aside with sud
den Jerk. The result was electrical.
There, standing on small raised plat
form, life-sIze and most exquisltely
modelled. was a statue OF lvey surfing,
my betrothed / sprang to my feet ana
uttered an exclamation OF surprise.
YES" shouted Keen, there stands
the Image OF the woman you love-and
the woman l loved once. She whose
Image was so craven Upon my heart
that was able to mold this statue as
1 YOU see It; to mold It for you, Leonard
/ Fendron, who have won the prize. DID
1 not tell you 1t was a masterpiece"
'You did. And so It Isl" replied,
with an Indescrlbable feeling OF terror
creeping over me. My companion rush
ed to the table and filed two glasses.
One OF them he thrust Into my hand.
"a health!" he cried. Drain II to
the dregs. A health to the fair Ivey,
your betrothed! Drink 1t, Fendron!"
"a health to the fair IVey-my future
| wife" said mechanically, drinking the
4 liquor and gazing at the statue.
''Your future wifei" echoed Keen.
with q terrible voice. "Neverl' /
turned and gazed at him. He was foam
ing with madness and rage. At the
same moment my head grew dizzy
and the room seemed twlrllng around.
made a wild rush for the door. but
fell in a dead faint before could reach
When / came to my senses again
there was an awful feeling OF cramp
all over me. My whole body, with my
legs and arms. seemed to be held In
vice that was pressing me ut every
point. opened my eyes. The first
thing that met my eyes was the statue
OF Ivey placed opposite me. was In
an upright position, but l could not
move. looked downwards, but not
even then did / realize the horrible
truth. was up to my shoulders In the
hollow pedestal
"Halloa! you've come to. have you?'
said a hooking voice, and Jasper Keen
stood In front Of me, the grin OF lu-
matte on his face.
For Gods sake what have you
done2" asked.
. "IlI very soon tell you" he replied
with n sneer; 1--WE made statue Of
you. Listen. You are mp to your shout
ders in plaster OF paris. Whilst you
were insensible from the effects OF that
drugged wine you drank / placed you
in the pedestal. mixed that bathful OF
plaster and water and poured II In with
you. II took me some time TO do, and
ira now 4 o'clock In the morning. BY