Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1899-01-20

prove them false"
bricks. "He couldn't do what he pro-
poses in a thousand years. BE tried to
back out when mentioned the Bible"
just then they heard a strain of far
off music like that which had followed
the stroke of the bell, and then the
room suddenly became absolutely dark.
The music ceased; the solemn-toned bell
struck. AT that instant the detective
felt something placed in his hands, and
the lights flashed up.
"Well!" exclaimed Lampkin, tenta-
lively, and then he simply stared at the
rigid face of his friend. Hendricks
made an effort to smile, but his features
produced only a grimace.
what is that?" asked Lampkiu,
pointing to the object in the detectives
lap.
"My Bible" said Hendricks.
"Are you sure?" asked the doctor.
Hendricks opened it and examined it,
his fingers quivering.
There is no doubt about it," said
he, and he shrugged his shoulders, and
tried to smile.
Are you superstitious?" asked
Lampkin.
Very" was the sheepish answer. "a
great phrenologist once told me that I
was well-balanced in everything ex-
cepting that. l have been fighting
against it all my life, but such a thing
as this-ugh!"
Nothing more was said just then, for
the doctor had pointed to the returning
flush in the Indians face. Hendricks
sat holding the Bible between his legs,
evidently worried and chagrined over
what had occurred. Kola's breast be-
gan to rise and fall gently, and then he
opened his eyes. His gaze rested on
the detective.
"Are you satisfied?" he said, feebly,
almost In a whisper.
Hendricks sand nothing.
MY God, l want you to believe in me,
my good FRIEND" Kola went on, 'for
unless you have faith you will not heed
my warning"
Your warning?" fell from Lamp
kin's lips.
my warningl" repeated the Indian.
Just now, Hendricks, while I was in
your house, I saw indications of two
attempts which have been made on
your life. Both came very neal kill
Ing you. But that is not all. / saw
plainly that your fate will be the most
awful one ever met by man. Your
death will be through the most linger-
ing torture, and it will involve your
mother. 1t lies right in your path. I'm
less you leave New York at once you
and your mother will fall at the hands
of these unknown enemies. 1t is the
truth. as God is my Master"
Hendricks had paled, and Lampkn
saw that his hands We're still quiver-
ing, but no word came from him.
Kola had sat up. but suddenly he
threw himself back on the couch.
"Oh, | am so weak" he groaned. Hen
bricks. l have been fighting the forces
against you, and it has done me up. l
can't say more"
The Indian closed his eyes. The bell
overhead struck three times. and Kola's
attendant ran in excitedly.
"Hee's exhausted!" he cried, in a
startled tone. NO more talk! He moos
sleep. big much sleep" He placed his
dusky finger on his lower lip and added
in a Kissing whisper: No talk more
to-night-to-morrow, maybe, perhaps.
Now sleep! No noise. Me hees doc
tor"
The two visitors rose, and taking their
hats they tip-toed from the room.
Reaching the outside, they walked side
by side nearly to the carriage without
a word between them. Just before they
reached the vehicle. Lampldn suddenly
broke into n laugh.
"Pll treat you to the best dinner ever
served If you won't tell this on me-" he
said.
Hendricks paused and stared at him
ixedly.
What do you mean?" ne asked.
You and Kola certainly did work
me-" he continued to laugh. ~ see it
all now. 1t Is a job put up on me. You
promised me an interesting evening out
here, and between you and your ehum
you gave 1t to me. Oh, l never was Sc
badly sold! l would have sworn. that
you were actually excited yourself
Hendricks made no reply for mn in.
slant, then he laid his hand over the
Bible he still held.
Before God, and with my hand or
this Book, l swear that l cannot &C
count for what occurred. The blasted
exhibitionand-and his bloody warning
mas Knocked me completed off my feet
AS told you, superstition is my weak
est point"
you have reason to- be concerned,
declared Lamflsin as he preceded hin
into the carriage. 81 think what ha
happened tonight before our eye
would agitate my scientific friends.
almost feel like imploring you to desis
In your efforts and leave New York TO
awhile anyway"
] Nothing. could turn alns from TIL