The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-29


AT the height of success he would hardly
nave contemplated self-destruction" Bruce
observes.
And the senior says readily
1t does not seem reasonable L should
nave been at great loss, but for the unhesi-
tatlng assistance of Sigsmund CROUCH he
aods. Perhaps you would like to ask him
some questions, rs he was a great deal with
Golding in the profession
Bruce accepts the proffer Of a seat at the
SIDE OF the ring to which Senior Dardanel
ieaos MIN with stately courtesy and is in
time to see the most narrowing part of the
fascinating entertainment.
carmen ST Glare is dancing tambourine
IN her hand, her head thrown back. dazzling
smile on her coral lips, and horribly close to
her fitting feet, crouches the tiger. ready to
spring up in her defense at the entrance of
the Magic Wonder.
Perfectly tame with Gervais, who was able
to control the dangerous animal without
cruelty, Rufus is more to be feared than
formerly
He does not respond in the same dog-like
way to S1gismund's commands but gowers
oaneIuiiy whenever he enters the cage.
IL is OBVIOUS TO Bruce that the tawny fierce
eyed creature resents not having his own
trainer to deal WITH and while Carmen
BOUNDS about him with enhancing move
r'2ents, HthesOme, fearless figure in scarlet
ana gold the tiger is brooding in sullen
quletude, his splendid head resting heavily
on his ponderous paws.
feeling of loathing at the sight of the
beautiful Womans peril compes Bruce to rise
with the intention of retiring behind the
wing of the slanting stage leading to the
arena when an awful thing happened.
olglsnluno IS IN the cage, and the tiger is
growing savagely, in a state of wild and
menacing rage-of fury so terrible that the
women shrieked and the men rush from their
places with curdling blood and paic-stricken
faces.
The next moment is ore of hideous con-
fusion and chastity terror to the frightened
onlookers.
The arena has become loathsorne amphi-
theater of torture and the living sacrifice to
their remorseless thirst for excitement is
lying on the floor of the cage his fantastic
magicians robe already torn to shreds, his
powerful chest and arms cruelty lacerated,
the strong light glancing pitiessly his
quivering, bleeding wounds.
The keepers were unable to check the
ferocity of that sudden attack
But, her courage lifting her above any
thought of her own gruesome danger, Car
men snatches a whip from the nerveless hand
of one of the attendants and springing to-
wards the tiger, she throws back her figure
in magnificent defiance of the creatures
frightful aspect, and lashes him with all her
strength
Come away or you will lose YOUR life"
Senior Dardanel shouts, but she does not heed
the warning
The whip Kisses and curls about the tawny
brute.
Garments white arms CLEAN, her dark hair
she endeavors to drive the revengeful king
OF the jungle from his writhing prey.
Rufus!' You devil! You vile demon!"
she cries, distracted by the look of agony
that she dmly sees in Sigismund's eyes.
With a moan the dying pants
"Go-Im done fol-"
Carmen's eyes blaze wildly
Her face is set like a pallid mask and
with a last effort, she hits Rufus blindly,
striking him sharply across the head
With snarl,- he turns from one victim to
lpCunce upon another, leaping straight at
Garments fair throat.
Only one faint cry escapes her and she
sinks TO the ground, just as a huge net is
thrown over the uncomfortable victor of
deadly conflict.
Miss ST. Glare is dead" Bruce tells Senior
Dardanel, as they bent >ver the lfeless form
of the daring acrobat, whose evil scheme has
brought her to this awful fate. "She died at
once mercfully; but this poor fellow has
been frightfully mangled, and nothing can
save his life
Sigismund CROUCH hears the Verdict of
death, and hoarse whisper breaks from his
ashen lips.
I'll tell before I 60" he articulates. and
Bruce bends down close to the mutilated face
as he supports the sinking criminal L killed
Gervais Golding!" is the painting confession
that startles all who hear. THAT night last
year, in March I followed him to Chelsea
stabbed him, and threw his body into the
river!"
Why in the name of Heaven" Bruce ex-
claims. What motive had you for commit
ting such a black deed?"
L wanted to he first at the show. I was
lea ous of him-hated him. gaspS Sigsmund
'and so got rid of mimi!
1 Of Garments tempting and wickedness he
does not speak.
His sinful secret disclosed he lies back I'M
conscious slowly the life GIBBS from his
breast and, although Bruce has dressed and
bandaged his wounds, it is all in vain.
The guilty man and woman have gone
beyond the pale of the law-strcken down in
the midst of their il-gotten success