The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-16
said Count Solski; what are


The man jumped up in hurry, startled
Dy the sound, and a small miniature fell from
MS hand, and rolled on the hearthrup to-
wards the count. With a look Of terrible
rage on his face the count picked it up. and
STOOD speeches. for a minute: it was
JeWelled medallion of Angela'S mother.
The valet began to speak; he had had his
supper, and, owing to the heat, had imbibed
more beer than was good for him. It was
not enough to make him drunk but enough
10 give him a spurious courage in confront
ing the irate eyes of his master.
Its portrait of Miss Wildhay, sir.
1cund in the chair there he said, glibly.
The count did not speak. and the man
urged to further righteousness by his ST.
lence went garrulously:
I've seen it before today, sir; it belonged
TO my late master, Lord Wildhay A beauti-
1ul young lady, sir; she is-a bee-e-autiful
Iengthening the word rapturously
and smiling idotically.
Silence, dog!" said the count between his
clenched teeth.
Dog! I'm no dog, I'll let you know that.
If I'm poor I'm respectable and not to be
called names. I'm man, and I know
beauty when I see one as we'll as anyone
else. Dog, indeed!" and further embroidered
by the counts SpeechleSsnesS, and being in
carable of seeing that it due to rage at
white heat. he determined on retaliation.
And IT you think she'll have you you're
wrong It's Mr.. Bellairs as is her choice.
There!" with a half drunken, wholly insult
ing laugh, that ended IN gurgle of pain as
he fell on the ground, knocked down by
blow the count had dealt him, his head
striking against the leg of the dressing table.
"Oh I'm done for! I'm done for My eyes
ort!' he groaned. ooh, Lord! the blood.
Why. it's only my nose" he added, in a tone
Of intense disappointment.
Get upi ordered the count sternly; "get
up at once"
Il shant!" said smithers, feebly, despite
himself making movement to rise and then
sinking back again as if too faint.
Get up!"
I'll shan't!" smithers walled, knuck-
ling his knees to dry up the tears that began
to flow. You'll knock me down again if
do
He dragged himself on the floor till he was
some distance from the count, and then he
got up YEARLY, keeping eye on his mas
ter all the time to prevent him coming within
reach.
Leave the room, AID never let me see you
again., said the count in his terrible voice
OF passion 'Stay-Tll pay your wages now"
I'll not have money that belongs to MUIR
derer," said Smithers, sullenly.
The count who quivering with rage,
turned look of fearful anger at him.
"a murderer! What do you mean?'
Il mean what I say. you're a-murderer"
Am -"
The count had suddenly grown quite calm
He seated himself composedly and waited for
SmitherS to go on
Yes, you are. I saw you a-killing- Lord
Wildhay, so there. That's what mean and
III make you pay for this, will-this- this
your money I'll take, so there; the rewardll
pay me better" And Smithers stumbled to
th.- door, holding his handkerchief to his nose
The count watched him amusedly, his
eyes as cold as steel. When the valet was
turning the door-knob a faint smile passed
over his handsome face, and he called the
man back in quiet voice.
Did you see me murder Lord Widhay?"
he asked.
Yes" he answered. in voice equally low.
care you quite sure?" taking out his to-
bacco pouch. and rolling cigarette
Tn certain sure so help me"
"Ah, then, you saw the deed committed?" 3
The count struck match and lighted the
cigarette his strong white fingers had made.
Yes" answered Smithers in still more
grauding tone, as if he were afraid Of what
his answer might lead him to.
Are you an Englishman?" asked the count
carelessly.
Not altogether. my mother"
Never mind about that 1t doesn't inter-
est me-" interrupting him with wave of his
hand, as if he were calmly removing him for
ever from his world you've told me enough
for my purpose. If you saw me murder Lord
Wildhay, my good man, as you gave no evil
dence against me, you are what your good
sensible law calls accessory to the act.
and-you-will-be-pu nished-for-it! yes
punished!'
The count finished very slowly, and weight
fly, smiling pleasantly to his valet
Smithefs' face turned yellow where the
smears of blood permitted it to be seen His
jaw dropped.
An accessory! they can't hang me for
that!s They can't, I'm sure! I'm sure they
can,t!" he began, agitatedly.
The count smoked pensively.
NO. perhaps not" he said, with his faint
UNDERGONE of cruel amusement; 'but impris-
atable-eNo beer. cheer as you put it
work, hard bed, bare walls! Why did YOU
not give information?" cheerfully.
Smithers was in q tremor of fright
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