St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1899-08-26
The Only Way

/ The Only Way /
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IT was past midnight, and Edward
Hurcombe, the famous actor-man-
ager. sat brooding over the fire. The
study lamp was turned low, for he
found dull light invariably assisted
his meditations, and he was particu-
larly anxious to arrive at some definite
decision upon a perplexing question
that faced him that evening. The sud-
den illness of both an indispensable
member of his company and the under
study had left him in a serious dilemma,
for who could replace the absent play
er? 1t was part that required special
and peculiar abilities, and he had al
ready mentally ticked off the names of
= dozen or SO men as being quite un-
adapted for the vacant role, when he
heard the sound of some one rushing
up the stairs. He started and rose to
his feet, for his family had long since
retired to rest
.'Quick! Hide me; they're coming!"
"A man had swung open the door, closed
1t after him, and burst into the room
peating aud out of breath, his hair dis
heveled, and bright CLEAN in his
eyes.
whats the matter?" queried Hur-
combe, hurriedly. SLOW did you get
here?"
The visitor hesitated, and looked at
him queerly.
sThe door was open, they were after
me, and ran in. They say I'm mad,
but I'm not. by God. I'm not mad!
Not mad yet-yet!" And he burst into
q scream of laughter which would have
been heard all over the house had not
the room been sound proof. Hurcombe
had had il made so purposely. as he now
remembered to his CONSERVATION.
AIRY fool could tell that" replied
the actor, cooIly, with the air of one
receiving an expected visitor. But
there's no occasion to hide. You're as
safe here as-anywhere."
Again the man looked at him queerly,
detecting with the sharp wits of lun-
acy the double entendre in his words.
aSir, 1 believe you; but you don't
know what I've been through. Mad!
They would wish me mad! They've
yearned for it, prayed for it. but I'm not
mad! Tell me, I'm not mad!"
He had drawn closer to Hurcombe.
who took advantage of the change of
position 90 edge nearer the electric
bell. which, if he could but reach, would
arouse the household.
MY dear sir, I've already told you
you're laboring under a delusion in
.supposing anything's wrong with your
mental bslance. Sit down a moment
and Ill get you some refreshment;
you're tired, doubtless" And he went
to open the door. but it was locked.
Hurcombe glanced back at the man.
His only reply was a cunning smile
which overspread his countenance.
81 see you've taken the trouble to
fasten the door," said the manager.
sThat's a. well-our conversation will
be more private" And inwardly trem-
bling. he lit cigar and sat down.
You've something to tell me. of
course?" said Hurcombe presently.
He knew all madmen had stories to re-
late. and that It humored them to listen.
1t was also method of gaining time.
s'Yes! Do you know what it is to
love-to hate3"
The actor smiled. He did-on the
stage.
ITO love is to hate" continued the
nocturnal intruder. who, following
Hurcombe's example, had now drawn
up a chair to the fire opposite him. Il
have both loved and hated. A year
ago worshiped the most beautiful
woman or any man ever set eyes upon.
/ wooed her. We were married, and
settled down in the country to joy
ous existence, for / had enough to
keep us both in comfort in modest
way. MY wife adored me, and we were
as happy as the days were long till he
came upon the scene.
The mailman glared ut his host as II
the object of his vengeance sat before
him in the flesh.
s.He was handsome, fascinating, with
I look that killed women. He carried
everything before him, and broke
hearts as easily as you or l would
knock down ninepins; and my wife fell
with the rest. One day had been to
village few miles on. reaching home
inst after dusk. Muriel did not run to
the gate as usual to meet me. and I had
: dim. hazy perception that something
was wrong. 49,. 80 =
II ran upstairs into every room. but
Nuriel was not there. Our servant was
out, 50 l could not question her; out
when entered the dining-room l no
4iced = scrap of paper lying on the
table. 1t took il up eagerly; it simply
bore the words: Good-by, and was IN
his handwriting. How cursed him!'
.H.d Auriel written the note, It
would have been different; but that ne
ehould pen those words-whst mock
ervl Like one demented, cursed
everything; l called on Heaven to
etrike him dead, and the woman too
ny wife!
..Sir. If have ever been mad. was
,ad at that moment. The room con-
ancd. stifled me. I clinched my bands
and could have torn down the very
valls with my finger nails. 4 had 81
..rhuman strength; II needs have
na. would have lifted the world and
1sl15d II It my wife and her lover!
- 1ailnx out or the house. I saddled
rsunare md rode on. II was London
~ &hey had gone to: the last train
1eft : couple q hcars s1ncss and