Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-11-16
The Only Way


/ II NNf AAN AAAtAUuH MENUT=mgV n
ager, sat brooding over the fire. The
study lamp was turned low. for he
found a dull light invariably assisted
his meditations, and he was partieu.
larly anxious to arrive at some definite
decision upon perplexing question
mat 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 licked off the names of
q 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
i his feet. for his family had long since
retired 10 rest
Quick Hide me; they're coming!"
A man had swung open the door. closed
II after him, and burst into the room
painting and out of breath, his hair dis
heyeled. and a bright CLEAN in his
eyes.
What's the matterg' gueried Hur-
comhe, hurriedly. How did you get
here?"
The visitor hesitated. and looked at
him queerly.
The door was open, they were after /
me, and I ran in. They say I'm mad |
but I'm not. By Godl I'm not madl /
Not mad yet-yeti" And he burst into /
a scream OF laughter which would have /
been heard all over the house had not
the room been sound proof Hurcombe
had bad b made 50 purposely - he nov
remembered 20 his CONSERVATION
ANY fool could tell that replied
the actor, coolly. with tn air Of one
receiving an expected visitor "Bui
there's no occasion 70 hide. You're a.
safe here as-anywhere"
Again the man looked al hin sseerly.
detecting with the sharp Wits Of lun-
acy the double entendro in his words
"sir, 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
nadl Tell me, I'm not mad"
lie had drawn closer 10 Hurcombe.
who took advantage Of the change Of
position 10 edge nearer the electric
bell. which, II he could but reach, would
arouse the household.
MY dear sir, I've already told you
you're laboring under a delusiou in
supposing anythiug's wrong with your
mental balance. Sit down a moment
and I'll get you some Refreshments.
you're tired. doubtless" And he went
to open the door. but It was locked
Hurcombe glanced back az the man.
Ills only reply was a cunning smile
which oyerspread his countenance.
II see you've taken the trouble TO
tasten the door" said The manager
That's as velour conversation will
be more private" And inwardly trem-
bling, he III a cigar and sat down.
You've something 10 tell me. Of
said Huucombe presently.
he knew all madmen had stories 20 re-
ate. and that 1t humored them to listen.
1 was also a method Of gaining time.
''Nesl Do you know WHAT II is 20
ote-io hate9"
The actor smiled. lie did on the
lage
10 love is to hate" continued the
,octurnal intruder. who. following
Iurcombe's example. had now drawn
.p a chair TO the ~, opposite him. - >.
ave both loved and hated. A year >.
go | worshiped the most beautiful
roman ! or any man ever set eyes upon. J,
~ooed her We were married. and
ettled down In the country TO joy
"a existence. for ! had enough To ,
eep us both in comfort 10 modest :.
,ay. My wife adored me, and We were
$ happy as the days were long till he n
anne upon the scene" I,
The madman glared az bis host as n 1,
se object Of his vengeance sat before
i'm in the flesh q,
~He was handsome. fascinating, with d,
look that killed women. lie carried
before him. and broke 4,
carts as easily as you or would
mock down ninepius; and my wife fell re
18th the rest. One day I had been 10 a "A
llage a few miles of. reaching home
IS, after dusk. Muriel did not run 20 as
ie gate a. usual TO meet me, and had ia
dim. hnzy perception that something
as wrong. tr
Il ran upstairs into every room, but ur
uriel was not there. Our servant was o.,
It. so ] could not question her; but Va
hen l entered the dining room ! mo- ),
red scrap Of paper lying on the
BILE. "a took IL mp eagerly; il simply 90
re the words: Good-by,' and was in eli
5 handwriting. How cursed him! lif
Had Muriel written the note, Il ia
1uld have been different; but that he .et
ould pen those words what mock my
VI Like one demented. cursed -oi
erything; | called on Heaven TO va
ike him dead. and the woman too ter
y wife! abl
'Sir. IL I have ever been mad. was la
ID at that moment. The room con isl
ed. stihed me. I clinehed my hands no.
a could have torn down the very str
IA. .,-s,h - Soar nails had SUI Dol