Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-12-27

the conversation, the sound of which
He could barely distinguish word
here and there; but he recognized the
timber of one of the voices. 1T was the
chemists, and his interlocutor was
woman perhaps his daughter. If only
he could reach Agnes Murdoch with
some word or signal.
In suspense, he held his ear to the
mouthpiece, occasionally taking a
breath of fresh air to renew his
strength. I
Should he take the chances and shout |
in the hope of catching the young
girls attention? If he whistled, Muir
dock would answer himself, and the |
last chance would be lost. But would
she hear shout? And, if she did, would
not her father prevent her from render
ing any assistance? Yet what other
chance was there? Poor Sprague was
dying; perhaps already dead. There
was no time to lose.
He stood for awhile irresolute, and
had just made up his mind to risk all
on a bold move, when suddenly Muir
docks voice becamem more distinct, as if
he We're passing near the mouth-piece
of the speaking-tube at the other end.
II shall be back directly"
He was going then. Agnes. if it
were she, would remain alone for at
least an instant; and in that instant
lay possible salvation.
The reporter strained every nerve
to catch some other word None
came. But presently he heard door
close. Murdoch had left the room.
Now or never was the chance to act.
With all his might he blew repeated
ly into the tube.
"Well?'
The question came in the sweet
tones of woman's voice.
"Nlr. Sprague is in great danger.
do at once as | say. Go to the door
of the extension; press upward on
the lower hinge; then turn the knob!
Quick, before your father returns!"
Sturgis evoked the image of MUIR
dock performing these operations be-
fore opening the door of the extenA
sion; and, with retrospective intui.
ton, OWNED their purpose.
There was no answer. Sturgis wait
ed for none. In bound he vas at
/ his friends side and was struggling
to drag him toward the foot of the
stairs. As he reached this point, the
door opened and revealed Agnes Muir
dock, pale and frightened, on the
landing atsthe top. IL
The first rush of gas caused her
to start back; but lin another instant
she had caught sight of her lovers
4fnanimate form and had rushed to his
| assistance.
Suddenly shadow fell across the
threshold of the open door. Sturgis
looked up in quick apprehension.
1t was Murdoch.
He stood critically observing the
scene, with all outward appearance oil
calmness.
Agnes had not seen him. She was
making desperate efforts to raise
Sprague's limp form; but felt herself
succumbing to the effects of the gas.
MY darling! my poor darling!" SHIT
exclaimed and suddenly she stag
gered and lurched forward.
Sturgis made an instructive effort Il
support her; but before he could
reach her Murdoch was at her sid,
and had her in his arms. He bore
her gently up the stairs and into hi
study. Then, for an instant, h
seemed to hesitate. The reporter eX
stinctively his hand reached back t,
his hip pocket for his revolver. But
in another moment. Murdoch had re
turned to where he stood.
"Come!' he said.
AT the same time he lifted the arts
in his arms and carried him up tn
stairs. Sturgis followed unsteadil,
and reached the study. only to fal
, exhausted into chair.
Having deposited his burden upol
the floor, Murdoch closed the door o
the death chamber; turned a valv
which was near his desk; opened tn
windows wide, and revolved Gran
winch pFOJccueu IToul pnc wall Nea
the door of the extension.
''He is shutting off the gas an
, opening the steel shutters of the sky
light" thought Sturgis.
Then the chemist produced a flas
!. and poured out small quantity {
brandy, which he forced his daughte
to swallow.
AS soon as she was sufficiently IT
: viyed, she rushed to the side of he
! lover, whose head she gently raised
her lap. Murdock's eyes were fa
tened upon her. She met his cali
questioning gaze.
Yes, love him." she said, simply.
Then this strange man, without III
f other word. gently pushed his daugl
5 ter to one side and, throwing off hi
: coat, stopped over the PROSTATE forl
: of the man whose life he had tried
I take, and industrioHsly worked owe
k him, in an attempt to restore the fai
ing respiration.