Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-11
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 , , THE STURGIS WAGER { . A DETECTIVE STORY. z <: - :I ? By EDGAR NOR ETTE 6 < Copyright, 1899, by Frederick A. Stokes Co. S @NG'&eWS'&@W g.
By EDGAR ETTE.

worthy O1 one ; Sleel lou nave PlsJ GU well, MT. Sturgis. I think you would have won modestly; and you are losing as | would myself have lost, had our positions been reversed. Good-bye.'
 The gleaming eyes disappeared from t1e grating and the sliding panel closed with a metallic click.
 s'Now, then" said Sturgis to his com panion, ''the last chance lies in the speaking tube. But first help me move this box"
 What do you want to do with the box?" asked Sprag que, who, however, did as he was bid.
 Tt may help us to gain a little time. Put it down here.'
 Sturgis struck match and pointed out the spot.
 ''On the hot-air register?'
 ''On what looks like a hot-air regis ter. Did you ever see a hot-air regis ter with no apparent means of shutting off the heat?"
 Sprague, who stood almost over the register, suddenly threw back his head and gasped for breath.
 .You have discovered the secret of this death trap" said Sturgis, observ- ing him.
 "Gas!' splut cred the artist.
 ''Ycs, he is going to asphyxiate us. Now, quick, to the speaking tube! The box will somewhat retard the rush of gas; but, at the best it is only a ques- tion of minutes before the air becomes so charged as to render respiration impossible"
 Sprague rushed to the speaking-tube and wEistled long and loud, after which he placed his ear to the mouth piece.
 T hear some one walking" he sud denly exclaimed.
 The two men listened in breathless silence for an answering call
 Well, gentlemen, what can do for you:"
 The words came in Murdock's voice.
 Spra9ue's eyes met those of the re- porter and saw that the last faint gli1n ner of hope was gone. In that swift and silent interchange of thought there was resignation to the inevitable doom and the final farewell of two brave hearts.
 The spluttering candle gave it's last flicker and went out, leaving the pris CDerS m utter CafkneSS-
 The room was rapidly filling with gas and they were beginning to feel it's effects.
 "We can at least complete our task before we die," said Sturgis, with grim determination.
 Our task.'
 '1es, and insure Murdock's convic- tion for our murder.''
 What chance is there that anyone will ever discover our bodies, since they are destined for Murdock's oblivion tanll?"
 Give me your hand" Sturgis re- piled; there is box of matches. l place it here, between us within easy reach. 1 want to write few words to the superintendent of police to ex- plain matters. By that time there will be enough gas in the room to produce a terrific explosion, when we strike a match. We can thus succeed tention to it. If I should succumb nefore you do, do not fail to light the match"
 While he was speaking the reporter had taken from his pocket a pad and a pencil and had begun to write as rapidly as he could in the darkness. Sprague's head was beginning to swim and his ears were ringing, but the thought of Agnes Murdock was uppermost in his mind. i "An exDlosion." he exclaimed: "nc 10; shat must not be. What ot Agnes? She may be hurt?" Sturgis continued writing. Tt is the only chance there is ot bringing Murdocll to justice," he said l firmly.
 But Agnes is innocent of his crimes,' urged the artist, in a thick voice. His tongue clove to his palate; l he felt his consciousness ebbing "Why should she suffer? I am go ing, old man-I cannot hold out any longer-Promise me that you-that you will not-strike-the match-'
 He staggered and fell against the reporter, who caught him in his | arms. His own senses were reeling.
 ''Promise-" pleaded the half-uncon scious man.
 "I promise" answered Sturgis, after an instant's hesitation.
 It struck a chill to his heart to sec his friend dying in the prime of youth strength and happiness.
 Suddenly a thought flashed upo1 him.
 Brace up, old fellow. All is moi yet over. The speaking leads te fresh air. Here, put your lips to ii and breathe through your mouth"
 The artist heard the words ant made an effort to obey these direc tions. With Sturgis' assistance he managed to place his lips to the mouth-piece of the speaking tube. 4 few whiffs of comparatively fresh ai1 sent the sluggish blood coursins through his veins and gave him new hold on life. With renewed vigo1 came the animal instinct to fight tt the last for existence.
 As the shadows of death which hat been closing in upon him receded, he became conscious of Sturgis' voice beating upon his ears in broken ant scarcely audible tones.
 "It is-the last chance-Stick-tt the tube-When he comes-surpris, him-your revolver-shoot-bef
 The reporter was clinging unsteadi l 1y to his friends shoulder. Spragut