The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-03


bend your will to his, TO carry you away to
distant lands-far away from those who can
help you-as his prisoner. his wife. He is
tired OF his life in England: he has ac-
cepted post in wild Indian island where
you. with your dolls beauty, will be con-
slant delight and Joy to him. You won't
know your own mind, Miss Veronica, when
you jilt Sydney Hungerford for a former
lover and fly the country with Alfred Bon
sor."
She laughed-a low. cynical iaugh-as she
thought of the terrible plot she had Matched
with Alfred. What poor thing the human
brain was, after all, easily governed by
mans skill BY means of strong drugs,
Alfred assured her, 1t was possible TO bring
the most perverse man or woman to state
of acquiescence. He was certain if Dora
could lure Veronica alone to his house the
plan could be arranged successfully. Ger
tain preparations were in readiness by
which she would become docile as a lamb.
Everything had been well puzzled out, each
detail planned with extraordinary fore
thought and precision.
Sydney was distinctly annoyed that Dora
Bently should have dared to call upon his
fiancee.
Il shall hear some more about DR.. Bon
sor to-day" he told Veronica one morning,
as am going to drive on a motor car TO
the Sheen Club this afternoon with
friend of his. l hear the mad patients are
to be given up. One has grown extremely
vicious lately, and 1 fancy she frightened
Bonsor We pass his house on our way.
He is going to look out purposely. as he's
interested in motors"
That afternoon Veronica found herself
thinking somewhat frequently of DR.. Bon
sor, wondering whether it was the motor
car or Sydney he most wished to see. She
was returning from a shopping expedition
when Nurse Dora arrested her on the door
step.
"You must come at once" she said, laying
her hand firmly on Veronica's arm, there
| has been an accident. Mr.. Hungerford was
thrown from the car and carried insensible
! to my brother-in-law's house. Alfred is
attending him, and insisted upon my fetch
ing you. He does not think the injuries
are serious, so be a brave girl and try not
to break down."
White as a sheet and trembling at the
news, Veronica followed her into small
brougham and allowed herself to be driven
away. Many were the anxious questions
with which she piled Nurse Dora, to all of
which encouraging answers were given.
Keep very calm; don't excite yourself
or Alfred may not let you see him." said
Dora Bentley, as they neared Vauxhall.
1--WE had to carry Mr.. Hungerford to an
attic at the very top of the house, as the
other rooms are all occupied by patients.
You must not be alarmed if you hear
/ ctr On N have
a very fractions woman in the house. She
imagines my brother murdered her hus-
band, and calls him dreadful names at the
| top of her voice."
"Oh, L shall be thinking too much of
| Sydney to fear anything else" replied
Veronica. eff he were taken from me now.
should die
AS the carriage stopped, the door of the
| house opened simultaneously. DR.. Bonsor
stood upon the threshold with a welcoming
smile.
HE is better, Miss Tempest. But 1 in
tend to keep him little longer in a dark
ened room till the effects of the shock wear
| off. If you really wish to see him, you must
enter very noiselessly."
Indeed, | will do anything you tell me-"
said Veronica, 'but 1 must-I must see
| Sydney
She followed the doctor cautiously up the
stairs The atmosphere of the house seemed
| sitting her with its gloom.
On the first landing she paused instinct
| lively, for the sound of desperate struggle
caught her ear. DR.. Bonsor paused also
and turned a trife paler than before
Words of terror reached their ears:
"Helpi Help! She has escaped The
knife
A door on their left burst open and an
immense woman, with flaming red hair
streaming over her shoulders, and Wild
mad eyes. rushed out upon them.
She passed Veronica and sprang at DR..
Bonsor's throat, with something bright and
shining in her hand.
Murderer" she yelled. "Die, Die! Die!'
A stream of blood, awful groan, and
Dr. Bonsor fell to the ground with the
horrible figure bending over him, admins
tering stab upon stab. Sick with horror,
Veronica fled down the stairs conscious
| that the man who once asked her hand in
marriage had now been brutality killed be-
| fore her eyes. Her one idea was to reach
the street and call for aid Sydney's life
might be in danger-her Sydney. AS she
dashed out she ran against some the
doorstep, a tall figure, who caught her in
his arms and held her close to his heart.
Sydney" she gasped. Sydney, how can
II be your
81 had a presentiment something was
wrong. left my friend and drove back to
London. fancied 1 saw you in brougham
with Nurse Dora, but you passed so quick
ly / could not be sure l followed on the
chance. What have they done to you, my
precious, my own?''
Veronica could not answer. She only
looked up into his eyes. realized he was
safe, and dared not think of the rest.
Take me awayi" she pleaded. DIR.
Bonsor has been murdered! For heavens
sake. take me away from this terrible, ter
| rible house
He carried her, half fainting down the
steps and lifted her into a cab.
| You safe, my darling, quite SAFE"
| he whispered. I'VE are going home"
So she lay. with his arm around her,
| without speaking. without thinking, weak
and trembling still, but conscious of Sc
curity.
| Copyright. 1901
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