The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-09-15

HOW L COuLflVeQ TO SUCK TO the
work I shall never be able to explain.
So violent was the nausea which held
me in its grip that at times I nearly
reeled from my chair, but, persevering
boldly, 1 continued to write, and by
p. m. the section of the manuscript
which the librarian required was ready.
Hardly had dispatched it to the post
when staggered and fell heavily to
the ground.
This must be the reaction Of the
strain of the work." told myself, at
tempting to rise, but the effort was too
much for me, and second later the
room swan before my eyes, there came
noisy singing in my ears and I knew
no more.
When recovered consciousness,
Jones, my trusty man servant, was
kneeling beside me.
Lord, sir, you do look mortal badi"
he said in a quivering tone. 1--we sent
Martha for DR.. Bellchamber, and he
ought to be here in few minutes.
How long have been unconscious 2"
/ asked, as / swallowed a spoonful of
the whisky that he held to my trem-
bling lips.
''Well, not above fifteen minutes, sir,
or whereabouts. I heard you fall, and,
wondering what had happened, Martha
and me came here as quick as our legs
would bring u.s."
Il think am going to die, JONES'" i
said, in low, feeble voice; heart and
brain cannot stand out against the hor-
rible agonies through which / have
passed this day. If, as I believe, my
last hour is at hand, communicate
with my lawyer, Mr.. Bryce of Clifford
Inn, and he win do all that is neces-
sary as regards my affairs
Cheer UP, SIR replied the devoted
fellow. you amt going to die just
yet. I'll take my appydavy. Ah here's
the DOCTOR" he added, as a loud knock
resounded through the house. 'I'Il run
dow and let him in"
The physician came with hurried
steps into the study. He cast one
piercing glance at me, and then said
abruptly to the two servants:
Help me to place your master ON
the sofa.'
They obeyed silently. Then DR.. Bell
chamber motioned to the domestics to
quit the apartment.
II have sent the servants away" l1a
said, in a solemn tone, because what
have to tell you must not be over
heard"
What do you mean?" I asked, as
my eyes glazed with terror.
Il mean that you are being poison
ed"
The words rang through the avenues
of my brain with sinister sound.
"Bellchamber," I said in low tone
surely you are not speaking seriously!
What has put so horrible theory into
your mind?"
zone glance at your face-one glance
at your attitude when I entered the
room. That grayish tinge upon your
cheeks, that compression of the eyes
that twisting of the legs, pointed to
one conclusion only. There is no other.
You are being poisoned"
"But by what-by whom?" asked,
helplessly.
1--WE will inquire into that later. My
first act will be to administer to you
strong emetic, which will serve to
eliminate this poisonous matter from
your system. That being done we will
lose no time in pursuing our investiga-
tons as to the cause of your seizure
He rang the bell and ordered mustard
and warm water to be brought imme-
diately. "Must swallow that horrible
concoction?" I inquired, with a very
wry face, when the doctor had mixed
the stuff with deft fingers.
'sMost certainly you must. There,
down with it, and you will be yourself
again in no time"
DR.. Bellechamber proved a true
fectly sound once more, with the ex-
ception of slight weakness that still
fingered in my limbs. The physician
seated himself opposite me, and pro-
ceeded to put me through a rigid ex-
animation.
what have you eaten today?" he
asked. sax
''For breakfast, little ham, round
of toast, washed down by weak tea.
For lunch, the wing of chicken, some
salad and a glass of sauterne. Dinner
have not yet touched"
did anything in the very simple
dishes you have eaten contain an I'M
usual taste?"
Certainly not"
Him. Can you suggest any motive
for some person wishing to get rid of
you?"
"None whatever. I am not rich-my
death would benefit nobody on earth
except the undertaken"
"Your servants are not to be sus-
pected for a moment, presume
"Not for a single instant. They are
devoted to me, and have been with me
for years"
"Then the mystery is inexplicable
indeed"
I rose and paced the room with ex-
citabIe steps. Doctor / said, in a
ouivering voice, doctor, this is a hor-
rible, CHASTITY position for a man to
occupy To know that l have come
near to death by poisoning and yet to
linger in complete ignorance, not only
of the nature of the drug, but of the
reason of it's being administered. Great