The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1902-12-24
CHAPTER XIV.
DEATH.


his head fen little to one side. and he
looked as II he would have fallen but
for the support I afforded him. His
apparent collapse under the sudden
attack which had been made upon him
excited my sympthy, and In less than
q minute I relaxed my grasp. saying:
"Te,l me where you have put those
coins, and not only shall you escape
punishment, but you shall be rewarded
and allowed to remain here as long
as you live"
The old man made no reply. but
leaned against the wall. breathing
heavily, with a strange expression upon
his face. the like Of which had not
seen.
Again approached him, and laying
my hand gently on his shoulder spoke
TO him kindly, yet earnestly:
81 am sorry ] have frightened you.
A I live. I promise you shall come
to no harm. But please tell me what
you have dcne with those coins, for
have o right to know"
With O great effort, pitiable for Its
feebleness. the old man took q large
iron key from his pocket, and essayed
to step towards me. making as though
he would speak; but he failed Of his
intention and fell heavily on the Aoor.
The incident seriously alarmed me.
In an instant was on my knees ut his
side. supporting his head on my arm.
But my utmost efforts failed to rouse
the old man; his attenuated form
waxed heavier and heavier. and his
half-ciosed eyes and lips lent an. ex-
preston to his face awful to behold.
Quite terrified at his condition. l
stamped violently on the floor and
shouted 20 loudly for help that two
servants rushed into the room.
Fetch Dr.. Thuriow at once; IL he
isn't In. send the boy on horse to
Ixworth for doctor. Adams Is I'LL
don't know how seriously. And bring
some water. one Of you. quickly"
The women hastily left TO obey my
orders, and were met at the door by
my father and Mr.. Wolsey.
what Is the matter" asked my
father, STOPPING to look at the Old man
as ne lay ON the door. what has
happened"
II was talking to Adams, when he
suddenly reeled and fell down un-
conscious" i explained.
He would be better on the couch"
said Mr.. Wolscy; and adopting the sug-
gestion We lifted the old man Into that
position.
BY this time q servant had returned
with some water: and while bathsd
the face Of the patieut. Mr.. Wolsey
ana INV father felt his left side and
watched intently for signs OF respira-
tion. which could with difficulty be
diseerned.
" am afraid he is going" said my
father quietly.
Mr. Wolsey, to whom these ominous
words were addressed. signifed his
assent by lightly inclining his head.
20 nor ! cried in an agony Of fear,
oppressed with the consciousness Of
how largely I was responsible for this
catastrophe; live minutes ago he was
well. He must surely revive SOON"
My exclamation was interrupted by
the entry Of Dr.. Thurlow, who ut once
began o systematic examination Of the
patient. He felt the old mans pulse
and the region OF his heart. closed and
unelosed his passive hands, lifted one
Of his eyellds and placed his finger on
the eye-an experiment which I could
not help but witness. though It horri-
fed me profoundly. These things ac-
complished, DR.. Thurlow turned to my
father md said:
II am sorry to tell you, Mr.. Truman,
that your old servant is dead"
Ny heart sank within me as I real.
lied the meaning Of the Doctors words.
This was my first experience Of death;
and in presence of that awful mystery
I seemed to grow older By as many
years as minutes had ELAPSED since the
fatal accusation. I could not sneak.
but stood In a sort Of stupor, looking
down unon what haI .o recent,,, hoo,,
instinct with warmth and motion All
thought of the seouius was banished
from INV mind. and instead could
think oplv Of the one wbo had tsu,h,
ne to ride in the green lanea abont
HoIdenhurst when I was n child. vino
had been frat In imnress unon mo The
names of the trees shrubs flowers and