The Indianapolis journal., 1903-11-15

edge of the fall. She feared no harm for
herself beyond wetting. She knew for the
man she had drugged this meant instant
death. In a flash the security of her scheme
presented itself as an amazingly clever con-
ception. How natural it would all sound
boating accident in the dark, a terrible
tragedy in the midst Of pleasure.
She pictured the nervous collapse from
the shock she would feign and the sympathy
she would receive. Again her malicious
laugh rang out triumphantly. Then the stars
overhead became blurred. There was the
rush of water in her ears as the surging
torrent whirled them downwards smashing
the light boat like matchwood in its angry
course. Once clear of the falls Mrs. Ian
dale struck out for the shore. She could
not see In the dark what had become Of the
boat or the body of the unconscious man.
She realized ner crime had almost cost her
her own life, for the power of the water
had sucked her down, and she crawled out
breathless, bruised, beaten. falling from
sheer exhaustion upon the ground. Thus
she lay for some moments covered by the
darkness. then, starting UP, crying loudly
for aid. this being Iart Of the role she had
set herself TO play.
Fancying she heard steps coming in her
direction. she paused, calling out pitifully:
Help. help, for mercy's sake! He's
drowning! Help, help.''
No sign of a living SOUL only among the
trees she could hear a faint, far-away voice
murmuring TREMENDOUSLY:
my blood be on you-on you-forever!
An icy chill of superstitious dread seized
her. She rushed away, but again caught the
sound of the footsteps and the quavering
voice condemning her.
At last. rooted to the spot with horror
she stood MISUNDERSTANDING. The steps
came nearer, but she dared not turn, nor
could she run, for her heart seemed failing
and she had no breath.
A tall, dark figure appeared suddenly at
her side, . pair of iron hands shook her In
a frenzy, while voice OF fearful passion
Kissed in her ear:
''Murderess! You have killed John Hen
ley!"
She heard no more, for her brain reeled,
and she sank to the ground in a dead faint
w.
There were many widely differing rumors
afioat in London of strange happenings upon
the River Thames.
Gossips told of a certain lady well know
to society,"; and peculiar for her love of
shooting rapids, who had tried the practice
once too often, receiving in consequence
slight concusion of the brain. She had been
found by some watermen, fainting and
drenched To the skin. On recovering con-
sciounsness, she raved wildly of a drowned
man lost in the falls, and a ghostly figure
accusing her of murder. Though at dawn
these same energetic watermen dragged the
rlver, nothing was found but the remains
of the boat, and Caught on the branch of
a Willow false beard and wig.
Surely these forms of disguise held the
clew to mystery. yet no explanation ap-
peared forthcoming.
Mrs. Lanlale. after a short illness. went
abroad for her health; IL was also rumored
that John Henley was no longer on speak
ing terms with the Landales.
With fresh energy he warred against the
policy OF Phrcival. swaying the destinies OF
nations wish all his old vigor and force.
crushing Percival Landale under his heel.
Nigel Henley gave promise of following
in the footsteps of his celebrated parent;
father and son were fast friends. For
some unknown reason. John Henley became
an avowed woman-hater, quite unexpected