Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-05-14


 able beating of the heart and all the evidences of death, even to rigor nor- tis, may be detected
 Rare, but not unique" muttered the doctor. The attacks come on at in kervals?"
 Excitement brings them on. They have been more frequent of late than l formerly" McCloud turned to Dar- 1 rel. When l fled from Sandy Bar, that night, was beside myself with apprehension and remorse. I took refuge in that deserted cabin, and feel ing that an attack was upon me-. and not knowing but 1t would be the last, made few preparations and stretched myself out in the bunk, covering myself with blankets I car- ried with me.
 Then you came, Nate Darrel. Up | to the time you closed my eyes every move you made inside the cabin was seen by me; every word you spoke l heard"
 What did Darrel dor" asked Pay- l ton, bent on proving Darrels story.
 McCloud recited Darrel's actions in detail, substantially as Darrel had al- ready set them forth.
 What were your feelings, Me- Cloud?" continued Payton.
 The utter silence of the room was broken only by the low tones of the speakers and an occasional burst of music from the dance hall. T was glad" said McCloud, glad that Darrel could save himself by inn personating me. My hope was that might die and be found, after time, and mistaken for Darrel-just as he in- tended. But fate spared me for this final act of reparation I recovered and, for the last four weeks, have been living with a prospector in the hills. :
 Again he addressed Darrel.
 T have what you wrote and placed over me-" said he. Taking a Morocco I purse from his pocket, he brought from 1t a ragged slip of brown paper. Read it, doctor" he added. Tt will prove that Nate Darrel is man of fine feel ing"
 Payton took the slip and read it. "Is there another paper in the pocket l book?" he asked.
 "This.''
 It was the writing which told of the marked bullet and deep breath es- caped the listeners when it's contents were made known to them.
 Let us come back to your relations I with Murgatroyd,' proceeded Payton. You say they began in Denver?"
 Yes; in a gambling house in Dem yer. played there night after night, l forging checks to cover my losses. Murgatroyd took the stolen money and, l finding me an apt pupil, taught me how to play with him and help him fleece others. went from bad to worse. Friends paid the amount of the forged paper, hushing the matter up. From that hour, however, I was lost. The letters of Murgatroyd's devilish influence were things from which I could not free myself. I did not un- I derstand his power then and I do not understand it now-but it was an in- vincible weapon and he used it merci- lessly. For that monster l have re- nounced everything I hold dear in life and see how I am repaid"
 In the brief, lowering stiffness that followed there was not one but looked upon McCloud in pity and upon Mur- gatroyd with horror and loathing.
 "So," said Payton, softly, you came to Sandy Bar, met Murgatroyd in that \ private room, heard him read the note from Darrel and was asked to help him commit murder!''
 Mot asked returned McCloud hoarsely, commanded! Perhaps l should have obeyed him but for what happened. Murgatroyd stood at the office window, looking down into the street. He saw Darrel walking slowly in the direction of Hawkbill's. Spin ming around, Murgatroyd said to me:
 There is my man now; he is go- ing to Hawkbills. but he shall never reach there alive I will spring out into his path suddenly, from between the buildings. When I,leave you take that revolver on the desk, McCloud step to this window and shoot iron, it in case I need you. Darrel's back will be toward you and it will be ar easy shot
 Then Murgatroyd hurried away. picked up the revolver from the desi and stepped to the window as directed I could see Darrel plainly and recog. nized him as man had met earlier in the day at the Half Way house, or the trail from Anaconda.
 While I stood watching form leaped from the buildings and con Fronted Darrel. could not make ou the form distinctly, owing to tht shadow of the buildings, but revolver gleamed in the mans hand. I could not kill Darrel, but the thought strucl me that I could kill Murgatroyd anc sweep the incarnate devil forever from my path. I sighted the gun carefully and fired. My God, gentlemen! wher found out later that Darrel had beer Imprisoned, accused of the murder O Sturgis-when I learned that I hat slain the wrong man with such terri ble consequences to another, the eartl dipped away beneath me and though should die! thought"
 The words trembled on his lips ant A-