The Mercur miner. [volume] (Mercur, Utah) 1895-1913, 1905-09-13

r.som). mentally wondering II thos-
thoroughbred. handsome faces we're
hut masks thsi concealed hideously
reformed souls.
The Professor asked me to Join hiin
after luncheon in his room foe a
cigar. | accepted this invitation gith
alacrity.
After we had chatted on many In
different subjects for time care
lessly said:
Prof Bolleau. regret one thing
that | never saw this famous cobra
of yours. She must have been a hand
some reptile"
"A beauty-my friend beauty. It
was great blow to me when she
died. was very fond OF my treas.
ure In spite of the cruel harm she
did.
Did she know your"
Did she know me- She was my
slave and obeyed my every com.
mand"
Gould you charm her?'
Il never attempted any special feats
with her used TO feed her. how.
ever and she would allow me to
caress her"
"Did you ever take her from her
cage?'
NO, never. | often thought | would
ettempt il, but there was some risk
you know, and after all. life is sweet q
81 haN 10 "a %.
lite diet OF this serpent--is that SOP
Eyes, the cobra is exceedingly fond
OF rice and milk. but there is a root
known as the arrac, for which IL has
an absolute passion. IL will scent II
for many rods, and will always search
II out"
rs it possible. That is an inter
Csting fact"
as 1t not?" asked the Professor. ris
ing. II brought a small quantity OF
that root from India ] believe there
is bit left in the jar-let me see
All! yes and going to the carved
cabinet between the windows, h,
reached a jar. and, bringing II down
opened 1t, and showed me a small
piece Of the root.
Now this" he said, as he held Il
between his finger and thumb. III th'
cobra were here, would be sufficient
to tempt her from the cage Yol
might conceal II anywhere in thii
room or in the hall yonder. or in AM
OF these adjoining rooms. and th,
serpent, IL allowed liberty, would fine
and rayenously devour IL. Remark
able, isn't it," and blowing n bit o
dust from the root, he restored II I,
the jar and replaced the latter upoi
the shelf.
sat silent. Could this root hav,
been the bait with which the serpen
was tempted from its cage on tina
fatal night? II so, by whose hand wa
the Turing morsel prepared?
what is your theory?" | abrupt,
asked. do you fancy II was du
solely to accident that poor Dalrympl
met that frightful end?"
The Professor regarded me stead
tasty for a moment Without doubt,
he answered. you see, Severance
| NhV tpbio wac oh ObJtNt VI
terror and attraction to the entlr
household. The servants often bel
ged permission to enter and watch II
graceful movements. My idea is tina
some adventurous person from IN
servants quarters slipped in her
after Babu had secured the snake 70
the night, and opened the door {
slide in some dainty. Then. becomin
suddenly alarmed by some real OF In
aginary noise. hastily left the room
leaving the door open. Next morning
Mortified at the result OF this culpabl
negligence. this adventurous on
keeps his own counsel, and doubles
will forever"
who was the first person TO dl
cover that Dalrymple was dead?-Ol
yes! | remember-his man, William
was it not?"
yes"
Where is he now" asked in a
off-hand manner.
II have not the slightest idea" r
Joined the Professor. "He RENAME
a few weeks after my return, the
betook himself TO New York"
Ito be continued.)
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