The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-01-27
AT THE MERCY
 OF HE NEEDLE
BY DAVID CARROLL GALE.

BY DAVID CARROLL GALE. Copyright, Nls05. By Daily Story Pub. Co., Several years ago I was employed as travelling agent for large, petro- politan clothing house. My territory was extensive and for the most part was made up of the smaller towns Twas confidently expecting com fortable- evening as I approached the hotel in the little town of Waldo. In fact, if the treatment accorded me by my customers could De taken as a gem uine prophecy, Iiwas to be exceptional ly well entertained.
 Nor was disappointed. The hotel was small, but 1t was neat and nome like The well supplied table exactly suited my appetite, and my evening cigar left me in state of moderate contentment <
 Finding the quiet of the place es- pecially conducive to rest. retired in good season. for the life of a travel ing man Is not so full of ease as some people imagine, and I felt the need of rest that night. Besides. 1 wished to make an early start the fol- lowing morning, in order to make up for lost time.
 To this day can not tell the hour whenI awoke. The room was in dark ness, but I was vaguely conscious that someone was near me. No sound reached my ears, yet I shivered slight ly and peered out into the gloom, trying in vain to control my unsteady nerves.
 For several seconds--I lay there waiting breathlessly. then there ap- peared not far from the foot of my bed ray of light, which increased L. uf- P,.1n ~R a dark lantern flashed upon me.
 By this time had come to the conclusion that some one was attempt ing to burglarize my apartment, and l was about to point out the spot where my pocketbook was concealed when something caused me to pause.
 The shaft of light began to dart around in many varying directions until at last it rested on the un- lighted lamp. The next moment a match was struck. thus giving me a chance to see my visitor.
 He was q small man. with very thin. haggard face. He made no at- tempt at concealing his features. and he wore no overcoat or hat. In his hand he carried a small leather case. Ills eyes glowed with a dangerous light, and they were focused upon me with a fixed intentness.
 / Naturally. became uneasy under his scrutiny. There was something so very weird and unnatural about him. that it. filled me with a nameless fear. tried to rise from the bed, but his gaze seemed to hold me with hypnotic power.
 What do you want9' I at last man. aged to gasp.
 Don't be alar1sed. my friend" said he. T simply want to try a little ex. pertinent on you"
 you can't do it." said with all the severity at command. You will have to get out of nere.'
 Wouldn't you like to live forever? ? hard, metallic glitter in his eyes
 was too much amazed to answer
 T have in here," he went on, al | case lightly, ''a preparation which, fl injected into the arm, will give If, without end. I am sure of it. hay, studied the question for years. All want now is a chance to try it. I car tell by the way 1t works whether thu proportion is right or not" This explained his presence in my room. I had to deal with a madmaI instead of a burglar. For some mo ments I made no reply. and all tn, while he stared at me interrogatIvely
 At last decided to divert his atten ton. If possible. If once he woulC turn his back on me, I might be abl, to overpower him.
 How is the operation performed 9 | asked.
 With this little needle,"' he re piled, turning quickly toward the ta ble and proceeding to open his case.
 This gave me the desired opportu nifty. I stole out of bed and ap preached him stealthily. I had almos reached his siIe, when he turneS sud denly. thrusting an ugly looking re- volver in my face.
 go back to bed," he said sternly. I obeyed him with alacrity. Ther, was something about his manner wnicl did not encourage delay.
 | Lay bare your arm." he command ed, as he continued to open his case.
 In this also I was obedient rolled my sleeve up as far as it would con veniently go, and then waited anx tously to see who was coming next.
 He took from his case a small, stee instrument. divided like a fork int, several prongs. each one of whtcl tapered to a fine point
 Knowing that my chances for es cape were growing poorer with eaci | naRSinR unOpnaNf