The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1905-09-28

LlJJle ala guess tnat was TO DC
the unconscious cause of bringing
his sin home to him.
1t was three years since the
crime. | had almost forgotten, or
rather ceased to recall to mind,
that weird night in Bloomsbury
Square. Sometimes I thought of
the murderer still at large, and
could only trust he had repented of
his cruel deed
One day l was telegraphed for to
attend a case at Manden Hall in
Yorkshire. One of the guests-a
stranger to me-met me at the sta
tion with n dogcart He briefly ex-
planned that there had been gun
accident, hoped had had a pleasant
Journey, and remarked on the cool
ness of the evening relapsed
into silence. 1t was dusk, so could
not see my companions face very
distinctly, but during the three-mile
drive was filled with a strange un-
accountable sensation that he and l
had met before. Where and when
and under what circumstances !
could not say. His name l learnt
was George Orton, and | discovered
later that he had an antipathy to
hospital nurses.
One afternoon I was sitting with
my patient, who was now GONZALES
cent, in the big entrance hall when
the men who had been out shooting
came in. They settled themselves
in the various divans and chairs and
called for tea. I was on the POINT
of retiring when my patient called
me back.
Don't go, nurse" he said, laugh
ingly. Come and tell us one of
your odd experiences. I am sure
you have had any amount"
Smiling, I seated myself, and
glanced at my audience. My eyes
met Mr.. Ortons and again I felt
that queer feeling that he and / had
met before. Then quite suddenly I
recalled that night in Bloomsbury
Square. II will tell you about a
murder l once saw committed with
out knowing 1t was one," said.
"Ah that sounds exciting" said
the men in chorus. Only Mr.. Orton
was silent, and felt his eyes fixed
on me during my narrative.
He saw you them" said one Of
my listeners.
'Yes, he saw me. I spoke aloud
as he passed under the window. l
called him a brute and"
There was a crash of broken
china. Mr.. Orton had risen sud-
denly, and in doing so upset a small
table containing cups and saucers.
! All eyes were turned to him; mine
must have been the most eager,
most startled, for l knew instinc-
lively that he was the man whose
shadow / had seen on the blind that
night three years ago.
His face was livid, his hands were
tightly clenched to hide their tre-
NOR.
whats wrong, Orton?" asked
the men. Only was silent and mo-
tionless. My eyes were still riveted
on him in kind of horror, for his
guilt was depicted on his face. The
mask had fallen, he could act no
| more.
Yet in spite OF all felt a pang of
/ pity for my victim, for his was not
the face of a criminal His crime
must have been the result of intoxi-
/ cation or heated anger, not of cruel
ty. Did he read the softer look in
| my eyes? l cannot tell, but the
muscles Of his face relaxed he
seemed to breathe again.
| The men were still pressing him
! for some reason for his unusual be-
havior and ! saw him pull himself
/ together with an effort.
"a touch Of my old heart COM
| plant" he said lightly. Nurse, I
shall want your aid, think" he
added, looking me steadily in the
! face.
was silent.
! "Will you undertake my case"
/ he questioned with a smile. / mar
/ yelled at the mans power of acting,
/ for | was not blind to the hidden
meaning of his words.
"Yes, I will do what can" I
said slowly, vaguely wondering at
my own weakness.
Thank you"
The incident was soon forgotten
by all save myself and Mr.. Orton.
Every hour expected to hear of his
sudden departure. He had already
obviously suffered much; 1t was an
awful thought to know he WAS In my
power. l felt / could not use my
knowledge for his downfall; he
trusted me. That same evening
received a note from him. 1t ran
thus:
You know my secret--I feel you
know. I read 1t In your eyes-I am
in your hands; do as you think best;
/ will make. no attempt at fight. II
you knew the whole story you
would pity the sinner, perhaps, lit
tie. Though have not the courage
to give myself up to justice, will
allow you to do so If you desire 1t.
G, O."