Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-22

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Perhaps, Kate, you could oblge your friend
with an idea culled from your experience" sug-
gested the Count with cruel smile.
Madame colored slowly. II beg you to excuse
me- she answered.
! you then, Miss ElliottH
Francine turned il possible paer than before.
This is all some horrid jest" she cried.
The Count smiled again. my dear young lady,
never jest" he said; 81 am too old to play the
fool. Come, have you no suggestion!
None except that you kill me- tool She
seemed about to faint and swayed towards Cres-
singham, but he sent her glance that gave her
sudden strength.
The Count bent upon her countenance of Sc
we're reproach what, you dare to say that you
are tired Of life All, bah, you have scarcely
tasted it, besides you are woman. You think
now that you love this young man. perhaps. Be-
leve me, that will pass. You are beautiful,
young; there are many years before you. Death,
no! have other views for you"
She was silent; he eyed her moment, then
turned to Cressingham. "It seems that we shall
be obliged to decide the matter between our
selves, my Lord"
"Best, think" said Cressngham.
"Ah-m," he cleared his throat and gave the
young man burning, searching glance. "'What
of bullet through the heart or brain! Death
would be almost instantaneous"
Brutal" objected Cressingham
"True. quite true! Science has Of late years
so refined these matters for usl We shall there
fore pass by suffocation, drowning, the rope, the
dagger and the poisons There remains
to consider few comfort-giving powders and to
choose one or some of them"
EXACTLY. I have heard that Inorphia-
"a good groundwork, my Lord, wherewith to
induce sleep, but a death dealing dose often
causes pain. Now if you will allow me to offer
suggestion
''Why certainly; are you not master of cere-
mones?"
"Ha, ha, ha! quite so. WE'LL morphia first to
bring you sleep and dreams, visions glorious, my
lord, for morphia is nothing but form of that
hasheesh Of which the ancients were SO fond
But mingled with the morphia little aconite
and then in the midst of splendid dreams will
come death. darker dream than the others, but
who shall say less sensuous or beautiful"
Excellent"
'fIt is agreed then?"
''Why, yes"
''I see you handle that knife my Lord, with,
what shall say-a murderous intention in your
eyes. shall spare you the trpube of attempting
to use it fruitlessly Mark this button on my
chair Observe, turn it-thus. All, you see!'
AS he turned the button, Cressingham and the
two ladies were on sudden rendered rigid and
helpless as stone figures where they sat, and they
endured moreover tortures unspeakable.
"You hear hat clicking sound"' said the
Count at scarcely is necessary to explain the
matter to persons of your intelligence. You are
all seated on electric chairs this button controls
the circuit Sol I switch it off, you are released!
But beyond that, my Lord, these negroes about
us are my servants. You must surely have
thought me lavish of display to require so many
to wait on us at table" He laughed a long,
low. hideous chuckle of fiendsh mirth it was.
Cressingham commenced to despair, for he now
fully realized how utterly helpless was his posi-
ton, but with violent effort he kept his self
control and asked: "At what hour, sir, do you
intend that / shall die"
"At noon tomorrow"
Cressingham was about to speak when loud
rap came to the door and tall negro servant en-.
tered.
''What is it?" asked the Count.
"a cable, Highness.'
'Read it aloud!"
The man unfolded the paper in his hand.
''Khan Barbaroka - Perlgord - Eruted-Sema-
phore."
"The translation, fool! do you think I carry
cyphers in my head?"
"Pardon, Highness Expedition sailed this
afternoon, Perigord commanding, Cressingham
blamed for Katherin's escape. Elopement sus-
pected Police Of all nations awake. Orders Civ
en- for European coast lines to be searched for Sc
cret cable stations, commencing east Have
warned Peluchi Keep Cressingham alive without
fail till I arrive. He is my prisoner. Frederick
The Count de'Attala uttered grim laugh. "The
fool presumes to give me orders, he shall see!
Really, my Lord, feel quite humanitarian III
YOUR regard The Prince will undoubtedly be
here tomorrow evening anticipating fine feast
of revenge. The fellow is coarse brute at heart
who would put you to all manner OF lnconve
niences. We shall, however, forestall him"
Cressingham shvered. "Thanks, sir; perfect
ly appreciate your ama6le intentions; ne SAID
with satire; you viii kill me painlessly at noon
tomorrow less to save me tortures though than
to spite your son-in-law
"Pardon me, spite is bad word, and discount
eous-say disappoint."
"Ah. a thousand apologies -disappoint."
"Until noon tomorrow, my Lord, everything I
have is yours.
Including liberty?"
ssEvervthinr," interrupted the Count, with
the single exception OF my daughters company.
/ need her. lor we have many matters to converse
upon-eh .Katherin?"
"Yos 's,-~ Madame's manner was painful
ly subdued she was pale and pensive, and Cres-
singham, ohser - narrowly, thought her a
little fearful too.
The Count nodded to the manecled attendants,
who at once lifted him to his feet. ''You will
excuse me, my Lord. I seldom cat much supper,
and have business. Come. Katherin!
Madame arose too and took his proffered arm.
The Count turned at the door: my servants
will show you TO room when you are weary
he gave her a coarse chuckle-that is if YOU
need separate accommodation, my Lord Here
is n lady who was Just now anxious to die with
YOU, possibly she will be disposed to tighten your
| latest hours If so do not hesitate my account,
for on this domain exist neither conventions
preiudices, morals
''Nor manners sir!" interrupted Cressngham
hotly, starting upwards as he spoke his face
abaze with passion.
"Tut tut" said the Count, smilingly Struggling
his shoulders; manners are conventions; here
we are always natural, and say what we think il
il amuses us. I am sorry my suggestion failed to
please you, for beside Miss Elliott there is no