Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-01-06
sible from other people. and as near as

W AAttilefe- circumstances happily en-
abled him to watch the proceedings from
safe distance. for TIE two detectives.
doubtless imbued with the same sus-
piciOn which had occurred 70 Thomas.
kept close upon the heels of the unfor-
tunate man. Evidently they had no in
tention OF permitting their prey TO es-
ca ne them. even through the medium
OF violent death. Justice inexorabIy en-
deavors TO close even this door of refuge
to the victims whom she proposes TO
sacrifice.
Stackhouse once lost his temper. He
turned holly upon one of his tormentors.
Come. sirl" he said, in a voice or sup
pressed passion. End this farce II
my safety Is so important 10 you, arrest
me and have done with itl'
The man regarded him with a cold
stare.
Excuse me, sir" he said, grufly. IL
don't know you"
The officer shrugged his shoulders.
and turned indifferently TO a view OF the
landscape. Stackhouse bit his lip: his
anger vanished; he became moody. HIS
eyes were cast down, and he no longer
looked about him.
When the ferrybo reached the other
side, the ruined banker disembarked.
and for time wandered aimlessly about
the water front. His hands were clasped
behind him and his head hung down
lie walked like an old man.
With the same outward hearing be
took ferry-boat back to the city. and
set out once more upon one OF his inter-
minable walks There was a new feature
added TO his conduct. At nearly every
drinking saloon he stopped and ordered
liquor. His walk became unsteady. but
he went on like a man who had definite
end in view. The frequent visits to the
saloons puzzled Thomas at first. Sud
denly he had an inspiration
The letter from his wife was a terri
bic blow TO him. He seeks oblivion.
This is his second effort to obtain il.
The first was death, and it was denied
him. The second, though temporary. is
quite as effective. and will be secured
when he has imbibed a sufficient guam
tity Of alcohol"
Thomas began to have a vague hope.
His suspicious became certainty very
soon. Thornton Stackhouse entered at
last a third-class hotel at the North End.
and paid for a room. The call boy came
down after few minutes for bottle OF
brandy. and Stackhouse locked himself
in the room with IL.
Even the experienced Thomas shud-
dered. That a man who had occupied
the position in the world Of the late
junior partner Of North & Stackhouse
should be reduced TO an extremity OF this
kind. filed him with feeling akin TO
pity. But nothing shook his resolution.
Whether Il tended 10 save this miserable
exile from respecta hllity or TO give him
the final kick which should destroy his
last hold OF the bushes on the brink OF
the precipice. the bit OF evidence now in
Stackhouse's possession must be Sc
cured
A private word or two In the ear OF the
proprietor secured the reporter room
on the second floor. Immediately adjoin-
ing that occupied by the man in whom
all his interest centered. There was A
communicating door bat IL was locked
on the other side. Against this door
the reporter remained listening, con-
-
The audible evidences OF Stackhouse' s
presence had for some time ceased.
Thomas realized that It was time 10 act
He began a great clamor upon the
door. There was not sound in answer.
Thomas left his room, and sought out
the proprietor.
You know me, don't you-Thomas,
OF the Globe? All Well, / want 10 save
you trouble. There is every reason to
believe that that man in the room next
to mine has made away with himself"
moi" exclaimed the proprietor,
aghast.
Quite so. sir. have suspected him
for some time. can account for the
sounds l have heard In no other man
ner. They suddenly ceased. and for
some time I have been making noise
enough to raise the dead. He doesn't
respond"
Within four minutes the door OF Mr..
Stackhouse's room was forced. and half
dozen men rushed into the chamber
Stackhouse lay upon the bed, notion
less. His coat and vest were thrown
carelessly over the chair.
He is drunk" cried one OF the detec-
tiyes.
He is dying" said Thomas. Where
are his papers? We must have his
name"
With admirable GOODNESS before them
all, Thomas look pocket-book from the
coat which lay upon the chair. and was
proceeding to investigate its contents.
An authoritative hand was suddenly
laid upon his shoulder. and one OF the
detectives whispered in his ear:
Are you crazy, Thomas? What is
the matter with you? You know well
enough who the man is. None OF your
tricks, please. Put back that pocket
book"
The reporter had a faint flush in his
cheeks, but he yielded without protest.
The square white envelope was al
ready in his possession.
An hour later he read the letter Jts