The Washington herald., 1906-10-24
CHAPTER XIII.


her hand, starting and pahng a little 20
mark his battered face. An accident %
she asked tremulousiy.
! lie nodded, unable for second to an
swer. but his eyes told her how glad he
was to see her once again.
The count beckoned TO the fourth negro.
who Immediately came forward and stood
beside Miss Elliott's chair. She gave a
hurried order and turned again to Cress-
! ingham. You are not seriously hurt, I
hope?'
No. few days should recover me. But
you. are You well?"
In health, yes" Her glance spoke vol
umes.
The Count d'Attala frowned and spoke
TO CreSsinghsm: TO resume our con-
versation, my Lord"
"A sad theme to discuss before ladies, "
interrupted Cressinghsm.
That depends on the manner in which
il is discussed. Death is Of itself not an
incident TO stir a single tremor in a sane
and well-regulated mind. Do you fear
death, Kate?'
NO, father, not l." said madame. Not
that 1 want TO die, but when the old cap
tain comes my way recruiting. he'll ind
me ready to enlist"
And you. Miss Elliotr2"
The girl smiled little sadly. then an
swered. Il don't think I fear death, very
much, count II is really not so very ter
rible thing; indeed, at times its very
contemplation is a comfort, since il
offers refuge TO the hopeless
before whose portals all the stings Of life
are forced to pause"
You see, my lord" said the count
grimly, your fears were needless" He
turned 10 Miss Elliott: Lord Crossing
ham and l We're disputlng "a certain point.
He contended that death is Of itself the
best punishment ne man may infict up-
on another
A sane man, sir" cried Cressinghan.
While 7, went on the Count, unm0v-
ID. declared and still declare that GER
tain pains may make a victim look for
death rs the best and kindest gift left
In the lap of life"
Then. said CroSsinEham. u with
draw my statement and beg permission
To agree with you. May we not there
fore change the conversation. sir"
Not yet. for it is aprOpOs OF my in
tentious with regard 10 YOU
Il beg your pardon. sir
motto
Of my house ConStrains me TO declare
myself Bis dat qui Cito dat As a sane
man ] have no desire to torture you I'M
less you wish for torture. Do you catch
my meaning
Cressingham lifted a mouthful of dainty
10 his lips. and answered presently. II
think I understand you. sir, but ] can
not see the need Of such immediate haste
After the ladies have retired We might
resume the conversation.
You must allow me 10 be the best
Judge Of that necessity. my lord" said
the count and he slowly bit on and
munchcd "A piece of bread and cayiare.
Madame and Miss Elliott stared AT the
two men silently, and without evincing
g desire 10 eat.
tresSingham nerves were on stretch
but his blood was Up, and he ate quite
heartily. as though enjoying himself. at
perfect ease
You see" went on the count, I have
determined that the incident we spoke of
0hall visit YOU Tomorrow There only re-
mains TO arrange the manner Of your dis
solution"
'T understand" said Cressingham.
Miss Elliott grew of a sudden very white
and her eyes glOwed like stars
IF YOU would prefer lingering death"
resumed the count, 4 have no desire TO
thwart your wishes, / have on hand a
large assortment Of fortunes from which
yOU are al liberty 10 choose. Some would
postpone the final moment for a week.
Chus allowing your full scope to Put your
theories to the test"
Ny dear sir-I told you before that
yoU had converted me
All, ] beg your pardon; ] did not take
YOU literally. In that case il would be
as we'll perhaps that we should now dis
CUss the more painless modes Of death.
Have you given the matter any thought
well. ! can't say that I have" Cress-
ingham could hardly comprehend that the
man was really serious. It occurred 10
him that this was a gross and frightfui
jest, bitter device for the testing of his
nerves: but a glance at madame dis
counted such an explanation Her face
was CHASTITY pale, and her hand, which
rested on the table, tnembled spssmod-
ically.
The count observed the ladies with de-
lighted eyes. Kate, Miss Elliott" he
cried suddenly. with well-acted concern,
yOU eat nothing
Madame took up her knife and fork,
but Miss Elliott shook her head. Il am
not hungry" she, muttered.
The count ordered wine, and when IL
had arrived sat back and shipped a glass
followed suit; his appetite
had fed, but he forced himself to appear
Indifferent, vowing inwardly that he
would not let this monster have the sat
isfaction 81 discerning in him one single
sign Of terror or confusion.
'P srhaps, Kate. you could oblige your
friend with an idea cullcd from your cx-
peri5nce.' suggested the count with
cruel smile
Madame colored slowly, Il beg you 10
excuse me" she answered.
You. then. Miss Elliott
Francine turned if possible paler than
before. This is all some horrid jest,
she cried.
The count smiled again. My dear
Young lady, I never Jest lie said; Il
am TOO old to play the fool. Come, have
you no suggestion"
None, except that YOU kill ME too
She seemed about to faint, and swaye1
toward Cressingham, but he sent her a
glance that gave her sudden strength.
The count bent upon her countenance
)f severe repTCaCh. What YOU dare %
say that YOU are tired of life, All. bah.
you have scarcely tasted it; besides, you
arc a woman. You think now that you
love this young man. perhaps. Believe
me, that will pass. You are beautiful,
young. there are many years before you
Death. no. 7 have other views for YOU
She was silent; he eyed her a moment !
-hen turned 10 Cressingham. 1T seems
That We shall Toe obliged TO decide the |
natter between ourselves, my lord"
Best, / think" said Cressingham.
Aim he cleared his throat and gave
NE young man a burning, searching /
glance What Of bullet through the /
heart or brain? Death would be almost /
instantaneous
brutal objected Cressingham.
lrue' quite true, Science has of late /
years SO refined these matters for f,sr 1
We shall, therefore, pass By suffocatioD /
irowning, the rope, the dagger and the I