Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1906-08-02
CHAPTER XIV.
DEATH.

The old man offered no resistance to
my violence, nor did he utter word.
A ghastly paleness overspread his face,
his head fell little to one side, and he
looked as il he would have fallen but
for the support | afforded him. His
apparent collapse under the sudden
attack which had been made upon him
excited my sympthy, and in less than
a minute l relaxed my grasp. saying:
"Tell me where you have put those
coins, and not only shall you escape
punishment, but you shall be rewarded
and allowed to remain here as long
as you live
The old man made no reply, but
leaned against the wall, breathing
heavily, with strange expression upon
his face, the Ike OF which I had not
seen.
Again l approached him. and laying
my hand gently on his shoulder spoke
to him kindly, yet earnestly:
Il am sorry have frightened you.
AS l live, l promise you shall come
to no harm. But please tell me what
you have done with those coins, for
l have a right to know
With great effort, pitiable for its
feebleness, the old man took a large
iron key from his pocket. and essayed
to step towards me. making as though
he would speak; but he failed of his
intention and fell heavily on the floor.
The incident seriously alarmed me.
In an instant | was on my knees at his
side, supporting his head on my arm.
But my utmost efforts failed to rouse
the old man; his attenuated form
waxed heavier and heavier, and his
half closed eyes and lips lent an eX'
preston to his face awful to behold
Quite terrified at his condition,
stamped violently on the floor and
shouted so loudly for help that two
servants rushed into the room.
Fetch DR.. ThurIow at once; if he
isn't in. send the boy on a horse to
Ixworth for q doctor. Adams is I'LL
don't know how seriously. And bring
some water, one Of you, quickly"
The women hastily left 10 obey my
orders, and were met at the door by
my father and Mr.. Wolsey.
"What is the natter" asked my
father, STOPPING to look at the old man
as ne lay on the floor. What has
happened?'
II was talking to Adams, when he
suddenly reeled and fell down un
conscious" / explained.
he would be better on the couch"
said Mr.. Wolsey; and adopting the sug.
yestion we lifted the old man into that
position.
By this time a servant had returned
with some water; and while l bathed
the face OF the patient, Mr.. Wolsey
and my father felt his left side and
watched intently for signs of respira-
tion, which could with difficulty be
discerned.
II am afraid he is going said my
father quietly.
Mr.. Wolsey, to whom these ominous
words We're addressed, signitied his
assent by lightly inclnlng his head.
20 no!' | cried in an agony of fear,
oppressed with the consciousness of
how largely | was responsible for this
catastrophe; 1--WE minutes ago he was
well. He must surely revive soon"
My exclamation was interrupted by
the entry OF DR.. Thurlow, who at once
began systematic examination of the
patient. He felt the old mans pulse
and the region Of his heart, closed and
unclosed his passive hands, lifted one
Of his eyelids and placed his finger on
the eye-an experiment which | could
not help but witness, though it horri-
fled me profoundly. These things ac-
father and said:
II am sorry to tell you, Mr.. Truman,
that your old servant is dead"
My heart sank within me as l real
ized the meaning of the doctors words.
This was my first experience of death
and in presence Of that awful mystery
l seemed to grow older by as many
years as minutes had elapsed since the
fatal accusation. l could not speak,
but stood in a sort of stupor. looking
down upon what had so recently been
instinct with warmth and motion. All
thought of The sequins was banished
from my mind, and instead | could
think only OF the one who had taught
me to ride in the green lanes about
Holdenhurst when | was Il child; who
had been first to impress upon me the
names Of the trees. shrubs, flowers and
birds common in our neighborhood
and who, so far as | could remember
had never spoken harshly TO me. And
now that one lay before Oe dead, he
who but for me would doubtless still
be performing his customary duties
about the place. My reflections were
too painful to bear uncisturbed, and
broke down utterly.
DR.. Thurlow was about to lead nt
from the room when he saw the Turk
ish dagsers which lay On the table.
"What are these?' he asked, pickins
up the weapons. Has the man dice
from an injury which has escaped n,
notice." and he turned again towards
the couch.
mo, no." explained: "ihcy hav
not been nnsheatcd Tor years. Look
you will find it So
Eyes" assented Dr., Thurlow. VIII