Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1906-07-14


The doctor declared that there was
no danger. and merely prescribed a
dose of valerian, and blister with
some grains of morphine sprinkled
on it,
But In the middle of the night all
the symptoms suddenly changed for
the worse. The pain in the head
was succeeded by fearful oppres-
sion. and the sick man thus suffered
torture in trying TO get his breath:
day break found him still tossing rest
lessly from pillow TO pillow
When DIR. c. came early in the
morning he appeared very much sur
prised at this change for the worse.
He inquired If they had not admin
istered an overdose of morphine.
Manuel said shat he had put the
blister on his master. and the doc
tors directions had been accurately
followed.
The doctor after having examined
CASTOR, and found his breathing
heavy and irregular. prescribed a
heavy dose OF sulphate of auinine:
he then retired, saying he would re-
turn the next day.
As soon as the doctor had zone Gas
ton sent for a friend of his. a lawyer.
10 come 10 him as soon as possible.
For Heavens sake, what do YOU
want with lawyer?~ inquired Louis.
II want his advice. brother. It is
useless to try and deceive ourselves:
L know | am extremely i'll. Only tim
id fools are superstitious about maxi
ing their wills; il defer il any long
er l may be suddenly taken without
having arranged my affairs. / would
rather have the lawyer at once. and
then my mind would be at rest"
CASTOR did not think he was about
70 die; but, knowing the uncertainty
of life, determined TO be prepared for
the worst; he had too often imperiled
his life, and been face TO face with
death. TO feel any fear now.
He had made his will while i'll AZ
Bordeaux. but now that he had found
Louis.he wished 10 make him his part
ner and possessor of half his for
tune should he survive.
The stranEest sensations now filed
Louis breast
He was in a state of delirious ex-
element often felt by persons sud
denly raised from poverty TO afflu-
ence.
Whether Castor lived or died. Louis
was the lawful Possessor OF an in
come Of twenty-five thousand francs,
without counting the eventual prof
its Of the iron works.
At no time in his life had he hoped
for or dreamed OF such wealth. His
widest wishes were surpassed. What
more could he ,vant2
Alasl he wanted the power OF en-
5oying these riches; they had come
too late.
This fortune. fallen from the skies,
should have filled his heart with Joy;
whereas IL only made him melancholy
and angry.
This unlooked-fo- happiness seemed
70 have been sent by cruel fate Rs
punishment for his past sins. What
could be more terrible than seeing
this haven OF rest open 20 him. and
20 be prevented from enjoying IL be-
cause Of his own vile plottings2
Although his conscience told him
that he deserved this misery he
blamed CASTOR entirely for his pres
ent torture. Yes. he held CASTOR re-
sponsiole for the horrible situation in
which he found himself.
HE letters 20 Raoul for several
days expressed all the fluctuations OF
his mind, and revealed glimpses of
coming evil
CASTOR would never be turned from
his search for his first love. as he
proved by calling for her In the most
beseeching tones when he was suffer
ing the worst paroNysms OF pain.
lie grew no better. In spite OF the
most careful nursing his symptoms
changed. but showed no improvement.
Each attack was more violent than
the preceding.
At midnight Gaston's sgfferincS re-
turned With renewed violence. and "A
fatal termination seemed inevitable.
Oaston's pain left him in a measure.
but he was growing weaker every
moment. His mind wandered, and his
feet were as cold as Ice. On the four
teenth day OF his illness, after lying
In stupor for several hours. he re-
Vived sufficiently to make Louis prom
Use 10 carry on the iron works. EN-.
braced him FOR the last time. and
sunk back on his pillow in dying
state.
As the bell tolled for noon he quiet
~ breathed his last, murmuring, soft
ly:
In three years, Valentine; wait for
me"
Now, Louis was in reality Marquis
OF Clameran, and besides was a mill
lionaire.
Two weeks later, having made-ar-
engagements with the engineer in
charge of the iron works 10 attend to
everything during his absence, he
took his seat in the train for Paris.
lie had sent the following telegram
TO Raoul the night previous:
viii see YOU tomorrow"