The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1909-07-16

:
doctor VIII say died in my sleep OF
failure OF the heart he told me that
might occur. You are quite safe, /
tell you"
q couldn't do IT." he said desper-
ately.s'I couldn't. I'm more sorry than
can say for you sir, but surely they
can dull the pain with drugs, and you
may not have to suffer
Mr.. Arundale pulled himself UP on
his pillows. Listen to me-" he said,
coldly. Il do not ask anything Of
you as favor, but your future de-
ponds on your falling in with my
within. don't choose to lie here wait
ing for death, with the possibility Of
intense pain to endure. Put an end
to me tonight, and you get Lynwood;
refuse, and you shan't have penny.
I'll tear up the will, and everything
goes to Eric, under my former will.
Perhaps that'll cure you of your fine
scruples," he added with a sneer.
Lindsay's head was whirling. He
put his hand over his eyes to try and
steady himself. That such a choice
could be put to him in cold blood
seemed incredible; yet his uncle
seemed in deadly earnest. Let him
put it plainly to himself. If he-if
he killed his uncle tonight, he would
be master of Lynwood; if he refused
he would not have a penny, not even
the allowance he now had. All the
consequences of refusal flashed before
him. He would have to leave his reg
iment for another, or perhaps to leave
the army altogether. And Evelyn
he could not ask Evelyn to marry a
penniless soldier. After all, was he
too scrupulous-would it really be
murder? Tonight or month hence
his uncle must die, why should Lind
say not spare him the month of wait
ing, the possibilities of agonizing
pain? Could he not do it?
81 can't do it, SIR he said, looking
his uncle frankly in the face. IF |
had nothing to gain by tiff I had
seen you in terrible pain, and you
had asked me, might have done it,
think I'd have risked it should
have felt it no more wrong shan to
put wounded animal out Of It's pain
but to do it in cold blood just to
get Lynwood"-he broke off with a
shudder-'it would he too hideous."
'You can CO., Mr.. Arundale said
presently without opening his eyes:
"go, and send Watson to me. Go,
tell you," he added impatiently, as
Lindsay made an attempt to speak.
Fearing to excite the sick man by
further argument, Lindsay reluctant
ly lef: the room and, meeting the but
Ter on the stairs, told him to go to
his master; then, turning into >the IL
brary, he flung himself down again IN
the chair he had occupied when he
was summoned to his uncle's room.
''Tt's hard luck" he muttered bit
terly, 'to be told he had left me the
property, and then to lose it all be-
cause wouldn't help him commit sui
eide"
Lindsay and his cousin, Eric Wyn-
ford, had been brought up by Mr..
Arundale He had always led them
to believe that he intended to divide
his property equally between them, so
that at his death they would be, if not
rich men, at least well-to-do. He had
given both boys an expensive educa-
ton, and made them handsome al
lowance.
But he isn't even just" Lindsay
murmured to himself sit isn't just to
bring us up as he has and then to
leave the whole property to one, and
the other without fathing. OF
course. if had got it all I should
have offered Eric fair share. but
Eric"-Lindsay laughed bitterly as he
reflected that Eric was not likely to
be generous-"ah, well. it couldn't be
DONE" He stood up and pulled him.
self together. II suppose if the old
man doesn't relent I must exchange
into another regiment. and try to live
on my pay. AS for Evelyn-poor lit
tie girl-that's hopeless now"
The opening of the door startled.
him.
'What time would you wish to
dine. sir?''. the old butler inquired.
'sMr. Eric said he'd leave it to you
to settle"
ooh. has he arrived?" Lindsay asked
in some surprise.
Eyes, sir; just after you went up
to the masters room. Directly l told
Mr.. Arundale that Mr.. Eric was here
he told me to fetch him up to his
room, and he's up there now. sir Mr..
Arundale said he wouldn't want me.
and that Mr.. Eric would give him his
medicine IL he required it."
Lindsay started. His uncle had
used the very same words in sending
the nurse from the room. Was he
even now making the same horrible
suggestion to Eric? He sprang to his
feet with sudden exclamation.
,Eric-could Eric be trusted? With