The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-01-05
DAILY SHORT STORY
The Test Of Death.
BY A. M. Perkerson.

IOOheQ up anu DllukeQ dL the udz-
cling light that suddenly flooded
the room.
Raise your hands," command
ed the doctor. "Now get up"
"Take care of the pistol, Rolfe, y
he said to the young man.
1t lay on the floor near a jim
my and a cloth bag, into which
several valuables had already been
placed. The prisoner, heavy
british fellow, stood in a crouch
ing position, his shoulders drawn
together, his body bent forward
The doctor watched him closely.
! He spoke to the prisoner: eco
to the door. I'll shoot you If you
make any resistance" His voice
was as cold and emotionless as
the ring of steel.
The fellows eyes dropped, and
CIT WAS BITTER" HE
CRIED. "MY GOD, 1T WAS BIT
TERI"
he obeyed. Once in the hall, they
continued to a room the door OF
which Rolfe had opened. 1t was
evidently a study and laboratory
! com bined. On a table were nu-
merous test tables, and round the
wall rams rows of bookshelves
bearing weighty imposing-looking
volumes. A fire was burning on
the hearth, and before it stood
! three chairs.
"Sit there" said the doctor, and
| pointed to one of the chairs.
He took another, Rolfe the
third. His eyes were bright, his
lips pressed into a thin line. He
leaned over and looked keenly at
the prisoner.
you'll get five years for this, >
he said. The man sucked in his
breath with a gasp. Probably
more, because most likely you
have a bad record. What would
you do to be released?" The fel-
low leaned far over, with an inco-
herent, animal-like exclamation.
Listen. I am a student of ply,
ksiology. 1 have theory that, If q
Imam stands wavering between life
land death, certain changes will
ltake place in his brain, manifest
Led by his outward attitude; his
depression, certain weaknesses
bsuch as fainting. The proof oil
this theory will mean much to the
bscience of medicine. II you will be
the subject of an experiment you
lean go free-provided you come
Through alive. 1 will take two
lglasses and fill them with wine
THE wine of one will be perfectly
Harmless; the other will kill you
in two minutes. If you are lucky
Iyou will choose the right glass
and go free; if you are unlueky
you will choose the wrong one and
Idle. I merely wish to observe you
while you make your choice
What do you say?"
"Sing Sing-five years." the
Idoetor said musingly.
| The man gave a cultural eX-
defamation and leaned forward. His
hands shook violently and his
complexion was mottled red and
white.
The doctor passed the pistol to
lRolfe. Watch him." he said. He
hurried from the room and re-
turned with two wine glasses.
both we're filled. He set them on
the table and drew it nearer the
Hearth.
eff you get the one that is poi
Isoned," he said, you will know II
Immediately. 1t will have a bitter
taste. Now choose"
The fellow got slowly to his
| fleet and came toward the table.
But when his hands touched it he
staggered back with a sort of
choking cry.
Choose" said the doctor.
["Choose!"
He took the fellow by the arm
and led him to the table, and the
man stood wit hhis eyes leaping
from glass to glass, his breathing
hoarse and loud.
Five years." said the doctor
softly.
The fellow seized one of the
glasses, took it almost to his
Hips, set it down, wavered, took
(up the other, put it back, and,
STdSpiuS Tie ufSt SulPtQ uOWu d
Swallow. He stumbled backward,
his eyes almost bullying from his
head.
at was bitter!" he cried. my
God, it was bitter!"
The glass dropepd from his
hand, but was caught by the doc
tor. The man stood quivering for
Ia moment, every muscle shaking,
then fell in a heap.
Holding the glass in one hand,
the doctor stood over him tri-
umphantly. tits proved" he said.
Its proved"
He raised the glass to his lips
and drank the rest of it's contents
II merely put a little quinine in
EACH" he said. Neither was the
least bit harmful"
Rolfe had dropped on his knees|
at the mans side.
''It was completely successful,
said the doctor.
Rolfe looked up with a white
face.
you don't doubt now?"
Rolfe dumbly Strengthened outl
the mans crumpled figure. mo-
He got slowly to his feet. ct was