Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1910-04-15
CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER XVI.
"Etwald!" repeated Meg, thoughtful
ly. Us he not the doctor of whom you
have made SO great a friend?'
Yes. l took a viper to my bosom,
and it stung me-" replied Jen, who, in
his excitement, was pacing backward
and forward with hasty steps. But I
shall be even with him. In some way
or another I believe that it is possible
to bring home to him this triple crime.
Etwald prophesied to my poor lad, IN
his charlatan way, that if he welded
Miss Dallas, or ever announced his en-
gagement with her, his fate would be
one of life in death."
What did that mean?"
Mean? Deaf without the addition
of life. That word was brought in sole
ly to render the prophecy-if it may
be called so-~confusing. Etwald was
in love with Miss. Dallas. He found in
Maurice a formidable rival. He warm
ed him by his pretended prophecy that
HI should STAY him if he persisted In
standing in his path. Maurice an
nounced his engagement upon the very
day when Etwald went to pay his adj
dresses to the girl. From that
he doomed Maurice to death. Yes, I
truly believe that such was his design,
and hat he offered to buy the devil
stick in order to carry out his criminal
intention"
did he ask to buy the devil-stick?"
demanded Meg, in surprise.
"Twice; and both times / refused TO
part with it. Failing to get it honest
ly, he stole it! You heard what Bat
tersea confessed, h he had taken a
message from Etwald to Dido about the
| devil-stick. Well, this doctor has some
mysterious influence over this negress.
l believe he melted her to steal the
| devil-stick. and that by his directions
| she filled it with a fresh poison"
But could she prepare the special
kind of poison requircd"'
"Assuredly. She confessed as much.
Her grandmother came from Ashantee,
where this devil-stick is used for the
purpose of destroying people. Dido in
herits a knowledge of the family Sc
crets, and knows how to make this poi
son. 1t cures nervous headaches-that
is, the perfume of it does-and Did
EmaGe some with which she saturated a
handkerchief to bind round the head
of her young mistress"
How do you know that the poisons
are the same?"
From the peculiar, sickly, heavy
odor," explained Jen, promptly; and
continued: We'll, you can see the rest
for yourself. Dido filled. that devil,
stick with the poison" he pointed to
the article on the table, some of it re-
mains in the wand yet. Etwald used
the devil stick to kill Maurice, and on
going back to tell Dido of his success 1
have no doubt he dropped it inside the
gates of Mrs. Dallas ground, where. as
you have heard, 1t was found by Bat
tersea. oh, 1t Ia as plain as day to
mel cried Jen, vehemently. "Etwald
killed Maurice. and stole the devil
stick to accomplish the murder"
You have certainly made out a
strong case against this man." said
Meg, after a pause, but 1t is all theory.
Your proofs? 2" :.
me-
Meg sighed, and, rising to, her feet,
she drew her cloak round her tall form.
Il shall help you ALSO" she said, sad
~. That Is, IL you will accept OF my
help"
"Assuredly. o loved Maurice"
IT my cost, Major: but he did not
love me. This girl-this Miss Dallas
she added, in a faltering voice. she
must be very lovely. for Mr.. Sarby
loves her also. A m who has three
men at her feet must be wonderful
She is certainly beautiful, but she is
not clever. and her weak nature is en-
shaved by the gross superstitions Of
Dido"
Il should not think from your de-
%scription that she was likely to attract
Maurice" said Meg. in a low voice;
but undoubtedly he loved her dearly;
II She made a gesture of de-
SPAR n moved towards the door. On
the threshold h paused and held out
her hand. "Good-by, Major; should I
hear anything further I shall let you
know. But the tramp"
Il shall keep him here. II he were
guilty OF the crime he would not stay,
but as 1t il he will remain under my
eve. I intend to question him further
about the connection between Dido and
Etwald; I wonder what power this doc
tor holds over the negress?
You can learn that only from the
woman herself.'
Orr from Etwald.. rejoined Jen. IF
q canaonly succeed In having him ar
rested. he may confess all"
Let us hope he viii" replied Meg.
ene AFTER shaking hands a8ain with
len. b took her departure.
While the Major Was considering
What step Ne should take. David. re-
ssasnine tro0 . 100 ana solitary wan.