The Detroit times., 1910-01-11

! through my veins, singing a veritable
poem of Joy and triumph. We were
both about TO die. but Marion loved
me. and by that knowledge was
transformed on instant from a weak
half-broken creature into a life-lovins
and most desperate man. / glanced
quietly about me-
While Dr.. Vernet ate his breakfast
he watched me, but without manifest.
ing suspicion. Beudant stood behind
his chair. Sir Charles and Fulton were
In earnest converse 20 PAGES of
though to myself: II may never
get a better chance. Only coward
will permit himself TO be slaughtered
unresisting.
"Beudant." said I aloud. will you
be good enough to get me another
cup OF coffee"
The Negro nodded. and started TO
come round the table.
''Dr. Vernet." said as carelessly
as possible, may trouble you for
the pepper-pot beside your"
He bowed. and stretched out In or
der TO render me the indicated SER
vice. In fash had caught his wrist
In my left hand, and with my right
seized a heavy carafe of water and
hurled 1t at his head. Next second
leaped across the table. caught him
in my arms, when. guided by Yer
nets own instructive clutch 20 arm
himself, I plunged my hand into his
breast pocket and found a revolver.
I slipped TO the floor and held the
stunned and senseless body OF DR..
Vernet before me as a shield. Sir Chas.
advancing towards me with drawn
pistols.
Stop" I shouted.
Sir Chas. Venner answered me with
his revolver The bullet crashed into
DR. Nernet's brain and felt my face
spattered with blood. | fired in return.
and DIR. Fulton, uttering a frightful
scream. pitched headlong on the floor
IL was a bad shot. for | lad fred
at Sir Chas. Venner.
For a moment thereafter the latter
stood still, and we stared into each
others eyes across the trail OF smoke
became conscious that DR.. Vernet'S
dead body was slipping from my
grasp. slipping. slipping. As at last 1t
fell | fred, twice In quick succession
I heard an answering shot, then a wo-
mans piercing scream. | fired again.
The room was by then full of smoke.
could see nothing, but l heard some
one rushing towards me shouting and
cursing. For fifth time fired. There
followed the sound OF fall. then a
deeD and dreadful silence. waited
with my revolver at full cock. not dar-
ing 90 breathe. my every nerve on
strain. listening and peering vainly
through the pail OF smoke.
Very slowly and gradually the
white mist lifted. At my feet the wo-
man | loved was lying very still.
Blood was yelling in rich crimson
stream from a wound In her breast.
Beyond her Sir Chas. Venner lay face
downwards on the floor. Beudant and
DR.. Fulton lay beside Sir Chas. Ven.
ners body. All seemed dead
Oppressed with a wildand hideous
sense OF unreality. I stared stupidity
before me. \ smoke wreath. growing
transparent. showed me at length a
living face. Jussieu stood within the
room, a black statue OF horror. Scarce
ly conscious OF what I did. raised
my pistol and pointed it at his breast.
He did not move | fired and he fell.
Al the sound Marion's eyes opened.
She looked MP at me. I uttered a cry
Of agony and throwing away my
smoking weapon. sank on my knees
beside her
ARE you hurt?" she breathed.
"No-no-but you-you are dying"
walled.
Sine gave me a most wonderful and
tender smile. For you" she gasped.
TO save yon, He would 1ave killed