The Washington times., 1911-07-01

Is face was as though carved out
- of stone; rugged. masterful. but
without evidence of hfe. Only
the eyes were alive. They
stared up at us with the expression OF
those of a savage animal.
Morgan glanced hurriedly about the
room, then crossed to a water pitcher
standing near the window, and filled a
glass. Returning to the bed he held 1t
10 the strangers lips
Perhaps the water revived him, or
perhaps it was power of will which
came to his aid. Whatever the cause,
his lips began to tremble.
At first no sound passed them. When
finally words began to form themselves
they were so low il was only by bend
ing down We could discover something
OF what he was endeavoring to stam-
mer in broken English.
You are Englishmen, messIeurs?"
Americans. 1t amounts to much the
same thing" Morgan replied.
1t was evident the man could hear
and the strained expression relaxed a
little.
And how came you here? The truth
tell me the TRUTH he murmured
Morgan explained briefly ana lucidly
And perhaps it is fortunate our
coming. Do you know wnat is the mat
ter with you? Surely not The brandy?'
he added.
Slowly the rigid muscles relaxed into
what was meant for smile. But Il
was the most terrible expression l have
ever seen on human face. For an in
slant the eyes closed, then reopened
and stared up at US in piteous appeal
1T was the brandy, but-not as you
suppose, monsieur. 1t was what is in
the brandy-the poison which is rushing
'Ah!" Morgan exclaimed, and glanced
At the little puddle on the rug
must confess / stared at the fellow
helplessly. He must have been a pow
erful man, and one who knew how %
use the strength God had given him.
But now the strength was departed: he
lay like a log, not a movement of limb
or muscle, except the face. 1 looked
toward the door. Morgan spoke sharply.
Wait; he does not wish yoI to call
But the man is poisoned; surely
there must be an antidote. A physi-
oian may save him." l cried.
The mans lips were moving once
6nctiiy. anu " GO ''
There is no antidote-none in the
world, monsieur. 1t is even possible
I shall not die for some days. But at
be denied me. Wait, as you hope cor
mercy in your own extremity"
What is this poison You have
taken?! 1 asked.
lou WOulO not uHO6TSldIlO
lyzes the body beyond recovery. At
first a dizziness, and I threw myself
upon the bed; then the loss of power
the legs, the arms. every nerve and
muscle. Only the mind Is spared, and
the voice. For a little while"
! looked at Morgan and saw that mis-
face was pale; but when ne spoke L
was in quiet tone.
Who poisoned you, monsieur? Sure
ly not yourself. with such a devils
concoction?"
For a moment the lips did not reply,
then the low voice continued:
"If could trust you-the Amer
icansw
You can trust u.s." replied Morgan
earnestly.
Il know-to at least balk him when
he returns: when he thinks the poison
has done its work. He will come back,
perhaps at any minute. you must un-
derstand that, monsieur"
Then tell us whaI you desire: we
are listening" answered Morgan and
sat down on the edge of the bed
For perhaps ten minutes. though II
may have been longer. only the low voice
Of the stricken man broke the silence.
Before he was finished the eyes closed
and we knew the poison had laid hold
Of them. but the speech struggled on.