The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-12-12
BY II. II. HUDSON.

subtle strength OF an animal.
i Dewald became a monomaniac, his
world now centered about this WON
an. AS before. he passed along the
avenues lined with palaces and plant
ed with trees, but he saw only her
face. He even found himself shadow.
ing her through villas and gardens.
He Joined the social clubs to which
she belonged, and they at last met. A
fighting chance had now been won.
but he found a lion in his path. Mich.
olas Nevski stood closer than he. De-
wald planned to call at the same
hour, and this affront was enough. It
was now the survival Of the fttest-
one must die.
Catherine Gourko smiled upon each;
she even aided them by suggestion,
and planned the determining ordeal.
Dewald was at the place selected at
the appointed hour. The dice were
thrown, chance favoring the Russian.
They next passed to the chamber Of
death. .
This chamber was spacious and de;
void of effects, its walls being 80 ar.
ranged rs to deaden sound. The room
was also lined with sheet metal. !
The Russian was handed a revolver
and took his place in the center Of the
room. Having won at dice. his face
now wore the expression of triumph.
A necklace of tiny bells was hung
about the Americans neck, and he
retreated to the farthest end Of the
room. The place would be immediate-
ly darkened, and the shots Of the Rus
sian would follow the sound or the
bells. If Dewald escaped the tables
would be turned. AS the lights went
out and Dewald listened for the signal
to fire, his body crouched low and the
bells about his neck silent, he heard
a whisper and felt the wall move
back Of him. He was led through an
open panel and the panel closed
again. AS he listened in safety, there
were other bells which tinkled, giving
the man who held the gun the impress,
sion that his foe was moving about
the room. Then the signal was given,
and Dewald listened to the shots with
in. The panel was again opened and
he was thrust inside. AS the lights
were turned on it was his turn to
smile. With some satisfaction he took
the revolver from the Russian as II
was handed him.
Then a feeling of. revulsion came
over him. The woman expected him
to murder his rival. Having been
false toward one who adored her, she
would doubtless be false to him. He
cast a glance at the pale. determined
face before him. He pitied the Rus
sian and realized that they were both
fools.
The lights again went out. and he
heard the tinkle Of the bells-now
here-now there. Then he pointed his
revolver toward the ceiling and
emptied the chambers. Again the
lights were on and they faced each
other. Apparently the outcome was
a surprise to Catherine Gonrko. There
had been no groans-no outcry. She
entered the room. "Ah, you have
both escaped" she cried. feignin:
pleasure at the outcome. What al
actress she was!
well, the American was first test
ed" she exclaimed. 1T is not so?'
She approached Dewald with out
stretched arm. Grasping her wris1
he cried:
"Fiend, could you not deal fairly
with an admirer? See," Dewald NOV
ed toward the sliding panel and push
ed it open. The Russian looked on II
amazement. II was not in the room
when you fred" Dewald continued
land whea my turn came, I avoided
the direction of che sound" The tigres|
laughed.
With a sudden rush Dewald spran.
to an electric button and the lights
were extinguished. Then seizinl
Nevski by the hand he hurried to
ward the exit. AS he did SO, tn
American tore the bells from the necl
Of the Russian and hurled them fl
the direction Of the tigress. AS tn
necklace struck the floor, severa
shots were fired In rapid succession
by an accomplish properly stationed
outside to see that their execution wa
accomplished. There was . piercinl
scream as the bullets intended. ia
them reached the heart of the on
who had planned their death. Thel
all "a silent: the tigress was n
more.
Finally. much out Of breath. Dewal'
and Nevsh entered . well-knowl
cafe, and after shaking hands. DRAM
vodka togothe9.