Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1912-11-23
SOUND OF THE BELLS
BY H. H. HUDSON.

He first saw her at St Petersburg.
The American who sought knowledge
and diversion in travel forgot his mis-
sion. Catherine Gourko was hand
some; her large, expressive brown
eyes held in their depths charm and
fascination which few could resist.
Sometimes these eyes dreamed; usu-
ally they sparkled with laughter;
again, they might be said, DOR even
blaze with anger. The abundant Jet
black hair contrasted we'll with the
white neck, the pale temples and
glowing cheeks. There was also the
perfectly nodded figure, endowed with
subtle strength of an animal.
Dewald became a monomaniac, his
world now centered about this wom-
an. AS before, he passed along the
avenues lined with palaces and plant
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 lion in his path, Mich
olas Nevski stood closer than he. De-
valid planned to call at the same
hour. and this affront was enough. 1t
was now the survival of the fittest-
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, it's walls being so ar
ranged as 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 of 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
we're 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 1t
was handed him.
Then a feeling OF reyulsion 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
surprise to Catherine Gonrko There
had been no grOans-no cutlery. She
entered the room. "Ah. you have
both escaped" she cried, feigning
pleasure at the outcome. What an
actress she was!
well, the American was first test
ed" she exclaimed at is not SOP
She approached Dewald with out
stretched arm. Grasping her wrist
he cried:
"Fiend, could you not deal fairly
with an admirer? See," Dewald NOV
ed toward the 5llulng pdHel anu pusN
ed it open. The Russian looked on in
amazement. i was not in the room
when you fired" Dewald continued
land when my turn came. avoided
the direction of the sound" The tigress
laughed.
With a sudden rush Dewald sprans
to an electric button and the lights
were extinguished. Then Selling
Nevski by the hand he hurried to-
ward the exit. AS he did So the
American tore the bells from the neck
of the Russian and hurled them in
the direction of the tigress AS the
necklace struck the floor, several
shots were fired in rapid succession
by an accomplice properly stationed
outside to see that their execution was
accomplished. There was piercing
scream as the bullets intended for
them reached the heart of the one
who had planned their death. Then
all was silent; the tigress was NO
more.
Finally, much out of breath, Dewald
and Nevsh entered a wellsnoWn
T.