The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-08-15

(Copyright. by w. q. Chapman.)
By a. !. d. z AID


roll-Captain Mainwaring"
The captain bowed and favored Car
roll with a brief glance: the nervous
ness left CAROLS eyes and they grew
bright and steady. He began to talk
eagerly to Pamela, the captain having
again turned to the lady with whom
he had been conversing. Soon after
ward took my leave, returned home,
and went straight to my laboratory. |
was engaged in several experiments
Of an interesting nature, and In par
ticular was anxiously developing some
photographs which | had recently
taken by means Of the Roentgen rays.
I had just retired into my dark room
when / heard a ring at the hall door.
My servant then raped and informed
me that Mr.. Carroll had called, and
was waiting In my laboratory.
On entering the apartment In ques-
ton l found Carroll standing where
the full rays Of the electric light fell
on his face. He looked cadaverous,
his cheeks were hollow, his eyes had
disturbed and CLASSY expression. I
noticed that he had taken up some
proofs of mine which lay OH the table.
They had been sent to me for cOrrec-
ton from the medical paper for which
constantly write. When he heard my
step he threw down the sheets and
came forward to meet me.
THAT Is an interesting article, Hall
fax" he said. 1T appears to relate to
a strange poison"
eft does" | returned; lone of the
most dangerous poisons known. AS
you have read some of it, | will tell
you how l came to write the paper. |
am much interested just now in the
Roentgen rays, and make many expert
ments with the new light. A few days
ago, while experimenting with ferro-
cyanide Of potassium, I accidentally
found that had evolved as a by-prod-
uct that most dangerous drug, anhy-
drous hydrocyanic acid The article
is written with a view to show the
danger which anyone unconscious of
this fact might unknowingly run. The
poison causes instant death by inhala-
out certain precautions, is fatal"
"It is an interesting study" OBJ
served Carroll, as he sank into a chair.
And now, doctor, have taken advan-
tage Of our old friendship to pay you
a rather late visit, which the impor-
lance of my business must excuse.
You know all about Pamela and my
Intn hot no
shall not marry Captain Mainwaring.
l gave her a letter tonight which will
make her think deeply. She loves me,
Halifax; she does not love Mainwar.
ing!"
you are not acting In q manly
way I said, severely. II know that
Pamela was at one time attached to
you, but"
my mind Is made up" interrupted
Carroll. Either the marriage will be
| prevented, or I shall commit suicide.
You profess to love the girl"
said. sternly, "and yet you would cast
such terrible shadow over her life p
mo, would draw the line at that, n
he answered. eff she narriss Main
waring she need never NoE Of my
fate. have given her people to un
derstand that I am going abroad. II
I cannot effect the object for which
visited you tonight I will allow her tc
continue in that belief I want you te
do me a favor. You are an old and In
innate friend of the family. Will ysr
go to Mr.. Crossthwaite tomorrow
morning and make a final plea fol
met"
Impossible" I-returned. 1T woule
be useless. anyway. II you meant II
interfere, why did you wait until ths
eleventh hour"
Because have been out Of Amsri
ca. The news OF the eRgaSenen
reached me in Africa three weeks ago
took the first boat could get, ant
reached New York this afternoon. Al
you will not interfere. must 90 t.
see Ma4nwaring. told Pamela In tn,
letter 1 gave her tonight Of my iaten
ton. Mainwaring shall not marry be
without first hearing the whole story
II In the face Of that he persists IL
holding to his engagement shaN no
live to hear the wedding bells ring
And now will bid you adieu, for tn
= present"
He shook hands with me and lei
> the house. He had been gone bu
a few minutes when, approaching tn
: table where the proofs Of my articl
lay, perceived that page 8 was mis-.
ing. On this page a careful descriy
: ton of the use to which the deadl
! acid could be put was given. A CT
Of alarm escaped me as saw that
:. small bottle of the drug itself whic
: had been standing near the man,
: script was also missing I knew whs
b occurred. Carroll had seen the wor
Q poison" In large letters on the lab.
|. of the bottle, and had evidentl
t slipped 1t into his pocket before I 81
D tered the laboratory.
|. put on my hat and rushed out, BIZ
|, had not gone many steps before I r