El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1913-10-05
der a blanket.

monsieur" he explained, land picked
the harmless pill, it might afterwards
be said that I had distinguished IN
some way between them"
Without the slightest hesitation, the
chevalier approached the table, and
took one of the small white pellets be
tween his finger and thumb. Fasclh-
ated the others watched his move
ments For a moment he held the pm
I'D to the light to examine II. Ihen,
throwing back his head ne sWalIo"SSe a
if quickly. Turning to the doctor, ne
remarked politely: =.
Now, monsieur. it Is your turn, II
Biting his lips to hide his emotion,
the little man stretched out his hano'
and the other pill shared the same rate
as the first
Nothing now remained but to await
for the symptoms of poisoning. which,
according to the doctor, would make
themselves known in about quarter
of an hours time. Upon all present
fell a heavy silence. broken only by
an occasional remark in low voice
from one of the seconds. Every in
slant anxious eyes were directed To-
wards the clock. The little doctor hao
thrown himself into a chair. But for
slight loss of color, he betrayed no
consciousness of the terrible danger In
which he was involved.
Kissing a little air between his
teeth. Leblanc crossed leisurely to the
French window and looked out.
Never had the world seemed more
beautiful and alluring; never had life
held out such promise of peace and
hope and gladness. Like a splash OF
molten gold fell the suns hot beams
on the closely shaver lawn, touching
with fire the crimson-leafed geran-
, iums, inspiring the birds with extern
poraneous song.
Suddenly he spun round and faced
them, his hand pressed over his heart
a CHASTITY smile on his lips.
'Monsieur'-and his breath came
quick and short-'I congratulate you.
This pill at least will cure all human
ills"
He swayed a moment then crashed
his body's length to the floor. They
rushed to him-all but monsieur Jules
Dumas One of the latter's friends was
a doctor. Kneeling down, he put his
ear to the chevalier's breast
There is no hope" he announced,
raising his head. In a few minutes he
I will be dead. I know the signs. No
earthly medicine would restore him
now"
you are mistaken, monsieur"
They looked round quickly and faced
the little doctor. He was smiling, but
triumph was not mingled with his ex-
preston of ease.
You said, monsieur"
friend was mistaken. There is an anti
dote to the poison, and it is here!"
A little white phial glittered in his
hand.
stupefied, the four other men looked
| into eaih others Eases.
well, do you wish to save his life2"
questioned the little man impatiently.
''But-but," stammered Vernon. III
YOU had taken the fatal pill"
Il should have died, for no one out
myself knows of the existence of any
I sieurs."
He pushed through them. and bend
| ing over the dying man, forced open
I his teeth with the one hand, while
1 with the other he poured the contents
of the phial through his ashen lips.
| The effect was quick and startling
The deadly pallor of the cheeks was
/ replaced by a healthy flush. and the
breathing became full and regular.
In turn the four men standing round
embraced the doctor long and cor
daily.
For any remark may have made"
/ said the count earnestly, which has
| led you to suppose that I have doubted
| your courage, monsieur, 1 do now most
| sincerely ofer a thousand apologies.
You are a brave man, monsieur; and
I am proud and hOnOred to have met
youi"
When he was alone again, the doc
| tor took from his pocket a little sill
/ yer tooth pick. With this ne proceeded
! to probe the cavity of a hollow tooth.
I After a little patient excavation, he
extracted a white pulp. As he threw
7 it in the firegrate, he smiled COM
placently at his reflection in the oppo-
/ site mirror.