The Madisonian. (Richmond, Ky.) 1913-1914, 1914-02-10
zlss,ce at the scientist. .How goes II.

giaace at the scientist. "How goes It.
old socks?'' he inquired.
The mans manner, the tone of his
voice, seemed as much out of place
in this atmosphere Of solen,nity as
penny whistle IN q death chamber
Darrow refused to notice the general
attitude of disapproval, but planted
himself in front IF Eldridge.
All inT' he challenged. "Or do you
still cherish any decisions that you
will get your man inside of"-he
looked at his watch-"eleven min
utes?"
A visible stir ran through the room
at these words Eleven minutes!"
murmured Lyons, and held his watch
to his ear at has stopped" he said
aloud. TT seems, gentlemen, that the
only possible hope for us lies in the
doubt as to whether or not this I'm
known will carry out his threat"
Hes first-rate hand to carry out
threats" observed barrow
I'VE have done our best" said Ly.
ons calmly. Let us compose our
selves to meet everything moth
ing-as the fates may have decided"
That's all right" agreed barrow,
with undated cheerfulness. But Ell
bridge and had little agreement, or
bet. He Dragged he'd get this Mon
sier X before did. I'd like to know
how he feels about his end of it. Give
1t up?'
Eldridge looked at him rebukingly.
81 have failed" he acknowledged for
mally, from lack of time to carry out
my investigation"
From lack of brains" said barrow
brutally. "as I believe you once said
in private conversation about my old
master, Dr. Schermerhorn. These
things are remembered. l am delight
ed to hand this back to you" He
eyed Eldridge, the brilliant smile still
curving his lips"
Enough of this!" cried Lyons with
authority. This Is unseemly in the
face of eternity"
Darrow looked again at his watch
I'VE have still six minutes, sir; and
this is an affair of long standing, and
on which 1 feel deeply. The score is
settled" he said with entire respect
81 am now at your command. l had
intended" he went on in a frivolous
tone again, ito kick to you on my gas
bill, 1t is too large. You, as respon
sible head. know it is. But somehow
you know, the presence here of you
gentlemen has disarmed me. You don't
need to be here; you all have the facil
tiles tc get away. Here you are!
guess you can charge dollar and &
quarter for gas if you want to-" He
looked from one to another while he
carefully wiped back the blood tha
was flowing from the little wound IL
his forehead. 'fEldridge acknowledge:
he has failed" he repeated.
. 81 fail to see how you have i'm
proved upon that failure" snapped Ell
bridge, stung.
MOI" queried Darrow. 81 call Hal
lowell to witness that the game ha
been fair. We had an even start; tn
> data have been open to both" H
raised his voice a little. "Jack!" h
called
Immediately through the open doc
!, from the hall outside came Jack Wal
ford, leading by the arm a strange an
nondescript figure. 1t was that of
small, bent, old-looking man, dresse
in a faded suit of brown. His hal
: was thin, and long, and white; his fac
: sharp and lean. His gaze was fiXe
, straight before him, so that every on
In the room at the same instant caugh
the glare of his eyes.
They were fixed, those eyes, like a
: owls; or, better, wildcats, as thong
> they never winked From the pupils
which were very small, the little ligh
colored lines radiated across very larg
;. blue irises. There was something bal,
full and compelling in their glare, S
: that Hallowell, cool customer as b
= was, forgot Immediately all about tn
mans Httleness and shabbiness an
r. bent figure. and was conscious only {
!. the cruel, clever, watchful, unrelen
ing, hostile spirit. AS Jack dragge
him forward the others could see tia
one foot shambled along the floor.
Gentlemen" observed Darrow
], his most casual tones, '1et me preser
!, Monsieur X!"
- Every one exclaimed at once. Aboy
: the hubbub came Lyons voice, Gle;
, and commanding.
1.-THE proof" he Numbered. This
II too serious matter for buffooner
: The proof"
~ Percy barrow raised his han
Through the roar of the maddened eli
8 the bell of the Metropolitan tower W;
v beginning its chimes. By the thil
,r stroke the uproar had died almo
away. The people were standing sti
is awaiting what might come.
Id The sweet-toned chimes cease
:" There succeeded the pause. Then Il
great bell began to boom.
ir One-two-three-fo = five -
came it's spaced and measured stroke
The last reverberations sank ava
Nothing happened. Percy Darrow
n his hand fall.
y, THE proof" he. repeated. 'iB tn
tie you are still here"
From the night outside rose a wi
" shrek of rejoicing, stupendous. owe
n lwhelming, passionate. Paige spral
e. across the room. Released" he shot