Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-02-10

here" From pocket Of her dressing.
gown Judith produced a sealed deck of
playing cards Let these declare the
viii Of Destiny toward US. viii break
the seal, shuttle the cards. and DEAL"
she explained. suiting action to word
The one who gets the trey of hearts
viii drain that glass. Is it a bar
gain?"
'NeverI Oh. now I know that you
are altogether madI"
Perhaps. Are you ready?" And
Judith made as If TO deal
"No-never! / tell you refused"
Rose chartered. terrified.
you dare not refuse"
"Why?"
Because of this"
Whipping a small revolver from AIN
other pocket of her dressing-gown. Ju
dith placed it on the table, ready Il
her hand.
you will shoot me If do not con
sent?"
Not you-but him. II you refuse,
little sister. l will shoot Alan Law
dead when he comes to keep his ap-
pointment with you"
"Ah!" Rose cried in mingled fright
and amazement How did you end
out?"
Never mind. Is il a bargain. now,
about the trey of hearts? Remember.
shall keep my word about this pts
toll"
With a shudder Rose bowed her
head.
Deal" she muttered fearfully. land
may God judge between u.s."
One by one she stripped the cards
from the top of the deck, dealing first
to Rose, then to herself.
One by one they fluttered to the
table on either side the glass of poison,
and fell face uppermost.
Twelve had been dealt when she
held her hand an instant.
Il have a premonition about thir-
teen," she said with cruel smile for
Rose. Il am sorry"
But the card that fell to Rose was
queen of hearts.
Another superstition gone to
smash" Judith commented, ironic-
and dealt herself the trey of hearts.
There was IA instant of silent dread.
ended by Rose. as Judith's hand moved
steadily toward the glass.
Judith" she implored. Don't
beg of you'll didn't mean It'll take
back my consent"
TOO latei" said Judith, lifting the
glass and cycling its contents with a
strange smile.
Judith! you cannot mean to drink
it?"
Cant !. though? ?" the other laughed
mirthlessly Just watch mel"
With a strangled cry Rose covered
her face with her hands to shut out
the sight, stood momentarlly swaying,
and dropped to the floor in complete
faint.
Delaying only to recognize this phe-
nomena with plying smile for the
weakness of spirit that caused 1t, Ju-
dith's glance darted through the win
! dow and saw that which caused her to
stay her hand an instant longer.
On the topmost tier of girders of the
! building opposite. Alan Law stood
amid little knot OF amused and anil
mated laborers, one foot In the great
steel hook of the hosting tackle. both
hands clasping the chain that linked
II TO the gigantic block.
And as Judith stared, he smiled at
something said by one of those about
him. looked back, and waved hand
to some person invisible.
Immediately the arm began to lift,
the tackle to move slowly through the
blocks. Very gently he was swung up
and outward.
With a cry Judith flung the poison
heedlessly from her. leaped across the
room, and snatched up the street gar
ments Rose had dropped at her sisters
| entrance.
In another moment she was strug.
Cling madly into them.
Before the shadow of Alan, clinging
to the hook and chain, fell athwart the
| 4 ~ NNezEzxaS5ETH