Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 February 1880 — A DESPERATE EXPERIMENT. [ARTICLE]

A DESPERATE EXPERIMENT.

BY W. R. STEELE.

In the year 1870. there was locitod, eomo ton miles northwest of thoedy of 0., at) old brick building, which had for several years been unoccuoied. I' was an old-fashioned structure, with small, blittdloi-H windows, and a dingy, dirty-looking affair, forbidd ng i t general appearance, when once one could get a close view of it; for it, was inclosed by a high brick wall. The inclosttro comprised, perhaps, an acre and a half of ground, covered with stunted trues, which had beou so long uutrimmed and uncared for that the branches were a tangled mass of unfruitful limb", upon which now arid then a blossom would show itself as tho spring advanced, only to receive a smiio from the sun, and then, as though asharaoi of its surroundings, droop and sink ami drop off, and no fruit was ever known to maturo. The place had an evil name. No one could explain why, fir seemed o know anything of its former tenants, except that they had rented it, occulted it'for a few months,' and then silently and mysteriously disappoared. 'l,’hq property was in charge of an agont, who-iti office was in tiro city. Ho adv<r ised it repeatedly, and had succeeded in having three or four parties go out to look it over, with a view of renting it; but one and all returned, threw down tho keys, giunte.i disapproval, and declared they wou dn’thave it ~t any price. At length, at the time stated, a young man calling himself Dr. Elihu Thorpe made his appearance. and stated to the agent that he had made, inquiries concerning the place, aud thought it would friend of lusfiomthe Mouth— a ceitain CTpt. Cross-a quiet, eccen-tric-gentleman who* desired a ieared dwtlliilg at a convenient driving distance from town. Ho obtained the keys, went out and inspected the place, and rented it at a nominal price for such time as his eccentric fiieud might feel contented to remain. Tins ag snt was quite elated a' having the premises tenanted, and asked few questions, as tho d ic’or paid a year in advance, aud the business dosed. A few days subsequently, Capt. Cross, acc unnamed by Ned Water?, bis steward and servant genet ally, repaired to the old mansion, and quietly to dt possession. There wore no o her servants or companions. Tuey furnished only two or three rooms, and stocked their kit h n with only such implements and articl s as ho -mod necessary for men of simple habits. As tho nousj was isolate 1 from other dwellings, they had no near neighbors, aud no on) v-fetted them save Dr. Thorpe, who resided in the e ty, and bis calls were seldom, and always in the evening. in brier fiat our story may In thoroughly understood, it is necessary that we hero insert a few words as to tlio person il history of Dr. Thorpe. His parents had bo’h died during bis youth, leaving him a small legacy—barely eufii font to m tot the expenses of bis student life, until .be should master a profo-sion, and bo aide to care for himself. At the close of bis c illegiate course he at once commenced tho stu ly of medicine, applying himself assiduously, and finishing in one time with tho usual att udaiteo upon lecture", an examination, aud—a diploma. »'i>no doctor had in the wide world but one r d * tivo, an uncle, G >n. Israol Thorpe. A few years prior 10 tbe opening of our Htory, the Go'-io at had retired from the regular army, and set tied down to tho quiet enjoyment of’adoligtitfully -p easant homo, with his amiable and loving wife, among many old friends in tho city of C. Mni'rotiu led by every luxury that Weal h covlld supply, the closing of his active and eventful li e promised lo be a nioro than usually pea ;eful and happy one. They had one son, woo eutu-o 1 the navy during tne robolho i, an * who, wai c in the discharge of a <1 >ngorous duty, was run down by a b ockadoi tinner one uigtit off Ciurleston, an 1 drowned. Tile death or this son had cast a gl iom over the Go tn ai’s entire h m-eholJ, and tho mother 101 l lie. mat i tho blow, pining aud mourning, an l refusing to lie com'ortod or become reconciled to tier great bereavement. Herspirl s da oped, aud her life was blghted forever. Mho move I absut her house with great dignity, but witli an air of pensive sadness that wont to the hearts us the servants even, and cause l a settled melancholy that a visitor wool 1 have been u table t > understand or account for. A lew mouths later the poor lie irt-brokou mo lier died, and tho Gon ral was left solitary and alyti i lo in mrn for tho absent, and pray fur a reunion beyond tlio river. Taus mUto.-s wipe at the ti.no the nephew, Dr. Thorpe, c.uno Wes" for a three-mouths’ visit to tho General, preparatory to the selection of li s future home aud tlio commencement of iiis professional careor. Th iso who know Dr. Tnorpo bos; never accused him of any d shonorable act. He was ta!l,-datk-foitnre.l, aud simowaat forbidding or repulsive,in his manners, so that those with whom ho came ih contict seemed to feci a certain inward relief when they hail left his society. A-good faejal obsor.er or character roader would have said that his thoughts woro not of a kind to bear tho light of truth or honor. Ah i his features did not belie him. The preset co of such a man did not he'p to dispel the gloom or brighten tho homo of the u.Kjle, and, though tho General frequently ent red into pleasant conver at ion with tis nephew up m various subjects, tho discourse was always labored, and c mtinue 1 with au effort ttiat was monotonous and tiresome, and consequently of short duration. It was during this visit of Dr. Thorpe that the old brick minsiou in tho country was taken pohsiasion of by (Dpt. Cross. Withiu twen-ty-four hours alter the later had got settled in. his now quarters tho bell rang out, and No I, who atti nded tho summons, announced Dr. Thorpe. As s.xm as Ned had r t red the Capt tin produced a bottle of wine aud a box of,choice cigars, aud tlio two settled back in Hi sir easy-.-hairs to talk business. During the interview it'w.ts observable tnat the Cip'ain generally coinri led in everything advanced by the doctor; indeed, a listener would have swot n tlrat the pair had been concerned in something of a secret nature in days gone bv, and that the Capt i n was ever ready to comply with the de-m-m. s and cu ry out the plans of his more wdv and cafiy companion. •"* Wo 1, Captain,” said the doctor, “1 suppose von are aim ms to know why 1 sent for you, a-ul whit my p'ans fir the future are, eh?” “You’ve struck it exact y, doctor. What’s up this tune?” “I’ve gdt a scheme,” said tie doctor, “which oanu ;t but bo successful, and witn proper ciro there will bo no risk or danger. The i-tike is heavy, and if you follow my advice to the letter you shall have enough out of the j ob to Jive in luxury the balance of vour day b.” . Tho Captain smiled and rubbed his hands t.ogothor with he utmost satisfaction. t .“You may bo aware,” continu-d the doctor, “that Uron. Toerpe, of 0., is my uncle. He lias an immense fortune, and is now childless A< a matter of right I ought to inherit his property as sole heir; hut for certain reas ms I have my own impressions as to the disposition he will make of it H) is clearly under the strong iuiluence of several old fr.en'ds, who are managing various chari'abli ins ltutions snd asylum«, aidl am convinced that I shall be remembered in his will for a ertnpara-

tively small legacy only—a mere pittance—while tbe bulk of hisfortuoe will go to churches and hospitals. It is possible to defeat this project, and with your assistance 1 am determined to do it,” and the doctor’s pa'm came down on tho table with a fores that set the glasses fairly dancing. “Listen further,” said he. "Daring my college days I made the science of chemistry prominent and the chief of all my studies. Night after night 1 have bant over the crucible and experimented with the wonderful combinations. Ti is small vial,” said he, drawiog one from a little case from an inner poch .t, and holding it np to the light, “contains a co!orlcs<, taste’ees l qui 1, a tew drops of which will eo paralyze tho body that many a skillful phyt-iciau would not doubt that death hail actually occnrro i to the one who has partaken of it. A few days hence the friends of Gen. Thorpe will learn of his illn ss. Hisphysician wilfpretcribeforh m,buthe will not recover. A week will elapse, when apparently death will occur. Then will come the funeral", and the last will and testament will turn up. This document, after bequeathing a few hundred dollars here aud there to charitable insti:uti ms, to avert suspicion, will leave homestead, b uds, hank stocks, etc., to my nephew, Elihu Thorpe. At midnight following the burial you aud I will visit tbe g ave, tatse the bodyj bring it hither, and I will administer ten drops or a liquid that will resuscitate it in the twinkling of an eye. He will be kept a close ptisoner in one of the inside upper rooms, wnich you will proceed to make secure immed atoly by bars and bolts. He will see no liv.ng soul hut yourself aud Ned. At tlio proper time, when all his effects have been changed into gold, I will place in your bauds 8100,000 in goid. Then away to a homo of ease and luxury in some distant part of the globo. You will then set the General free, and take goxl care tnat you are uover again som in this pait of the world, if you value your ffiture health and happiness. How does the scheme strike you, Cap ? Another glass of tho wine, please.” The Captain had been gaziDg at his companion with open month and protruding evo bails, as the cold, hoartless, viilaiuous scheme was unfolded to him, aud he shudderid at tho doctor’s recital. Bad as ho was himself, tho pau proposed almost seemed to freeze his blood. However, he ra lied, aud, as he poured another glass of Cliquot for the doctor, he replied :

“Doctor, you’re the boss. Heavens, how tho papers will howl when the affair is ended! It has chilled me clean through to listen to you; hut if jour’ie sure no accident will happen, anil that tlio corp—tnat is to say, the body—will turn out all right, I’m with you.” “All riglr, then; yon need have no fears for tho result,” said the doctor, aud, rising suddenly, lie turnoil the key, and threw tho door wale open and looked into the hall, having evidently suspoctod Ned of being near tho keyhole. But the hall was empty. Mitisliod that his arrangements, so far as Cross was c mcemcd, were complete, the doctor preparod to depart, chaiging the Captain to hold him elf iu realiuess for immediate ac'.ion. Crossing tho grounds, ho unhitched his horse, which he had loft inside near the entrance, aud, drawing forth a duplicate key to the great gate, he passed our, hastily mounted, and speedily slipped away in tlio darkness. As ho rode aloDg tbe lonely and deserted road lie c mgratulated himself upon having been so fortunate as to socuro this out-of-the-way and secluded old house —so glo >niy in its solitude, so isolated from tho rest of the worid. Au hour’d ride brought him back to tho city, where at midnight ho entered tlio residence of (ion. Thorpe aud retired to his ioo|m.

CHAPTER 11. Two or three days after the scene narrated at tho close of tho last chapter, Gen. Thorpe complained of a sudden illness soon after he had dined. Duiiug the meal qui;e au ai imat il discussion had occurred upon a subject of mi-re than usual interest, which had been ter r initiated only wtieu tho Doctor withdrew, saying ho liad letters to write. The General’s illness continued until late in tho evening, when a servant was dispatched for his old family physician, Dr. Davids, wiio found his patient with a high fever, Hushed face, burning eyeballs aud a general weakness of tho system which seemod to place his old friend quite at a loss as to the cause. He, however, lott a prescription and took his leave, saying he would cali again early iu tho morning. The nephew mauneated his auxiety aud sympathy in various ways; wont to the druggist's for mediciuoa, and prepared them for uso on his return. 'Tho next morning Dr. Davids found the Genoral much wore.', and commenced a course of treatment usually adopted by old-scaool pi ati honors for typhus fever. The patient continued low-spirited, debilitated aud fatigued. He was dull and morose, a_d complained of a sensation of constriction and oppression at tho chest, and of soreness and lassitude of the back aud limbs. His countenance was now pale an.l sallow; the eyes liad lost tbeir brilliancy; the breath came cold aud fetid, and the appetite was alt gone. Every symptom led the good old doctor to believe it a case of typhus. The surface of the body became dry and hot at length, and then a deep red suffused the cheeks; ilie tongue was dry anil shrunken, turned brown, and there was great difficulty iu swallowing. There was also a low and muttering delirium—the brain being affect.-il. In short, the m dical attendant began to believe that tho disease would terminate tat illy. In spite of constant wachiug, and the best of care aud tenderness on tho part of nurses and friends, the General continued to decline. At length the nephew professed sickness himself and kept his room much of the time, stepping down ociasioually to inquire if there was any improvement in tho General's condition. He would stand at the bedside of the sick man and converse with the nurse for a moment, and, as would often happen when tho latter left tho room for an instant, ho would rearrange tuo glasses on liio little table where the medicines were, and thou retire, saying he sincerely hoped the General would he better in tho morning. Thus passed away several dsys, wj ien o ne night the nurse called Dr. Thorpe, tolling him the General seemed to be choking. Dr. Davids was hastily summoned, but arrived only iu time to gently lay his head back upon the pillow and pronounce him dead. The oi l physician was a skillful prac i ioner, and seemed struck with dismay at the sudden demise of his friend. The nephew sngges'od a postmortem examination of t e body, in which he was at first seconded by Mr. Davids. Tne friends, however, knew that the lamer had done everything in his pow'r to eavo tho life of his old friend, an l objected to tho mutilation of the remains. Notice was given f r the funeral e remonies, and, oil the following day, tho body was deposited beside tho lake in tliw cemetiry. * * * * * Since the last visit, to tbe old brick house by Dr. Thorpe,. Capt, Cross had left the place hut once. This was one evening to meet the d ctor at a notary’s office for tlio purpose of stamping and signing a will. This document being duly attested and witnessed, Tnorpo returned to his quarters t > remove his disguis", and place tne will among the General’d pr.vate papers—all of which li td open thoroughly overhauled aid rx imined, to see that no o her will was in existence. The sta'e of affri s upon t ie return of the friends of I lie General from tlio cemetery was of the mist sa Hfactory cbaract r to Dr. Thorpe. His infamous schomo had boon shrewdly planned, and, that fa", successfully executed. H s couduct had been that of a dutiful aud affectionate friend during the illness ol Gou. Thorpe, iu the estimation of servants aud visitors, and lie was roipected accordingly. All that was now uecsssary was to n itify Cross to meet him at midnight, repair to the cemetery, remove the body to tho asylu.n prepared for it, administer tho proper restorativis anil cirry out the plan of resuscitation. It was ordy a qtiesron of t : me when tho General would he sot at liberty, to find himself fleeced of his fortune, and absolutely as much a pauper as though he were still in his grave, and sleeping the sleep that knows no waking. Cross was at the rendezvous at the hour appointed, with swift horses, an easy carriage, and all tho tools necessary for the work to be accomplished He had left Ned on guard at tne asylum, with instructions to be a* tho gate at 3 o’clock in the m irniug to admit his master and the doctor. Wo leave them now on their way through tho drizzling rain and the thick darkness towaul the cemetery, while we describe what took place in another part of the city. CHAPTER 111. “Come in, Bob; Crowe will soon be here. Fact is, it’s about time for him now.” Thus spoke a rough fellow, some 50 years of age, iu leply to the knock of his pal, Bob Selby, as he opened tho door for him to en'er. Tho latter steppod in, taking a keen glance around ibe room, including tho clock, and seated himself near a table upon which sto wi a bottle and two or three glasses, the former with the cork drawn aud emitting an rdor through the apartment that seemod very like gin. The new-comer, not being possessed of an overstock of modesty where any kind of spirits were to be had, reached over and helped himself at once to about three lingers of the soothing beverage. After taking breath, he remarked to his companion: “Well, Dan, what does young Sawbones want now? Another stiff, I s’pose? And I can’t say as how I like him or his work, anyhow. Crone is a coward. If he smells aeythmg like danger, or there’s trouble a brewin’, you can just bet he’ll skip au’ leave you an’ me to bear the brunt o’the thing. Tbeii ag’in, he wants a feller to,work for nothin’. The lari holo we opened or him took us pretty nigh all night, dodgin’ the cops and gettin’ away with the meat; and all he give us was sl2. He sent for me to come here to-night, but I’ll be hanged if I’m goiu’ to run any more chances without hetti r pay. What a cussed rongU night it is, eh, D n!” And here the refined Bob Mei by reached over for anott.er pull at the gin, iu which he was joined by his partner in tie resurrection business, the worthy Daniel Hicks. Botn these felluws had been frequenters of a low groggery in one of tho wor.it streets of the city—tho i esort of thugs an i thrives—and had picked up au occasional odd job together, until thiy weio induced by one Dr. Crowe to make a, noc nrnal visit to the cepyeterjes pow

and then and secure a body for the dissect ng table. A summons from Crowe had now brought them together, and they were awaiting bis coming. They had not long to wait, for, as the clock struck 9, a knock was heard, and the doctor entered. Let ns briefly describe him. Dr. Crowe was abont 40 years of age, and of genteel appearance. He had been brought up in New York, where, in his vontb, he had obtained but limited schooling. Being constitutionally lazy, he preferred to visit some loafer’s roost to witness a chicken fight, a rat match or a dog fight, to bothering bimseif withstndy. He haa managed to gain a smattering of knowledge in medicine, and had tho cheek or impudence to call himself a regular physician, though he never had secured a diploma. His excessive vanity and egotism made him a laughing stock wherever he was known; and his foppish ways, his ogling, smirking manners iu the presence of ladies, and other eccentricities, were barely tolerated by the sol ter sex, while his naturally overbearing and tyrannical habits in the club rooms wherein ho had wormed himself were emsidered as intolerable and disgusting. He was hale fellow well met with the owners of dogs. An inveterate blower, he could always command the respect of tbe owner of a pup, and nothing pleased the owner of a sick aog more than to sit and listen to Crowe, with his legs c jcked over his desk, as he would rattle off a tirade on the particular case befoie him, and conclude by saying: “I, ah, myself, individually, ah, think that deg has worms.” Then he would prescribe a little areca nut, and swell up as though there was absolutely LOthing about a dog he did not know. Dr. Crowe had, eoou afler removing to the West, become acquainted with several young bucks, in the medical line, who had persuaded him to help them to procure a subject occasionally for the detecting room. Bis vanity was firtterod by this mark of confidence, and the thought that he possessed superior wisdom in the ways of the world and in tricks that were dark. Aud this wes the fellow wli • had dropped into an out-of-the-way rookery of the city to meet Messrs. Selby aLd Hicks. “ Well, boy ",” said he, •' you’re on hand and on time, I see; aud now for business, for I’ve an engagement yet to-night. I suppose you know what I want done. Here is a map of G. Cemetery. Getyour wagon well over toward the lake; take your bar and pry off two or three of the high pickets, and about fifty feet from the feuce, near where I have marked a cross, you see, you will observe a new grave. The body yon will get is that of a mau who was buried to-day. You oan’t mistake the locality, as it is the only new grave iu the vicinity. Be careful to round up the grave neatly again, aud tack on the pickets lightly, so that your work will not bo suapee'ed. Del ver the sack with the body at the usual place, by 2 or 8 o’clock, anil I’ll bo there and make it O. K. with you.” After fully explaining the approaches upon the little map or (Ingram, l o , assed it o vor to the two men, anil pr pared to leavu. “ Hold on, doctor,” said Bob, ‘Get’s have an undcratandiu’ before you go. You’ve laid out the work very nice, hut you hiin’t tol i us how much you’ll pay. It’s a dangerous job; and if we get the stiff out all right we migut he overhauled by tho cops, as we are coinin’ home. A couple o’coves like us drivm’ round ’tw.xt mtdn glit and daylight ’ud bo likely to bo noticed, eh, Dan? ’’ “ Yes, and some one might want to sea what kind o’ wegetablt'H we had in our wagou,” said Dan, “ which, to say the least, ’ud he mighty awk’arfl.” “ Well,” said Crowe, “I want to pay ycu well for the j >b, aud I’ll give you $lO each.” “Make it sls apiece, an’ i„’s a go. doctor; eh, Dan?”said Bon, eying li:s partner. “Aye, ayo, sir,” said Dan, and tho doctor vieldo atur a little mo;e parleying, took his umbrella, aud opened the door. “I say, Doc,,” said Bob, “ participate with us in a mouthful o’ this, won’t you?” But the doc or, though no more honest than hir hirelings, sped on out into the daikness, and toward a street car that would take him to the club room, where he could get a nip out of his own bottle. Left alone, Dan and Boh proceeded to mako themselves comfortable. Lighting their pipes and making a sight draft on tne gin at stated intervals, they discussed the business in hand, not forgetting to give, iu plain language, their private opinion of their employer, Crowe, and “ swell coves ” of his caliber generally. The night was very dark, aud the rain came pa’teriug against the window panes in iitile dashes as it was driven by tho fitful gusts of wind: a fitting time for such a deed of darkness as was iu contemplation by Hicks and Melby—the robbery of a grave. At length tne evening wore away. The theaters were closed, and amusement s;okers had retired to their homes. One by one ihe liguts in shop aud store windows were extinguished, the saloons were generally deserted, and the ci y was at rest “ Ain’t it ab iut time we was a movin’?” said Dan. “I reckbn, time we gut over five mile o’ ground, wehl fiud-it pretty quiet around the bom -yard. Como on ”

“ All right, Dan; but, I say, ain’t you got another bottle o’ gm about? You’ll find a toothful of it M go down w.thout much coaxin’ by the time wo get our passenger ready to rids back to town with us,” said Boh, with a grin. Dan proceeded 1 1 a cioset in the corner, took out a pint 11 aek cf ‘‘soothiu’ sirup,” as he called i r , and after placing in his capacious pock ts a daik lantern, a hatchet, a few nails, and a match safe covered will oil d silk, he joined Bob at tho door. The two proceeded a short distance, entered a narrow alley, and soon halted before a stable door. Here Dan drew out a key, unlocked a small dior, passed round aud threw open a couple of large doors, hacked out an express wagon, from which the owner’s name hail been removed, aud in five minutes they had thrown in a couple of spades, a jimmy, or heavy chisel, a huge sack, the iiorse was hitched on, and they were away.

Dan had bean quite certain as to Crowe's business when ho received the summons, and had paved tho nay, to prevent delay, by seeing his frio.id, an expressman, who was always glad to aceommoJats Mr. Hicks for a little night ride, at a nominal sum, aud no questions asked iu the morning. Hence there was no time lost iu this part of the affair. The pair were not molested during their ride. They passed rapidly on through the priacip il stroatd, in a careless way, the rain pattering on their rubber coats, aud the darkness shielding them from especial observation. After nearly au hour’s drive, during which there was but little sai l by either, Dan, who wai driving, stopped suddenly, and, after listening tor au instant attentively, turned sudden y to the rig'iT, a id passed into a piece of woods, composed mostly of s nub oak which abounded in the v.ciuity, and, whispering to h s partner, “Now, Boh, m ini's tho word till we’ri out o’ this again,” move 1 forward carefully and silently forsomo dis'ar.co. He then p isied therein) to Bo'-, and, tak'ug tho horse by the bit, begin to pick tiis way aim< a high feuc •, with wide sl its sharpened at the top. At length holia ted once mor ■, drew forth Ids dirk lantern, lighted it, aud, judging about ilie distance from a certain landmark, turned the wi gon homeward and hitched tho liorso to a tree. Then tho two wont bold y hut quietly to work. Two or three of tho picket< were' soon pried off, as noiselessly as po-Bible, and thus an entrance to tho cemetery was effected. Listening agon, and moving cautiously, Dan opened the buh’eeye lantern, which threw a bright rod streak forward aud d reetly across a newly-made grave, A grunt of satisfaction was the only sound to be heard from e.ther of the vampires. E ctinguis'ii ig l heir light out rolv, both went to work with a wi.l. throwing up tee damp clods rapidiy, and o dy onco or twice stopping to listen for an instant. Feeling perfectly s.fc from intrusion, they labored on until a dull thud of the spades t ild them they were at the outward shell of the coffin. Here Dan took lis jimmy, and in a second he had ripped off tho cover, tearing the screw-heads through tho pine wood, and making considerable noise. Both" men trembled, but tho spot was a very lonely and isolated portion of the grounds, and they were soon reassured, and proceeded to removo tho cover from ihe coffin. This was soon accomplished. “Get the big, Bob, and be lively about it. too,” ta’d Dan, as he drew out the bodv. I? was at once slipped into the sack, and carried three or four rods away to the opening in the fence, where it was leit under a tree, and the men returned to fill up the grave. Just as they were about to resume their work, a t ound was ho ird which alarmed them and left them standing in speechless amazement I: was as though some heavy body liad dropped from a tree top to tho ground. Both stood looking at each oth' r in terror. Dan sp. ke first in a hoaree whisper: “ Bob, what iu - was it, d’ye think?” “I’m blest if I know. Get j our light, and let’s see who’s monkotiT rouud here,” said Boh, “an’ if I find any one it’ll bo mighty onhealtby for ’em you can bet.” The lantern was again lighted, and a thorough examination made. The sack was just whore it had been left, an( i jt W a ß find'y coiic’ude.l that the h iTse had made a sudden spring, acd caused the alarm. With a fceliog of safely after this ievesti :ation, they w( nt to wo: k, acd filled up the grave, carefully rounding and smoothing tho surface, and making's hit Bob called “a right clean job of it.” Gathering up their tools, they walked toward the fence to pass the body through and plate it in the wagon. Upon arrititig at the spot it could not be found. The body, bag and ali, had mysteriously disappeared.

CHAPIER IV. We loft Dr. Thorpe and Capt. Cross on their way to the cemetery. They caatted along like a couple of belated suburban citizens on their way homo, at d finally reached tte north end or' the cemetery. Here, while quietly prowling along the fence, they discovered a horse hi’chcd t> a tr<e, and rightlv judged t'-at eonte resurrectioni -ti as told as themselves were at work in the vicinity. Carefully threading the r wav, they came to where Hicks and Selby were at work at the v ry grave they were seeking the-mve’.ves. What was now to be done? It would not answer to let their presence be known, and the idea of permitting the body of the General o be carried t> tue dissect,u g table was hotrible, even to these heartless v,llian.*. A t old perspiration st«od npou their foreheads at the thought. A bi«peied ccnsuhatiou was hurriedly held between the two, when it was decided teat the body must be a’ andoned to those

flret on the ground. In order, however, to endeavor to identify those at the grave, *he doctor, not observing the aperture in the fence, seized the tops of the picte s with the aid of Cross, and leaped to the other side. The noise eo startled Hicks and Selby that for a moment it seemed as though the doctor would be discovered. He seized the limb of a tree, however, and with the ag lity of a cat light : y swung himself into its friendly branches, where he was free from observation during the hasty search of the other two vampires. Fortunately Dr. Thorpe and Cross haa left their carriage some di-tance from the fence, and the lat:er had no difficulty in skulking beyond the line of search. Bat daiing the investigation of Hicks, one thing had been revealed to the doc‘or—tho body in the sack at tbe opening in the fence. The instant Hicks and Selby had commenced their work at the grave, the doctor dro ped noiselessly to the gronud, passe! through the fence, met Cross, and the two quietly l.fted the body through the opening, carried it swiftly to their carriage, and drove away at a flying gait toward the asylum. ***»**“»■**

The stnpefactiou and astonishment of Hicks and Selby, when they discovered that the body had beoen spirited away, is impossible to describe. For a momen they gazed at each other with blanched faces, and eyos almost bursting from their socketp. Tueir Jimbs were literally paralyzed, and they were unable to move from their track \ Bob was the first to recover his speech. “Dan,” said he, “the cops aiu’t far off. an’ as soon as they’ve stowed away the dead meat tbey’lt be back for pome that’s got life in it; an’ that means an invitation for yon an' me to go to quod. Lei’s git away from here, an’ devilish quick, too H Dan needed no nrgng. They lushed for their wrgoD, and were soon on the road, dr.ving Site mad for home, and leaving Crowe, at 3a. m., waiting to buy a corpse for Iris medical friends. Before daybreak Dr. Thorpe and his eompanim, Cross, arrived at the asylum, wh re the inanimate form of the Central was taken to the room intended for its safe ke pii g. Every preparation had made for ac ive operations and a speedy res'oratioD. The doctor first placed the body under a showerbath, allowugthe tepii water to fall gently, and gradually increas ng its force for some time. Then ho blew iu the eves, tubbed the limbs, inserted a small tube between the lips and forced air toward the lungs, and finally gave it a light shock from a small battiry. Th s", together with some stimulating fluid that was forced in*o the threa’, had the desired effect. The ho ly was placed ou the bed, the lungs gontly pressed, vilitn sigLS of recovering anim-iticn were at once apparent. The lips moved, a little moan e caped, the eyes were slowly opened, anil a voice faintly uttered, “Whereis Dr. Davids? lam iliing.” The resuscitation was com pi jto, and Dr. Thorpe was, notwiths andng his dnguise, anxious to ge; away from the scene and finish np h s work. All that was now necessary was constant and tender care, and pi opor diet, tc restore physical strength and health. Giving such directi >ns as wore needul to bring about this result, the doctor departed, Cross promising to notify him immediately m c ise of a relapse or any unfavorable symptoms in the way of a f u’l restoration ti heiitli. While the Captain was devoting his time to the care of the General, tho doctor was stealthily, and wdli out creating a suspicion of his real let lings, laboring to bring about a settl ment of the General’s affairs. All personal property was soon conveitid into sncli a shape that th: doctor could realize at pteasur?; the small liga-cies were distrib ited according 1 1 the terms of ihe will, anff salts we e effected of real estate prepara’ory to the doctor’s removal to New Y'ork, where, ho announced, ho should invest his funds and settle down. At length, after several weeks’ aot.vo work, all was m readiness for tlio di pu ture o f himself and Cross. He intended, on the following day, to hand over to the Captain the reward of his shameful crime, and bid him farewell forever. During the early days of Gen. Thorpe’s imprisonment he had pleaded to be taken to his home, but Cross had iufotmed him ttiat he had been brought hither by kind friends for treatment, and that ho should return as soon as his strength would permit. Taough tho General was not of a suspicious nature, he soon discovered that lie was a prisoner, and he knew his only plan was to feign weakness, ancf seem to he thoroughly prostrated with the least exertioD, and at the same time watch for an opportunity of escape. A whispering direction from the Captain to Nod, one day while they believed the General aeieep, convinced the Inter that his nephew was the prime mover in some plot relating to his present condition, bu' he could only surmise nnd hide his time. It came at last.

One day the Captain was absent. He had grown impatient at the doctor’s seemingly long delay, and his failure to pay oyer to him Ins share of the spoils. This impatience liad grown into suspicion, until at last Le believed tlio doctor capable of absconding from even him, and detrauil ng him 0.. t of tne promised reward entirely. Tne idea almost crazed him; and accordingly, on the day Dr. Thoi pa decided oil the genet al break-up, Cross drove to the city and watche 1 the Gen -rai’s residence from a convenient point in t o vicinity. During the fort noon of this day the General had called for the Captain, and had been informed by Ned that he was absent, and would not return till evening. This sta ement. instilled new life int i the irame of the General. He felt that he possessed tho strength of a giant, and determined that now was tlio time to uso it to free, himself from his prison. At about noon Neel brought up some wine and biscui s for lunch, and, while placing them upon the table, the General made a sudden spring froYn the edge of the be I, grasped Ned by the throat aud buried him io the floor like the crash of a thunderbolt. Tho young man was literally stunned, and, thinking the General lia.i really gone mid, offered hut little resistance. His captor proceeded to hind him securely, threatening to kill him if he did not quietly submit. Tearing up the sheets, he quickly gagged him and fastened his aims and teet. Then, seizing a bar of iron from tlio fireplace below, he rushed into tho road.

Hurrying along blindly, cot knotsi g where he was, he aimed for the nearest dwel mg, upon n aching which his story was briefly told, aud he at once gained tlio sympathy e's the tenant, who agreed to drive with li in to the city immediately. Tuey were soon on the way, and proceeded first to ilie residence of Dr. Davids. The g :od old man stared at his visitor in a dazed aud Lewildeioj manner for a muinent, as though he had lost i ii reason, hut the General soon ciiiv.iiod i im (hat tnere li d been some loul plot which tha future would unravol. Indeed, he foit mat all wouid sion he known, when he was informed of the pariicu ais of the wi 1 which had been admiu-i-1 red upon by his villainous m phew. Officers were at ouce called, who proceeded with tho two oid fiionds towa-d the residence of the General. Before arriving, however, they were seen by Cross from h s p st of uhsorva'ion Ho raw ili&t tlio game was ud, and made a dash through the rear of die building, leaping a high fence, wi h an officer m close pursuit, lie was eomniai ded to h It, hut paid no attention to the oitier, when a Lu let cute od nis hack near the snoulder. Even ti.is did not end Jus flight; be.ng a swift runner, he succeeded iu making his escape.. Two or three days afterward, a lab irer gave notice to tha Coroner that a stranger ha i sought r fuge in his house, aud had died before a physician could he c died. It was the rist of Capt Cross. Dr. Thorpe liad jacked his j ortmanteius and trnnks. Fdied as they were With t.easure, they were a source of couri tirade anxiety to him. lie was Ban :ing in the center of his loom in deep thought, previous to locking the doors while he should ride ou; to settle with Cms", whom he supposed keeping guard over tuo prisoner, when the door was thrown open and he saw the police officers wi li Dr. Davids aud the General. He turned a ghasily yellow, and was til ed with te.ror. His limbs’ trembled, aud he felt as though he tliould sink through the floor. Never was man iu such abject misery. As tne officers stepped forward with the handcuffs to talie h m into custody, he gave one look at tho Go eral, aud then, quick as the lightning’s Hash, drew from his pocket a small revolver, placed it to his temple, aud, before liis suicidal hand could be s ayod, he pulied the trigger and fell a corpse at the feet of the kind old man lie had so cruelly wiorged and outraged. The old brick house was visited soon after, where Ned, stiff and sore, was unbound; and, as nothing could be (raced to his complicity in the affair, he was r, 1 ased. Chicago Ledger.