N T E C O N T S .

CHAP TE R . PAGE

- I . OLD EN MI S M T E E EE , — II . AM ID R TOR TS AN D ! URNAC S E E ,

IIL—B A TI! L H L N M NTON E U U E E E E ,

I - A V. I T W S HAR D LY M R D R U E , f

“ - V . WH Y NOT M OR THAN ! R I NDS E E ,

—I A VI I T W S A SW LL N IG HT AT THE M NTON S E E ,

” II SHE IS A HE D I V . S V L E ,

III M Y OD T IS IS A ! V . G ! H W L U , — IX . B UT IS IT RETRIB UTION ! RETRI B U TION 1

“ — C D D K X . I ALL GO TO WITNESS THAT I D I NOT ILL

PA L D NM AN U E ,

X —HE R HAND R LAX D ITS HOLD U P ON THE R AIL I . E E

I N G AND SH ! LL ! R OM TH WITN SS CHAIR , E E E E ,

“ ” XII — THANK OD TH IS LIG HT AH AD . G R E E E ,

— G P XIII . A B URNING DESIRE ! OR R EVEN E U ON THE

M AN W H O HAD ROB B D ME O! M Y LOV E E ,

” XIV. N OT G ILTY U ,

— I K O! TRE A ! U L EAN CE HE WREAK ED XV. TH N W VEN G S

THROUGH YOU .

T H E M E N T O N S .

WAS IT A CRIME ?

CHAPTE R I.

O M I M T LD ENE ES EE .

r our What a st ange old gentleman y father is, ” Miss Menton , said Mrs . Mittens .

on e of Mrs . Mittens is those women who look to fi be anywhere between thirty and fty . Her eyes are faded ; so are her cheeks , though she has found a means of partly disguising the hard wrinkles which h ave made eccentric zig - zag lines through them . When she speaks it is apologetically ; when

S she laughs it is hysterically , and when she is ilent it pains one to look at her .

l on She had seen o d Mr . Menton several occa — sions caught furtive glimpses of him as he had

or w passed a door , slipped silently up the stair ay .

But she had never heard Miss Menton speak of him ; and this had set Mrs . Mittens to thinking . 9 12 10 WAS I T A CRI ME

There was one qu ality whi ch this washed - out little widow poss e s sed in al l i ts pri stine vigor she was as inquisitive as s h e h ad bee n twenty y e ars

’ before ; and the peculiar fact that Miss Menton s father never joined in the conversations of his

’ daughter s guests nev er even gave hi s prese nce to l the night y assemblages in his own house , con

was Vinced Mrs . Mittens that there some secret reason for his mysterious conduct . She had been eagerly awaiting an Opport unity to apply the i n l qu i sit or i a pump to Miss Menton .

f f : Ol d a It o ered itself in this way The gentlem n , still vigorous under the weight of sixty years , with

’ eyes like a hawk s , which glittere d under a fringe

s a . of h ggy gray brows , had , a moment prior to Mrs

’ n - Mittens questio , entered the dining room . After r e cogniking its half dozen occ upants with a digni

fie d bow a , he had requested his d ughter to come to H his study before she retired . That was all .

had gone out as he had entered , and his footsteps soon died away as he ascended the stairs leading to

his study . “ Ho ? I ! w . Strange , strange , Mrs Mittens do ” not understand you . Miss Menton spoke with an icy deliberation m which chilled little Mrs . Mittens to the arrow. LD M 1 1 O ENEMIES EET .

She stared at Miss Menton helplessly for a moment , and then gathered her wits suf ficiently to make answer that she had merely meant to remark “ that

’ ”

o . Mr . Menton didn t seem to like s ciety

The beautiful woman who had caused Mrs .

’ c m fitur e Mittens dis o thawed a little . Throwing

a back her head she said, with a p tronizing smile

Father is devoted to his studies . He has but

’ f or s little time ociety . But I m sure he would feel ” hurt if he knew you thought him unsocial .

This sugared sarcasm was wholly lost upon Mrs .

e Mittens . She was glad to escape so asily , and she suppressed herself for the remainder of the evening .

- . M Mr Lawrence ontague , a stage struck young

man who had become an actor , but who had never been able to convince even the critics that he knew — anything about his art h e was really not a bad

of f — fellow, the stage had just asked the fair hostess if she did not think that realism in art was

of robbing the stage its romance , when a servant

brought in a card . Miss Menton looked at it . “ ” h e S . Show them up , said

Mr . u Wheeler and a friend , she added , t rning I to her guests . wonder who the friend is ? I beg your pardon , Mr . Montague ; what did you say about realism ? 1 2 WAS IT A C R I ME ?

" at h e a r i l t . sa d d t t r e I i . repe e c o , mp ssive y . tha reali sm i s crowding

’ h eel er a l M Phi st er ! h r . TV Co . c Ah e e s Mr , s id , wh o had been half - dozing in an easy chair in the corner ; and poor Mr . Montague did not get the s ym pathy which his romantic n ature and his ideal i z e d a Views of the dram tic art craved .

None of the company thou ght it unusual that Wheeler should bring a friend to a house where he

m e a hi s lf was merely a visitor , without the form lity of fir st asking permission of the hostess . There w as nothing conventional about the Mentons . One did abou t as on e pleased at their house .

WVh e el er e Mr . Henry , artist and magazine s rib bler , a constant caller at the Mentons , entered , acco m panied by his f riend . “ My old chum , Mr . Denman , said he , present ing his companion to Miss Menton .

’ VVh e e l e r s friend had entered the doorw ay self - possessed as an indif f eren t man of the w or ld

h i s z e could be . But when he raised eyes to recogni

l r and the introduction , he changed co or pe ceptibly ;

m an Mi s s Menton tur ned p ale . She stared at the before her as if in doubt whether to take the hand he had extended . His embarrassment was too pain OL D MI M T 8 ENE ES EE . 1

ul f to witness . Finally Miss Menton said with much sweetness and grace “ — Mr . Denman is welcome as all of Mr. Wheel

’ ’ er s friends are ; and she at once turned her atten

t e ion to her guests , entertaining them with a rar

tact which had made her famous . But Paul Denman did not recover his equanimity

o th s readi ly . He sat pale and silent throughout e

or evening . His one two attempts to appear at ease

were awkward failures . Wheeler , who had witnessed with surprise the embarrassment Which the meeting between his friend and Miss Menton had caused

as both , watched him closely as he could without

of s attracting the attention the other , and tried to conceive a satisfactory explanation . It was with a feeling of infinite relief that Den man saw him rise and say good night to Miss Men

f or fi f ton , and he smiled the rst time during his brie

stay in the Menton house when the woman , the sud W f f den meeting with hom had so visibly a ected him , held ou t her hand and very frankly and cordially bade him repeat his visit soon . Paul Denman was not a man whose appearance i fi was r nvited con dence , though it not altogethe

u e . was npr possessing He tall , well built, with good

l rr a e B u f a r c . t e e tu es , and an easy, gra efu ca i g th re 14 WAS IT A CRIME ?

u was a something abo t him that repelled one . A phy S iognom i st would have said that his eyes were dece it

\Vh atev e r a i . w s n ful , his mouth cruel and sensual it

a m an t his nature that told one he was not to rust , readers of h uman nature were not slow to discover

its presence . Children were afraid of him , and good women avoided him . And yet he was popular ,

in a way , with men . He was a brilliant conversa ti on al i st r a conf c ur , and delightfully entertaining as a He had been absent from New York for eight years hi m since the death of his father , who had left a snug patrimony which he m ight by industry have

n fi enlarged into a mag i cent fortune, but which he had chosen to fritter away in the fleeting enjoyments o f a fast life . When Wheeler met him by accident that morn ing he had not been two hours ashore from the

E h i s truria , which had brought him back to native land . They had been chums at college , though w there had never been much sympathy bet een them , and Wheeler had not hesitated to inquire if he had

to come back to America go to work for a living . ” N ot so quite bad as that, Denman had replied, ” c but devilish lose to it . By economy and he laughed derisively to show his contempt f or the MI M T 1 5 OLD ENE ES EE . word I suppose I can scrub along for a couple of ” years longer as a gentleman . Wheeler had invited him to be his guest until he should decide whether he would remain in New

York , or go to San Francisco to visit a sister who resided there , and Denman had accepted . Wheeler was one of the few persons whom Denman really

- or liked thought he liked . “ One would not have much trouble in guessing ” a th t the occupant of these rooms is an artist, said

Denman , as he lit his cigar , and sank comfortably

a into large chair and gazed lazily about him , upon their return fr om the Mentons . He seemed to have forgotten al l about th e unpleasant episode of an h our before .

e r Wheeler had thre ooms . The two larger ones

e w wer connected by folding doors , hich were always

. A a a open small partment , djoining the real parlor

— r u which Wheele sed as a studio , in which he painted passable pictures and wrote clever sketches

’ r i i u — and c t q es was the artist s bedroom . They w were seated in the studio . The walls ere deco f rated with all sorts o odd conceits . There were

di a - fini sh ed stu es in cr yon , water color and oil , half

t a f ew - b pic ures , really good paintings y other artists and a doz en or more r are engravings and 16 WAS I T A CRIME ?

e l . A tchings col ection of old swords , lances , daggers

and pistols , with a shield in the center , hung upon

f f . O the wall , arranged with artistic e ect n the man h tel beneath t ere were two very delicate statuettes ,

a clock , and half a dozen smaller objects . An easel

s one tood in corner of the studio , on which there was a stretched canvas with a blue sky background

painted across the top , and a few dim outlines

scratched on the lower half . The front room

l of ol d - Whee er called his chamber state . An fash i oned bedstead , high and Puritanical in its severity , stood in one corner . The half dozen chairs which

Ol d were scattered about were style and unique . Wheeler had succeeded admirably in producing an

e f t a t s embl antiqu ef f ect o the e en e .

The artist was not in his usual cheerful mood . His thoughts reverted to the meeting between Miss

Menton and Denman . Again and again he tried to solve the mystery of that strange expression in Miss

’ Menton s eyes , the sudden pallor of her face , and

of the embarrassment Denman . While his friend was admiring the general arrangement of the rooms and their furnishings , Wheeler arose and walked to the fir e - place ; looked thoughtfully into its vacant

a blackness , and then suddenly turned to Denm n and asked earnestly : LD N MI S MEET 17 O E E E .

What is there between you and Miss Menton ?

’ A o f a e shade annoyance crossed his friend s f c .

He moved uneasily in his chair . “ ” Nothing , he answered , evasively. ” But you have met h er before ?

Yes . Where ? ”

In Paris . When ? ”

a o Five years g . Were you intimately acquainted with her ? ” o N . ” It was not a love af f air then ? with a nervous

a ttempt at a laugh . ” No .

r r e and Wheeler looked elieved. Denman a os

to walked the window . Do you get a good light for your work here ?

he asked . ?

Good enough , answered Wheeler , absently . ” “ But tell me , he added , impulsively , why should your meeting with Miss Menton have caused you so m uch embarrassment ?

wn . Denman fro ed See here , old man , said he , turning from the Window an d looking his compau “ e in th e it ou to ion squar face, can do y no good 1 8 WAS IT A CRIME ?

know anything about why I was for the moment

find i upset to myself face to face w th Miss Menton . If you h ad told me the name of the woman Whom I

was to meet, I would not have gone with you . How m h a . We ever, I surprised t at she recognized me

o f o were never even friends . Let that satisfy y u r

the present . Some day I may tell you the whole ” story though it would probably put you to sleep, and Denman yawned as if the mere thought of it fi were sopor i c. To NVh e el er there was something exasperating

’ too in Denman s manner . He felt, , that his friend was concealing something from him ; but he merely said

’ we11 ° se Of ur se it s no Very as you plea . co

af f air of mine . Wheeler tried to say this as if he really did not care to know the history O f the af f air ; but he soon relapsed into a moody silence . Denman looked

e W n at his friend furtiv ly , and, ithout cha ging his expression , picked up a comic paper which was lying upon the table and began to turn its leaves list

se lessly . He only half gues d the reason of Wheel

’ er s inquisitiveness . He thought it was merely idle curiosity . It never entere d his head that Wheeler was in love with Miss Menton , and Wheeler himself

20 WAS IT A e ' IzI ME ?

y at a to sunshine ; mood times . lways illusionary , and ,

d s s a V c though of a cheerful , open i po ition . i tim to

He a o da presentiments . l cked p ise . If the y on

which he was about to seek a purchaser for his l ast

n cr iti ue l a s painti g or q were c oudy , he regarded it

n an omen of failure . If he were contemplati g an

undertaking, the success of which seemed doubtful f “ he would lip a coin in the air . If it fell tails “ ” when he had mentally called heads , he would try w the charm again , and if ith the same result , he would either turn from his purpose in m orbid dis cou r agem ent or go about it weighed down by the

conviction that he would fail . His moral nature

was a weathercock , which swung more easily to the w right than to the wrong , but which any ind , good

or n . bad, could move , were it stro g enough

The physical m an was prono unced . He stood

of six feet in his stockings , and was symmetrical

A at proportions . pair of hazel eyes looked out you from under a high brow almost abnormally

developed at the sides , where the hair grew away

l A a from the temp es . phrenologist would have s id

that the organ s of ideality and sublimity were devel oped so greatly in excess of the other organs as to make it impossible for Henry IVh e e l e r to V iew the

f - a af f airs O every day life from practical standpoint. OLD N MIE M T 21 E E S EE .

It is very rarely that a man of his temperament attains perfect physical development ; and Wheeler would n ot have attained it but for his great love of

u f or the fields and the water . He wo ld stroll hours

n to across the rolling farms on the Hudso , happy be alone with the birds and flowers ; and he found

and n s carcely less delight in sailing rowi g . He was a paradox in more ways than in his mental and

m of physical tempera ent . Though possessed great spirituality, yet he was at times grossly material ; though tender hearted as a woman and generous in

l of his instincts , yet he cou d be guilty the most

fi n atrocious and cruel sel shness . He ever studied

nor of n himself, attempted to solve the lack harmo y in his nature . A yawn from Denman arou sed Wheeler from his f feverish musings . He chided himself or having

and acted so ungraciously to a guest, with as much cheerfulness of countenance as he could assume , he s howed Denman to his room , and bade him good night. Denman’ s eyes glittered with coarse desire as he

of sat upon the edge the bed , deep in thought . He

ou t arose , disrobed, and as he turned the gas mut t er ed to himsel f “ I wonder if it would be as dangerous to culti ” s w as in s vate the Menton in New York as it Pari . HA C PTER II .

AMI R T RT AN D R AC D E O S FU N ES .

Little Mrs . Mittens told the truth when she said that Mr . Menton was a strange old gentleman , and she might have added that Miss Menton was a strange young lady . Between this odd pair there existed a relation that was utterly devoid of the

" afi e cti on natural between father and daughter .

S They eemed to be nothing more than good friends ,

’ idos ncr asi e s who understood each other s y , and tole rated them . f The old man spent most o his time in the study .

N O It was in the roof . one but Menton and his daughter had ever set foot W ithin the threshold since the old man had completed the arrangement o f n his retorts , furnaces , surgical instrume ts , chemi

’ s a cals , and books . The ervants were almost fraid to

r e pass the door . You could not have hi d the cham

' be r m aid e a ai t i i i e i l t m i i i rl e e cl to enter this terribl p , th e a e strange ways of the Mentons , with the dd d

’ m a r a a s ystery of the old man s labor to y , m de it lmo t impossible for them to keep a s ervant l o ng e r tha n a 22 23 AMID RETORTS AND FURNACES .

month . The servants liked Miss Menton well

f or as enough , she permitted them to do about they

t e pleased, and seemed to be an ordinary mor al lik

ol d m an themselves . But the was a constant sourc e of terror to them . Even their lively imaginations could not picture the inside of his laboratory suf f i ci entl fi y horrible . They were con dent that he was

wh o in league with the devil ; and the cook , had n wh o n fi ever seen him , but had bee lled with fear and wonder by the tales th e chambermaid and dining - room girl had told her touching th e Old

’ — of man s peculiarities very much exaggerated,

e cours , and colored as highly as the imaginations — of these S imple women could paint them would not have been at al l surprised if this magician in the attic should take it into his head t o transport

s to the hou e , servants and all , the infernal regions by one wave of the wand which she felt assured was always convenient to his hand . Nothing but her

e S h e w s laziness k pt her in the Menton kitchen . a Opposed to early rising ; and the Mentons did not breakfast till ten . There was one thing which the servants did not attempt to explain ; and that was , what Mr . Menton did with so many dogs . Near ly every Week a fresh

’ dog was coaxed or driven into th e o l d gentleman s 24 WAS I T A CRIME ?

s tudy . Menton would go out for a walk and come

T “ n c back with a dog . he on e the door of the study ” had closed upon the canine the night

’ h s no knew i howl more . Thus old Menton s mystery was always associated with dogs , and the cook was of the opinion that he ate them .

‘ Lucius Menton was a true s a vam . He was un

hi s known to the world, though one or two of friends were members of the French Academy ; but he had never written anything for the scientific fi magazines , and knew only three scienti c men in

one n New York ; , a doctor whose counte ance was so evil that no Christian would have him at his bed

wh o side ; the second , a chemist was employed by one of the large chemical manufacturing firms of

S e New York ; and the third , a p cialist in physiology — a man who would have won a name in the w orld had he not made the mistake of experimenting o n himself in order that he might fully appreciate the m c ondition of ental exaltation produced by opiates . This man eked Ou t a precarious existence by assist ing as a proof reader in a house which published

m edical works . ’ fi . O These men were not in Menton s con dence , No ! He treated them with consideration because they were at times useful to him ; but not one Of

28 WAS IT A CRIME ?

w ould startle the physiological world . It was to this end that he was continually luring stray dogs i to his laboratory , where , by the aid of vivisect on , he might demonstrate the error of the established

of theory of the circulation the blood . He fondly hoped to some day burst upon the scientific world

S w like a comet, and in a blaze of glory ho the old fogies that the lungs , not the heart , are the organs which pump the life blood through the arteries of the body .

his He was seated at his desk, writing rapidly , eyes aglow with enthusiasm when his daughter en

er e d . t . Her guests had departed She had come at ’ — her father s request and with a purpose of her

own.

’ ol d I m nearing the end, said the man , throw fi ing down his pen , and clenching his sts through nervous excitement ; my theory is right and it — ” will be accepted it must be accepted !

s not Miss Menton had heard thi before . It did elate her ; indeed , if she had fully believed her father had really accomplished his great undertaking she

e was not in a mood to r joice with him . “ ” h O e s o f f n I p , she said indi erently, and the with a sudden burst of feeling which seemed to in

Of a tensify the peculiar redness her eyes, and in A ID R T RT AND R AC 29 M E O S FU N ES . voice trembling with only half suppressed passion she exclaimed “ I have found him ! ”

Wh o ? and Menton frowned . He did not like to have his great discovery disposed of so flip “ ” pantl y f or any he . Denman ! ” ! s Denman repeated the old man in urprise .

now Well , what do you propose to do with him that you have found him ? ” he continued coolly after a pause . He picked up his pen and turned to his writing

Miss Menton was silent . The quiet of the

of laboratory, heavy with the stale fumes acids and gases , was broken only by the scratching of Men

’ n s of to pen , and the rustle the silk which covered

’ Miss Menton s heaving bosom . The fir e died out of her eyes . Her lips trembled . She looked vacantly toward the window

“ ’ ” S h e I don t know, answered hopelessly . ” Where did you find him ? a ske d th e o l d m an grimly . ” r He e .

W N ew ? hat, in York ” r m e a In this very house , and the colo ca b ck

’ to e s a Miss M nton cheeks , and her eyes blazed gain. 30 WAS I T A CRIME ?

He did not seek you ?

h e el er d I . No . V brought him He seeme frightened when he stood face to face with me . He could not have known that he was going to

m . was r ecov eet me And I startled , too ; but I ered myself much quicker than he did . “ ” I am not surprised at that , and the old man

a gazed upon his d ughter admiringly . But I

u ? s ppose you will forget the past, and let him go ” n It will save trouble and an oyance . “ Forget 1 ” The woman drew up her superb

figure to its full height . She looked a very “ ” “ Ph aedr e ! ! S h e Forget Never hissed . Can I forget that it was he who robbed me of the man

of ? I loved, position , wealth , and happiness Can I forget that but for his act I might to - day be a ” N O ! Countess ? No . “ But what do you purpose to do ? ” asked the

Old man , without a trace of sympathy in his voice .

His daughter did not answer . After a moment of thought sh e said in a strained voice : “ If he is as anxious to make love to me as he ” was once , I may give him an Opportunity . What then ?

ai e e n WV t and S . With a ervous laugh Miss M enton started toward the door, and after a con MI R T RT ND R AC 3 A D E O S A FU N ES . 1

venti onal e and meaningless good night , she l ft the

n e room . The old man was alo e with his r torts

’ s and bottles . He oliloquized She ll pay that poor devil principal and interest on the debt sh e f . O o owes him f course , he will make a fool himself over her if sh e gives him the slightest encouragement they all do . Well , if she can take

’ her h h revenge in t at way , it s harmless enoug But what if the fellow has no heart to break ? HA TER III C P .

A TI M TO BE U FUL HELENE EN N .

Helene Menton was more beautiful and fascina

at n ting thirty than she had bee at twenty . She

—a was a rare woman beautiful animal , and clear i and S parkling in her intellectuality . It s doubtful if she could have become a truly good woman under any circumstances . She had inherited the passionate nature of her mother, with its attendant

of fi lack moral balance, together with the sel sh , indif f erent temperament of her father ; and these hereditary traits were as strongly m arked as is the

f of color o a child born negro parents . Such as she was nature had made her . She had no desire to be better ; she might have been much worse .

She was tall , sinuous , and yet not slender . Her figure contained all the charms which plumpness di gives , with the gnity and grace which are almost

as inseparable from slenderness . There w a magnet ism i n her presence which sent a thrill through t men who were susceptible o physical beauty . Her — eyes which had exerted so strange an influence 32 A M TO 83 BE UTIFUL HELENE EN N.

over Henry Wheeler , despite the natural aversion he had felt for the wom an upon meeting her f or first time — were of that odd combination of color which t o the student of faces denotes a peculiarly

pas sionate nature and pronounced will power . m Had she been born a man , and beco e a soldier , she would have moved men to great deeds of daring

by her personality , and the magnetism of her eyes .

Her position in society was equivocal . In

i n truth , it must be admitted that she did not move

ou t what is called society . She never went except

to the play and the opera, and the only people she knew in New York were those wh o came to her

A l ot house . nd a queer they were ; artists , actors ,

on e two m f fi Bohemian writers , or retired ar y o cers , w and a few women, whose only accomplishments ere

to and an ability talk a great deal , sing a little ,

dress decently . These women were not what one

' comme zl a ut one would call f , and yet could not

prove that the lives they led were not above

reproach . They stood upon that neutral ground which lies between admitted virtue and pr onounced

n wickedness . Miss Me ton was head and shoulders

above this collection of femininity , intellectually

and morally , too .

She was resigned to e xistence as sh e found it ; 34 WAS IT A CRI ME ? never craved th at s ociety w hi c h w a s be yo nd h er or if she did her am bition w a s kno wn t o n o o ne but — h er s e l f m and did n o t burden h e r mind with s pecu l ati on s upon what may come after death .

- t A bad woman the gen le reader will say . Bad ? Yes ; but is she responsible for it ? Her

u very individ ality was inherited . She can not

e make herself better than S h is . Her surroundings would forbid that , had she the desire . It is not pleasant to draw the picture of a woman wh o has all the graces of body and mind , and yet who is as empty of holy womanly sentiment as a statue is of

S feeling . But the duty of the writer is to how you th e people in this S trange episode of the nineteenth century as they really existed . It would be a more

V pleasing task to give irtues to all of them , and warm , Open natures ; but it would not be a true

find picture . If you can anything in Miss Menton

. can to admire , cherish it If you not , at least remember that S h e is the child of Lucius Menton and a French balle t dancer ; and be charitable .

‘ ' 36 WAR I I A t l i l M l l i

s e e a Miss Menton , arou d his j lousy , which in turn

a n a a n h d increased his i f tu tio . He did as other impressionable men had done

before him : refused to listen to reason and rushed w headlong into a sea of misery ith his eyes open .

’ Denman was not long in discovering his friend s

unhappy condition . He liked Wheeler, and with a

a seriousness unusu l with him , he asked “ Tell me frankly : do you really care for that woman ? ”

’ Wheeler s face flushed, and he asked hotly By what right do you speak of Miss Menton as ‘ that woman ? ’

ou Well , call her Miss Menton , if y please . But I see that it is not necessary to repeat my question ;

’ f or you evidently care a great deal her . I m sorry ” for you , my friend .

’ I don t want your sympathy , said Wheeler , “ s ulkily ; you seem to be as much in need of condo ” lence as I .

Paul Denman laughed . Not at all , my dear ” darn w . fello , he said There is not the slightest ger of my heart ever becoming entangled there .

This s atisfied Wheeler for a moment . Then he “ asked : If you dislike her so m uch Wh y do y ou

S pend so much of your time at her house ? A AR M RD R 37 IT W S H DLY U E .

5 ‘ She is very pretty , replied Denman , twisting

’ his moustache ; and one can t meet pretty women ” e . very day , and clever ones at that To hear Miss Menton discussed in this insolent “ n manner was unbearable . You are trifli g with ” A her then , exclaimed Wheeler . t that moment he would have laid down hi s life to defend the woman

n whom he did ot even thoroughly respect .

Denman looked at him in genuine surprise . ” ou t o Wheeler, said he , y really seem have some

’

n . faith in Miss Mento You don t know her. She — is not worthy of your confidence certainly not of ” your love . Wheeler rose and paced nervously up and down

d con the room . Denman watche him with much cern. He honestly pitied him . Suddenly Wheeler

’ stopped in front of Denman s chair . His face was very white .

u Denman , he said , his voice tremulo s with the “ of intensity his feelings , we are friends . Friend

of ou to ship has its Obligations . I beg y ! tell me

o u of I s S h e what y know Miss Menton . Why ; not worthy of my confidence ? Why is ls h e not worthy of the love of any man ? Expl al n to me

ou the mystery that lies between you . How came y 38 WAS I T A CRIME ?

? m e to know her in Paris Tell all . I have a right

to know. “ r not d I would ather , answere Denman ,

gravely . “ to But you said you would, and I hold you

your promise .

You are mistaken , Wheeler ; I did not promise ,

for I never intended to tell you . I merely said that

perhaps I would tell you . However , you shall hear

th e h . I story ave never told it to anyone else , and

I now tell it to you in the confidence of friendship . The secret which you S O desire to know concerns

n me more closely than it does Miss Mento . I killed her lover . “ him ! ” Murdered exclaimed Wheeler, starting t o his feet in horror . “ ” Hear me out, said Denman , motioning with hi “ s hand for Wheeler to resume his seat . I killed him in a duel . It was his life or mine . It would have been mine but for an accident . The circumstances which led up to the duel were these

Five years ago I was in Paris . You have never been in Paris . Multiply the wickedness of New

York by ten , and you will only approximate the gilded degeneracy of the French capital . Being

and a young , rich, with desire to leave no pleasure R Y M RD R 89 IT WAS HA DL U E . u ntasted , I plunged into dissipations of every description . The Mentons lived in Paris very

f fi et much as they live here . It was not di cult to g

to a e into their house . I was taken it by fri nd, just as you took me to see Miss Menton here in New

m en n e York . I saw playi g cards ; there was a gen — ral air of loosene ss about the place at le ast it seemed so to me . I took it for granted that it was a gaming place , and I had not a doubt but that the beautiful woman who presided over it was the decoy

to that led men their ruin . To me , an American, the presumption was natural that this woman was f like hundreds o Others in Paris . I was wrong in

fi H e r e my rst supposition . hous was not a gam bling den ; and perhaps S h e was not so bad a woman as I believed . But I did not discover my e rror until too late . Heated with wine , upon taking my departure , I said something to Miss Menton

h e which S cons trued as an insult . You should hav e ! t seen her eyes flash No hing daunted , I returned u the next evening . I was ref sed admittance ; that

‘ to in is say , polite terms , Miss Menton was not at

’ TO of home . This angered me . be kicked out such a place made me frantic . I felt sure that I

n no t was ot culpable . I did believe that any pure woman could lead the life that woman led . By that 13 I t? WAS IT A CRIME ?

r n u t o I e easoni g I exc sed my ac i n , and hat d her

heartily . “ Three nights later I entered a c af e. Not ten

e th e f et from table at which I had taken a seat , sat — Miss Menton and a fine looking fellow a German

Count, as I afterward learned . Still smarting under

S h e the humiliation had put upon me , I boldly and

s in ultingly stared and sneered at the woman . Her

companion could not but observe it . He crossed to Where I sat and demanded an explanation and an

. S apology I laughed in his face . He lapped me

n with his open hand . I retaliated in a very u U Parisian way by knocking him down . pon regain

ing his feet he handed me his card, and demanded

AS mine . I gave it to him . I expected , on the

following day I received a challenge . You may be

surprised , but the prospect of a duel delighted me . It had been the ambition of my silly youth to fight

fi n one , and one of the rst things I did on arrivi g in — Paris was to secure a fencing master you remember ? \V how much I liked fencing at college ell , under

’ a s t this Frenchman s training I became , I hought, fi ’ v ery pro cient . The Count s challenge gave me

the very opportunity I had been longing for. I

a . ccepted it, and much to his surprise , chose rapiers

He s n A had upposed that bei g an merican I would, R M R R 4 IT WAS HA DLY U DE . 1

of s — course , choose pi tols they have an idea over there that e v ery American carries a revolver and uses it on the slightest provocation . “ We fought in Belgium . I very soon made two

: fi fi d discoveries rst , that ghting a uel with naked swords was quite a dif f erent thing from a combat i w th foils , with the face protected by a mask ; and C second , that the ount was more than my match . Twice he lunged at me so wickedly that it was with

e f fi the great st di culty I parried his thrust . I acted

on o entirely the defensive . After we had been n guard for , say three minutes , he began to act as if

fi at he intended to nish me once . He advanced cautiously . I retreated as well as I could , but he continued to approach , disengaging his sword by quick feints . It unnerved me . I thought my time had come . In s heer terror I ducked my head and

n i voluntarily extended my sword arm . It saved my life ; f or it so happened that at that very instant the

Count was preparing to lunge . His blade passed harmlessly over my shoulder ; m 1 n e penetrated his — t c . h hear ran lear through him He gasped, t rew up his arms , and fell dead. I returned to Paris,

fi f or L took the rst train ondon , and two days later w as n d i steami g toward In ia. I have not been n ” Par s e is inc . 42 WAS IT A CRIME ?

of not During the recital this story , Wheeler had once removed his eyes from the man who had so f coolly and graphically detailed the killing o another .

I am glad you told me , he said in a con “

ou . strained voice . I can not say that I blame y

o It was hardly murder. But d you think this Count was Miss Menton ’ s lover — I mean in the French significance ? ” “ You do r e know as much about that as I ,

ol d - - turned Denman, recovering his free and easy

To . find out . manner For my part , I mean to that end I am a visitor at her house . If he was , ? why should not I , the victor take his place “ ” Wheeler recoiled. This is horrible , he said . I S hould think you would shun rather than seek ” her. I believe , continued Wheeler, with conviction ,

that your opinion of the woman is wrong, and that ” you will be sorry if y o u try to prove that it is right . “ ’ ” What ! Haven t I cur ed y ou ? exclaimed

Denman. N0 ; you admit your self that you do not k now; ” s that you only urmise .

’ “ L . N O et s drop the subject, said Denman ” good can come of a further discussion of it. They did not speak of Miss Menton again until

r e th ee weeks lat r.

4 I T ! R M 4. WAS A I E ?

” of her is right ? The thought was misery . He

l o a sat si ent and m rose . The ch nge in his expres

n s sion and man er did not escape Mi s Menton . That it conveyed an intelligence was evident from the

h r softer light that came into e eyes . ” Let us not talk about him , she purred insin “ u a tingl y . I want to tell you of a conversation I had with Professor Ryse you know the professor , the O l d gentleman who knows so much about physi ology and wh o comes here to talk with papa some

s ? O . ou time f course you do Well , just before y came , he was telling me of some very wonderful things that have been done recently by the French psychologists , who have been investigating hyp ” no i m ? t s . Do you believe in it “ ” Most assuredly , said Wheeler, happy once

What do you think it is ; magnetism or some ” thing of that sort ? “ not No ; exactly , though something like the hypnotic condition may be produced by magnetism .

’ TO m l tell the truth , I don t know uch about it on y enough to believe in it .

’ 3 It seems to me , said Miss Menton , with a per “ ce tibl e d p shud er, that there must be something i ” supernatural about t.

WHY NOT MORE THAN FRIENDS ? 47

’ ou b k tt Don t y elieve her ; she nows be er, said a voice .

They looked up . There stood old Mr . Menton . “ ’ He laughed Don t let me interrupt your learned

’ c f or onversation , said he ; I m merely looking ” the daily papers . fl He found them on the oor, near where his daughter was sitting . As he started to leave the r oom he turned to Wheeler and said jocosely :

’ Don t let my daughter deceive you . She is not so

S illy as to believe in the supernatural in anything. ” no She would t be my daughter if she were .

r Wheeler smiled, for want of something bette to do . Miss Menton followed her father with her eyes

of no fi e as he went out the door . It was t an a ction at e S h e glance that gave him .

M P er ol . c hi t Mo At this moment C s and Mr . n

r tague we e announced . The former came in briskly ; the latter strode in as if he were making the fifth e r Ol e ntrance in the of Hamlet .

We were talking about hypnotism , said

Wheeler, who had a real interest in the subject.

? We What do you know about it , Colonel are

a of s dly in need enlightenment . ” N e r th e Ol d a ve heard of it, grunted w rrior, AR WAS I T A CRIME ?

gallantly lifting th e hand of the fair hoste ss to his

lips . “ A most entertaining subject, said Montague

“ " with ! a superior air ; one which appeals to all con

tem l ativ e v p minds , and one to which I have gi en ” much thought.

“ ’ ’ If that s the case , I suppose you ve exhausted “ it, barked the Colonel , with rasping sarcasm ; but ’ ? ” what s it like , anyway

Mr . Montague did not deign to reply . He even turned his back upon the grumpy Colonel .

“ ’ ” It s something like mesmerism , volunteered

Wheeler . “ Then it’ s a damned humbug— if you ’ ll excuse ” my emphasis , replied the Colonel , promptly . “ ” a Miss Menton smiled. His emph sis was par

u do ed. He knew it would be . He had often

f w a of ended in the same y , and had been forgiven every time .

“ ” “ ’ Yes , the old fellow continued, I ve seen a

’ good deal of that kind of humbug . It s a good enough thing to write about , and it may interest fi scienti c men to fool away their time over it, but a

’ ’ man s a fool to believe in it , all the same . It s like the mind cure something f or women to talk about WHY NOT MORE THAN FRIENDS ? 49

e good enough for infants and idiots, but nonsens ” f r - o level headed men .

The mind cure , as you vulgarly call it, said

Mr . Montague, interjecting himself into the conver “ sation with mild dignity, is one of the trans cendental of o r r discoveries u time . It p oves that ” t hought is ; that matter is not . “ ” The devil it does, said the Colonel , contempt u ousl y .

Mr . Montague was above noticing the interrup “ Y . ou tion are a metaphysician , are you not, Miss

Menton ? he continued . I ’ m afraid my knowledge of metaphysics is not t ” great enough to entitle me to that distinc ion, smiled Mis s Menton . “ but t Beg pardon , you do not unders and me , explained Montague with a kindly patronizing air that was so ridiculous that Wheeler almost laughed aloud ; I meant to ask if you had not studied the science of curing what is commonly called disease by the influence of the mind ? ” And do you call that metaphysics ? broke in

Ho . w the Colonel , impatiently long does it take to learn it ? “ I mastered it in two weeks , said Mr . Mon t w h Of ague, it considerable emphasis ; but, £30 WAS IT A CRIME ?

“ t h at course , he added, I had no part to play in ” time . “ E McPhi ster xcept the part of a fool , said , it so o voce . He went on in a loud, aggressive voice , as if his intelligence had been outraged : Two ? weeks , do you say And you call yourself a meta

! S ir physician Why, my dear , it may surprise you , but there are men men of brains , too who have studied metaphysics for a lifetime who dare not

call themselves metaphysicians . Metaphysicians made in two weeks ! Bosh ! I am pained to tell

you , sir , that your philosophy is even worse than ” actin m - a your g damned sight worse , sir , and the

Colonel sat down very hard in a very s oft chair .

The old fellow was disgusted, and he did not con

u . ceal it . But if he thought he could h rt Mr Mon

’ a tague s feelings he was mistaken . That esthetic representative of the art histrionic had only pity for

the vulgar materialism of his military friend . He

made no reply . TVh eel er had been very much amused by the

passage at words between M cPhi s ter and Montague . He admired the old soldier for his bl unt nature as much as he disliked Montague for his weak - minded

n prete tiousness . Turning to Miss Menton , he s aid, pleasantly

! ! : C b M AS i r A CRI ME ?

7 ” Wh m or e h a f r ? s d y not t n iends he a ke ,

a a i h e r h a nd a nd h o d n e gerly , t k ng l i g it in both of

e nde r n o h er e his , as he looked t ly i t yes . ” a be Miss Menton sighed . Th t can never , she “ s I m a said , with a sad smile ; beside , could not ke

a s . you happy . But we may lways be friend I need ” nd frie s , Mr . Wheeler .

i so W The vo ce was so soft, sweet, that heeler would have sworn its possessor was as good a

w as woman at heart as ever breathed . He about to say something foolish when Miss Menton said, prettily

’ I move the previous question ; let s go back to ” hypnotism .

e H W . no Anything you like , said h eler yp tiz e ou n me , if you want to ; y already have me u der ” a spell . Miss Menton rose suddenly and walked over to the mantel She trembled violently . Could TVh e el er have seen the expression on her face he would have been startled by its awfulness . It was that of a person who has conceived an idea th at frightens even the mind which has created it . But when Miss Menton returned to her seat her face was c th e e u h er alm , and only strang light that b rned in WHY NOT MORE THAN FRIENDS ? 53

eyes indicated her mental excitement ; and Wheeler

did not notice this . “ z I believe I could hypnoti e you , said Miss “ s m e Menton , slowly ; for it seem to that sympa

i v thet c natures ha e power over one another . Wheeler was at the point of putting her hand to his lips to prove that the sympathy to which Sh e

M cPhi st er referred existed, when awoke with a

TVh e el er to o snort and asked g to lunch with him .

no t The artist was hungry, and he would have declined the Colonel ’ s invitation had not Miss Men

ton risen from her chair, prepared to bid them good

n to ight , thus indicating that she was not averse

o bringing the conversation t an end . Wheeler left the house in company with the Col

u u o el in a feverish daze . He was not s re whether h of e was satisfied or not with the result his visit. When they had gone Miss Menton began to pace nervously up and down the room . Her face was a

— a n of study combi ation fear , doubt and determina

“ ’ tion . She stopped short in her walk . I ll try it, ” i A out . anyway , she said . She turned the l ghts

n a r h er mome t l ter sh e Was alone in h e c amb . HA T I C P ER V .

T A I W S A SWELL NIGHT AT THE MENTONS .

Wheeler got on famous ly with Miss Menton after t a heir psychologic l interview . He thought he dis covered new qualities in her every day . She seemed more thoughtful . In her society he found

and fi peace and contentment, he was quite satis ed to let matters run as they would . He was not in love with her ; but the S entiment he entertained w as very much like love .

Denman still remained his guest. They had pleasant chats at night before retiring , and Den

’ h e el e r man s friendship for IV increased. The two weeks prior to the night at the Menton house , which will be described presently , were the most peaceful

an d a that Wheeler had enjoyed for years , Denm n s eemed to have been refined by his associa tion with

r h ad a a o hi s the a tist . Apparently he b nd ned cam

’ p aign 011 Miss Menton s af f e ctions m uch to

’ h e l e r IV e s relief . All the good in the man seemed to have suddenly come to the surface . His conver s f ation was not so coarse and lippant as it had been , L H ME N 55 IT WAS A SWEL N I GHT AT T E N TO S .

and he was less cynical in his criticisms of persons

o d e adv i s and things . He once actually c nsi er d the ability of Opening an of fice and beginning the prae “ Y . ou tice of law . Wheeler had laughed at him will not do that until the banks return your checks

unpaid , he said , and Denman had laughingly

admitted that his friend was about right.

It was a swell night at the Mentons . The par

not s f or lors had contained so many gue ts a year. It was an informal gathering ; and its size was due

’ to the coincidence of a great many of Mi ss Menton s acquaintances having taken it into their heads at

r the same time to pay her a visit . Professo Ryse — . wh o o was there , with his friend Dr Grip l oked

. m like a caricature ; Mr Landis , the che ist ; Mrs .

Mittens ! her first appearance since the sudden con

gealing Miss Menton had given her some we eks

. cou ld before! Mr Montague and a friend who act, but who could not do anything else , and who could

’ do that only under the S tage manager s coaching ;

M cPhi s er . t n Col ; Judge Blackwood , a sedate looki g

h th e man , who , t rough invitation of M cPh i s t er th at night made his first appearance i n the Menton

circle , and half a dozen other men and women who cut no greater figure in this s trange episode than

’ they did in Miss Menton s reception that night ; they £3 6 WAS IT A CRIME ?

w a ere useful simply s a background . Wheeler and

’ Denman dropped in about nine o clock . They were

both in high spirits . The conversation had drifted

through one channel into another , and out again

n fi into vagueness , u til nally it ran against the theme in which the greatest number of those present

seemed to be most interested . It was psychology . Professor Ryse introduced it by referring casu ally to the wonderful feat in mind reading which a

young man had accomplished in Boston . “ ” This young man , continued the Professor with “ ex cathedr a the air of a man who speaks , suc ce e de d in finding a small scarf pin which had been concealed in a fireplace in a house nearly a mil e

m h e distant from the roo in which sat , blindfolded,

and in the presence of a committee . The person who concealed the pin was also a member of the d committee . The mind rea er was placed in a car r i a e m an w h o g . The committee , had hidden the pin

took a s e at beside him . The reins were placed in

’ the mind re ader s h ands . There was a constant contact between the hands of the mind reader and

the person who concealed the pin . After some hesi t ati on the mind reader drove straight to the house where the pin was hidden and found it withou t ” dif ficulty . M 5 IT WAS A SWELL NIGHT AT THE ENTONS . 7

He must have had a confederate, remarked

Judge Blackwood . “ ” “ No , replied the Professor , I am quite sure

of the test was honest . Several members the com m it ee t occupied seats in the carriage with him .

no f or There was opportunity deception . Do you not think it can be explained by muscle reading , and more reasonably than by mind read ing ventured Mr . Landis . There are a number . of scientific men in Boston who investigated the matter and convinced themselves that it was really

to muscle reading . It seems me quite natural that

i t s the person who hid the pin, and kept location constantl v in his mind , should have unconsciously directed the young man to the object by muscular

on or e pressure his hand , by som other indication

Of that nature . The sympathy between the mind ” ou and the muscles is strong , y know .

do not I put any faith in that theory , said the

not of Professor . I have the slightest doubt the truth of what is called mind reading . Tests have been made by the use of the galvanometer . The

one mind reader has held end Of a wire , the subject the other. When the galvanometer was applied t o the wire there was a perceptible deflection of the

To a a needle . me this proves wh t I h ave alw ys 58 WAS IT A CRI ME ?

e maintained in th ory , that thought is what one might call , an electric essence . But I see no reason why one should question the genuineness of mind reading , when more wonderful psychological phe nom ona thrust themselves under our eyes every

th e day . The experiments which French scientists

h oti sm u and have made in yp successful experiments , — too indicate that we are as yet infants in our un der st anding of the subtle qualities of the mind and ” its power . The Professor was eloquent. It was his favorite theme .

S Is this hypnotic power a pecial natural gift, ?” or can it be acquired asked the Judge , who had become interested in the subject . “ Any one can acquire it, though there are still quacks who profess that it is possessed by but

few persons . I was discussing this question at ” o n some length with Miss Menton my last visit , “ continued the Professor, and was describing to her a remarkable case which has just been reported from

Yes , interrupted Miss Menton hastily , but not “ rudely ; the Professor told m e all about this won

der f u l . power , and how easily it can be acquired I feel that I could exercise it myself with a little

60 WAS I T A CRIME ?

h a w as eyes blazed wit light that peculiarly intense . ” VVl l O will be my s ubject ?

I will , said Denman promptly . He had no faith in Miss Menton s ability to mesmerize him , but he was quite ready to undergo the pleasure of

r the expe iment .

S O s will I , Miss Menton , aid Wheeler, rising

" and crossing to where Miss Menton stood ; and my

’ o e Claim is the prior n . Don t you remember I off ered myself as a subject once before ? ” Miss Menton remembered it only too well ; but “ S h e n : ? o ly said Did you Well , then you shall ‘ fi ’ be my subject . First come , rst served , you m know , she added with benignity to Den an .

h e Your turn will come , and she laug d almost hysterically .

Denman good - naturedly withdrew in favor of

W i s heeler , and as Miss Menton made preparat on

u M cPh i st er for the test , Montag e remarked to

- t at a gay mood Miss Menton is in to night . I ” v n ot S O th e ha e seen her lively for a long time , and

Colonel nodded . The fair hostess placed a chair in the middle of t h e room , and at her direction Wheeler took his seat

n to i it with mock gravity . He was quite willing M 6 IT WAS A SWELL NIGHT AT THE ENTONS . 1

be hypnotized , but like Denman , he doubted Miss

’ Menton s ability to do it . t Now I must have some small , brigh object,

S h e of ex er i said , assuming the air the platform p menter in mesmerism ; something round and

bright.

ou I have just what y want , said Colonel

M cPhi ster w at ch ch ain , as he unhooked from his a

small gold sphere . He handed it to Miss Menton . ? What makes it so heavy, Colonel she asked .

“ ’ ” “ of There s a bullet inside it, he replied ; it

was I nside of me once . When the surgeon cut it

o ut I asked for it . When I got so I could walk to

’ a jeweler s I had it incased in a gold shell . I carry ” it as a cheerful memento, and the Colonel smiled grimly .

a Miss Menton shuddered and turned p le . Ryse ” a thought she was going to faint . How wful ! she exclaimed ; and Wheeler thought to himself, How tender hearted she is ! ”

’ ” ow n r e N let s begin , said Miss Mento , ecov ring

and a her spirits , though her face was still pale wild excitement burned in her eyes .

“ ’ I m air ready, said Wheeler, assuming an of resignation . After enjoining silence Miss Menton took a seat 62 WAS I T A I RI ME ?

" m W e e l h e r i mediately in front of h er . At direction

her h n he placed his left hand in right . T e w ith her left hand she held the golden bullet , grasped

and fi a between the thumb fore nger , immedi tely in front of Wheeler and about two inches above his eyes . “ That is one of the simplest ways of producing ” fi a o e s . arti cial somnambulism , expl ined Pr f s or Ryse “ ” v — t a I must ha e quiet perfect quie , s id Miss

Menton with mock severity ; and then to IVh ee l e r :

Now put your mind in a quiet , receptive con

fix dition , and your gaze intently upon this little ” ball .

Wheeler did so . He stared at it with an earnest m ness that made even Miss Menton s ile ; Mrs . Mit

o M cPhi s te r t tens tittered audibly , and C lonel burs f f a . into a loud gu w This broke the spell . t eeler laughed outright, and Miss Menton in prettily as sumed displeasure declared that she would make no

fli ant more experiments in the presence of pp people .

fi h e el r I am con dent I could hypnotize Mr . IV e if

’ we could be left alone , she said with earnest con i v i ct on .

’ I v e M cPhi ster no doubt of it, chuckled to himself . “ ’ ” L s et give her a trial , said the Professor . G M 63 IT WAS A SWELL NI HT AT THE ENTONS .

’ She s only a novice and can surely do better if ” left alone with her subject . At his suggestion they all retired to an adjoin ing room , closing the door behind them , and leaving

n Miss Menton and Wheeler alone . Three mi utes

not had passed before Miss Menton called, Come

M cPhi ster in . , the Professor, Denman , Montague,

Judge Blackwood and the others r e - entered the

- n drawing room . They found Wheeler sitti g in the chair precisely as they had left him , except that his eyes were closed . “ r He seems to be asleep , said the P ofessor .

’ ” s He s shamming, aid Denman , incredulously .

’ ” not s You may be sure he s , retorted Mis Men

S . ton , harply He is completely hypnotized. I will prove to you that he is absolutely u nder the fl ” in uence, and under my control .

She st uck a pin in his arm . Wheeler did not move nor evince the slightest indication of pain .

S h e Then made him laugh , weep, declaim and sing, m uch to the amusement of all who were assembled s ave Judge Blackwood, who regarded these phenom ena o s m re seriou ly.

e n r f Will Mr. Wheeler hav a y ecollection O this when he comes to himself h e asked of Pr ofessor

e Rys . 64 WAS IT A CRIME ?

Not the slightest .

n him I will se d to Paris , exclaimed Miss

Menton , with a sudden impulse . There was quiet “ ? ” for a moment . What do you see she asked ,

’ Vh e el er placing her hand upon I s head .

’ The subject s lips moved, but no sound came from them . After a short interval he began to speak slowly and without animation “ I see a large restaurant . A lady and gentle man are seated at a table . They are t alking . Now the gentleman rises and goes over to another table where a dark complexioned man is S itting . There is a quarrel . The gentleman slaps the dark man in

m an the face . The dark knocks him down . What else do you see ? ”

There was another pause , then Wheeler con “ tinned in the same slow m anner A beautiful ” woman sits alone and weeps .

“ ’ Well , we ll let her weep , said Miss Menton

to with a harsh laugh , putting her hands her temples nervously . ” Now, she said, turning to her astonished “ guests , if you will all retire I will bring my subject

You no out of his sleep . know it will t do to let you ” h ow i s an see this done, she added, with air of mystery . I T A WE L N GHT AT TH M TO 65 W S A S L I E EN NS .

r The Professo led the way into the next room . Denman was very white and his legs trembled

under his weight as he followed the others , but he

said nothing . After a few moments had passed,

Miss Menton came to the door again and opened it . ” “ Now you can come in, she said, Mr . Wheeler is ” himself again . Wheeler was standing by the mantel examining fl d his face as re ected in the mirror . He looke dazed and S heepish as he turned to the many eyes that

o were looking at him s quizzically . ” do ? . Well , how did I he asked ” fine You were a subject, said the Judge , and f f a orded us much entertainment . I would not have

believed so wonderful a thing could be done, had I

not seen it with my own eyes .

° s a a The Other congratulated him , and p rticul rly

Miss Menton , upon the success of the experiment .

’ A M cPhi ster s t few moments later, at sugges ion ,

Judge Blackwood and himself started to go . The

others of the gathering soon followed . Wheeler went down the stairs out into the cool air with

Denman , like a man walking in his sleep . He did n ot seem to have fully re covered from his hypnotic na p. CHAPTE II R V .

“ I s S HE I SHE A DEV L .

They walked several blocks in S ilence . Wheeler

s S was too much engro sed in thought to peak , and Denman was so angry that he dared not trust him self to refer to what had just taken place in Miss

’ Menton s parlors . Wheeler proposed that they stop

at a restaurant which they were passing . “ f f I think a cup of co ee will do me good, said

: he I feel stupid and heavy .

I should think you would, remarked Denman with bitter sarcasm .

ou ? What do y mean asked Wheeler in surprise . They entered the restaurant and seated themselves at a table . “ After you have given your order I will tell “

t . you , replied Denman , shor ly All I want is a

n pint of claret and some crackers , said he , turni g to the waiter . Wheeler gave his order, and

’ a repeated his question . He was hurt by Denm n s manner. “ h of r I mean t at you have made a fool you self, 66

“ SHE I S A S HE DEVIL .

“ i an said Denman , angrily , by permitt ng that wom ” to put her nonsense into your head .

too ou f f . But y o ered yourself as a subject, Where ’ s the dif f erence ? ”

Denman laughed contemptuously . ” What are y ou driving at ? said Wheeler knit ting his brows .

You act your part very well , Wheeler . Den

’ i nsinu man s voice was bitter, and his manner was a i n l t g y insulting . Wheeler was not slow to resent it . “ Do you mean to say that I am not telling y ou

’ the truth when I say that I m utterly ignorant of

’ what took place w hile I was under Miss Menton s ? ” influence he demanded, rising and looking down at Denman S ternly . There was not a trace of color in his cheeks . “ ou Denman saw that he was wrong . If y give me your word as a gentleman that what you say is true , I accept it, and apologize . But I will tell you

to what happened . You will then be better able judge whether I w as altogether to blame f or sus ” ecti n o p g y u . He related all that had taken place while

Wheeler was in the hypnotic sleep , repeating ,

’ of th e almost word for word , Wheeler s description s af cene in the French c e. ‘ I O WAS IT A CRIME ?

“ and Wheeler was amazed alarmed . What a ” h e i s i n dangerous power , said w th an expre s o of “ awe . She must have said those words mentally

which I uttered, and conveyed them to my mind in

e ? that way . But what could have b en her Object

S w h To ho me t at she has not forgotten . Your

b v description rought back that scene very ividly , I

’ ou as assure y . W it for this she encouraged me to come to her house ? Her manner to - night filled me with a strange fear . I shall never set foot in her house again . Denman kept his word . “ I do not blame you for suspecting me , said

di s a Wheeler with gentle frankness , all his anger p “ pearing ; but do not be blue about it. I shall never let her experiment on me again . You may be sure Of that . However , I do not think you need fear Miss Menton ; S he is a very tender - hearted ” woman . “ ” S h e . She is a devil , said Denman savagely

Wheeler did not answer . He saw that his friend was out of sorts and he pitied him . There was a “ S ilence between them for a moment . Let us go ” home , said Wheeler, rising abruptly . “ Denman kept his seat . Wheeler , said he , “ moodily , I think we had better part . That woman

ou You not exerts a dangerous influence over y . do “ ” HE IS SHE D IL S A EV . 71

do . see her as I She hates me , and is sure to break

or e our friendship sooner later . Why not escap that unpleasantness ? Let us go our dif f erent ways

from this point . You go to your rooms ; I will go

to a hotel . I feel wretched to night and want to be ” - . m alone I will send for y luggage to morrow. “ ’ ” ‘ l t to interr u ted Wh ee er . I won t lis en it, p ” But I am determined .

not Well , then , at least do make me feel that I

- . ou have driven you from me Go to morrow, if y

- will , but come home with me to night . I beg you

S it will how me that much consideration . I think

’ ” ou ? due me , don t y

e Denman reluctantly consented. They aros

and left the restaurant in silence .

’ ” S s That s a trange pair , aid the waiter to the “ cashier ; quarreling one minute and good friends

’ ’ ’ ’ a h e the next . If I d been t slender chap I d a never held out to have the other one come and sleep

’ ” w to ith me if he didn t want . But the cashier evinced no interest in the mat

ter, and the waiter strolled leisurely down the hall

to to attend the wants of an old gentleman , who had for ten minutes been vainly trying to get somebody to bring him something to eat .

14 WAS I T A cRI ME ?

Denman and “Wheeler soon reached the latter’ s

quarters . “ m an n Cheer up , old , said the artist ; I ever

’ s aw you so down in the mouth before . You ll

be all right in the morning . “ I hope so .

a They bade e ch other good night . It was very

’ cordial on Wheeler s part . Each retired to his own room . The little clock on the mantel , with its

w - w - s eet, far a ay sounding bell , was just striking the hour of twelve .

a ale ale

It is one of those brilliant nights in November .

The moon is at its full . The stars glitter in th e

and steely air, the earth slumbers peacefully in the pale light . The heavens are glorious in their radi

n a ce . They reflect none of the blackness and mis ery of the great city , whose pulse is not stilled, even in the hour of sleep . The moon ’ s rays penetrate the room in which

Denman sleeps . One can almost distinguish every article in the room and even beyond , in the stu dio , the outlines of the furniture can be seen dimly . m The clock on the antel , with its soft, mellow

e l l fi h s u n . , is o ding the hour of three The gure of a human being comes out of the darknes s and “ ” 73 SHE I S A S HE DEVIL .

f moves slowly toward the center o the S tudio . It stands for a moment motionless .

It crosses S lowly and softly to the fireplace . It seems to be searching for something on the mantel

— to no ; it is above the mantel , for it reaches up th e collection of arms , which can be seen dimly in the faint light . The hand moves mechanically over the lower part of the heavy shield which forms a center piece around which the knives , pistols and — sabers are arranged a nd finally rests on the d han le of a poniard . This it removes cautiously and noiselessly . Grasping it tightly in its hand, fi the gure advances slowly toward the front room .

The only sound is the breathing of Denman . His m sleep is deep and healthful . Just at this oment he turns from his side and lies full upon his back ; but his sleep is not broken

- fi The ghost like gure continues to approach . Its

S walk is slow, almost tately . It has entered the front chamber . It pauses an instant . N OW i t cl u tches the poniard more tightl y and resumes its measured tread across the large room to the bed where Denman lies .

S s m an It toops over the leeping . With great

v it s deliberation it pulls down the co ering, and with

’ left hand loc ates the exact position of Denman s 74 WAS I T A ! f r om

o w r s heart ; then with a d nwa d stroke , plunge the poniard into it up to the hilt .

Denman gives a faint gasp , and is dead . The figure in white relaxes its grasp upon the handle of the poniard, and slowly straightens to an erect position . Its hand is empty . The bright handle of the poniard glistens in the moonlight . Its

’ h eel er s r blade is hidden in the heart of TV f iend . With the same mechanical motion that has charac t er iz e d S its every motion in this ilent tragedy , the white form slowly retraces its steps to the rear room , and disappears noiselessly in the darkness .

All is quiet . A murder has been done without a sound to give evidence of the deed, and without human recognition . The moon is shining . Its r p f ays fall u on the dead body o Paul Denman .

76 WAS I T A CRI ME ?

n expression of ago y . His hands were raised above

c e his head , tightly lasped . The br ast of his night

w as shirt was stained with blood, and there a pool of

a it on the bed near the left side of the body . Ne r the stain on the night robe the handle of a dagger

' tood upright . The blade was buri ed to the hilt in the heart of the motionless body which lay before

’ h e el e r s fi z IV terri ed ga e . “ ” ! s ! and My God Thi is awful he exclaimed , under an impulse of extreme terror he ran to the W indow, raised it with frantic haste and cried M urder ! Help ! Murder ! Then he returned to the bed on which Denman lay . A sudden desire to remove the dagger from the bloody wound took possession of him . He leaned over the body of his dead friend ; but the instant his hand touched the poniard he recoiled with an u ndefinabl e horror .

S He stood gazing at the ghastly pectacle , almost f f h helpless . He made an e ort to collect his t oughts t o do something ; but he was like one who has lost his reason . There were sounds of hurried feet upon the stairs , and a moment later loud knocks upon the fi door . It occurred to Wheeler then , for the rst l s r . c time , that all the door we e ocked This re alled “ ” MY GOD ! THIS I s AWFUL ! 77

him to something like his normal mental condition .

He hurriedly unlocked the door . A policeman entered the room , and peered about inquiringly,

of A or still holding the knob the door . dozen more

a persons , who had followed him up the st irs , attempt t e f fi ed to squeeze h ir way in , but the O cer drove them back and closed the door .

’ ” What s the matter ? he asked.

’ ” a ? r M tter Can t you see, said Wheele pointing to the bed . When did this happen ? ” Wheeler calmed himself sufficiently to describe t briefly how he had risen , dressed, entered the fron

to room awaken Denman , and found him dead. ” ? f fi r Were all the doors locked asked the o ce . ” I suppose so , said Wheeler. This door is

n t . o w always locked I have tried the other one , hich l ’ ’ eads into my studio . That s the one I use , and I m ” sure I locked it last night . “ S r He tarted toward the S tudio doo . Let me s e e f fi s w as , said the o cer peremptorily . Thi door also l ook ed ; evidently just as Wheeler had left it the night before . “ There is something mysterious about this , said

f fi n a s s e at the o cer to himself, casti g uspiciou glanc

er Wheel . 78 WAS I T A CRI ME ?

’ ” a k ? a e C n t we ta e that knife out sk d the artist, with a shudder . “ O a e N . I will h ve the Coroner h re in a few ” a f f i n s . mome ts . Leave the body it is The O cer

a d n a leaned over n exami ed the h ndle of the dagger .

“ " ” Have you ever seen this knife turning to

YVh eel er .

The smell of the blood m ade t eeler sick and

h e . t ! dizzy , as he bent over the rigid form y “ exclaimed, rising in surprise , it belongs to me . ” f fi Here is its fellow , and he led the o cer into the studio to the collection of arms ov er the mantel .

He was right ; the poniard on the right of the shield was missing ; the other was in its proper place on the left .

He must have committed suicide , said Wheeler, w “ ! ” ith conviction . Poor fellow Was there any reason why he should ? ” The policeman asked this as a matter of form . He was n ot im pressed with the suicide theory . “ ” Perhaps not , said Wheeler thoughtfully . though he was not in his usual S pirits when he r e t ” ired . “ “

f fi . That will be looked into , said the o cer I will notify the Coroner at once — I must ask you to come with me . “ ” MY GOD ! THIS I s AWFUL ! 79

I am very faint ; I have not had my breakfast “ yet, explained Wheeler . I will go and get it and return at once . “ I will go with you . These words, and the

’ fi to fi of cer s manner , suggested Wheeler the rst thought that he would naturally be suspected of the murder of Denman ; but he dismissed it as not worthy of serious consideration . “ ” “ V . ery well , said he , with dignity Come with

a me if you wish . It will only take me few mo ments .

‘ They left the S cene together. The policeman O locked the door and put the key in his pocket . n their way to a neighboring restaurant he telephoned f or fi a the Coroner . Wheeler was just nishing

- chop when the Coroner entered the dining room . Is the corpse here ? ” he asked with an air which indicated that he was ready for business . “ N O , sir ; just around the corner . This gen ” “ to h tleman , pointing Wheeler occupied rooms wit the deceased ! the policeman spoke as if he were giving his testimony! . He was in the room with

s n w as the body , with the door locked , whe I ” called . f fi Wheeler gave the o cer a contemptuous look. “ To th e Coroner he said : My name is Henry 80 WAS IT A CRIME ? t t eeler . I m an ar ist ! the preserver of the peace jumped to the conclusion that he was a song and ” dance man! . The dead man was my friend . “ ” What was his name ? asked the Coroner. ” Paul Denman . The Coroner made a note in a small book which

hi s . : he took from pocket Then he said Come ,

Mr . Wheeler, let us go at once and get this busi

of f our ness hands as soon as possible . Wheeler accompanied the repres entatives of th e “ m ” to . Cor law his rooms This is urder, said the oner , as he bent over the corpse and examined the

of position of the body and the expression the face . ” Might it not have been suicide ? asked

Wheeler. N “ I ’ m O . The Coroner spoke with decision .

n sure it was not . If he had plunged that k ife into his heart himself he never would have rem oved his

n hand . He would have retai ed his grip upon the

ou handle , and y would have found him in that way . Muscular action ceased too soon after the knife entered the heart to have permitted his hand to be r emoved . w Wheeler was silent . He did not agree ith the

Coroner ; but he did not think it worth while to

’ argue the point over Denman s death. “ ” MY GOD ! THIS IS AWFUL ! 81

“ Well , said the Coroner briskly , we may as

out now well take that knife , and he leaned over , f fi and with some little di culty removed the poniard . fi The blood had congealed around it, and set it rmly “ in its death sheath . He has not been dead more

fiv e or h e than six hours , added . Turning sud denl t o Sir y Wheeler, he said, My dear , I am com

el l ed p to perform an unpleasant duty. I shall have ” to ou of f fi place y in charge this O cer .

You not can think I killed my friend, ex c in laimed Wheeler horror . “ I have not formed any Opinion , replied the f “ o . be man inquests , with much tact You will sus

ect ed ou can — ou a r e p ; y see that yourself indeed, y s uspected . It is , therefore , my duty to have you ” a pl ced under arrest . “ ” But can I not give bail ?

f or That will be the magistrate to decide . The Coroner wrapped the knife in a piece of paper “ “ and k e put it in his poc t. Come , he said, I

ou w will go to the Police Judge with y . If he ill a dmit you to bail you will have no further annoy

e o anc until the inquest is held . Y u will have to be ” there , Of course . “ ” to But , expostulated Wheeler , beginning lose hi s m e y u e o m e DO o t . te p r, hav no right suspect WAS I T A CRIME ? you suppose that if I had committed a murder I would take no precaution to conceal it ? Is it rea sonable that I would call f or an of ficer to come and find me with the doors locked ? Could I not have averted suspicion in a hundred ways ? ”

’ ’ That s all very true , Mr . Wheeler . I m sorry for you ; but you are the victim of circumstances .

a My dvice to you is to keep cool , and get the best

find lawyer you can in New York to defend you . It is better for you to come quietly and avoid sensa ” tion as much as possible .

Wheeler saw that there was no alternative . He accompanied the Coroner and the officer down the stairs out into the street, past a gaping crowd which had assembled at the door . fi They found the recorder in his private of ce . It did not take long to issue a warrant for the arrest o f Henry Wheeler , charging him with the killing f o Paul Denman . The Coroner suggested that as

on w as Mr . Wheeler was held merely suspicion , and prepared to give bonds for his appearance , it would be well to permit him to send for his bondsmen at

a once . The recorder placed the b il at and Wheeler hurriedly wrote and dispatched a note to

El l er sl Mr . y , a rich merchant who had bought m of a any his pictures , and whom he regarded as

84. WAS I T A CRIME ?

El ’ o V l r as . l er l t Wh ee e . He gr ped Mr s y s hand and thanked him as only a m an who i s in desperate straits can thank the one wh o brings succor and El l l . er s . e hope . Mr y called a cab They enter d it, f . f fi o . W and were driven to the o ce John C right,

Esq . f Lawyer Wright was about the age o Mr . Eller

of sly, say sixty . His face was grand in its strength will and character . Thoughtful gray eyes looked straight at you from beneath a broad projecting brow . Here was a man on whom a weak brother might lean with full confidence in his strength and

’

. IVh eel er s honor When he had heard story , recited

h e : in exact detail , asked kindly but very seriously “ Have you told me all , Mr . Wheeler . E ” verything . You do not think it possible for a person to have entered the room at night, by other means than the door ? ”

N o n u less by the window.

’ That s not likely . Is there anything which could be construed into a cause that would warrant the suspicion that y ou had committed th is crime anything that could be made to appear as a motive ?” “ ” m N O Wheeler thought a oment . , he answered ” of I can think nothing. “ ” MY GOD ! THIS I S AWFUL ! 85

- we o Return to morrow , and will go deeper int

e the case said Mr . Wright I hav other business f that must be disposed o at once . But you may

n trust me ot to forget you . You shall have my

f f f or of ol d best e orts , the sake my friend and he

El l er sl wh o gazed affectionately upon Mr . y , grasped “ A his hand warmly , and said, lways the same, old ” Jack .

El l ac Mr . er sl y insisted that Wheeler should

n company him to his home . Retur ing to your “ ou d rooms is t of the question he said . It woul unsettle your nerves and they are in a pretty bad

You S ou condition already . need all the trength y have . Come and make your home with me until

’ ” i i n th s thing s all over . There were grateful tears

’ r e - n r the c w Wheeler s eyes , as he e te ed arriage ith

- n his big hearted patro . CHAPTE I X R .

“ ” BUT IT I s RETRIBUTION ! - RETRIBUTION !

Miss Menton stood at the window and looked

down into the street . She had been restless all

day . The excitement of the night before had

a brought on a nervous head che . She had tried to

v read , but e en the latest French novel failed to

S w interest her . The ervants ere surprised to see her rise from the table leaving h er breakf ast almost untouched ; and she had eaten very sparingly at

lunch . It was an unusual thing for Miss Menton

E a to be without appetite . ven her f ther noticed it . ” What is the matter ? he had asked .

al l Nothing . I will be right by evening , she

- had answered , as she abruptly left the dining room .

Turning from the window, Miss Menton rang

a n for a s ervant . Go out and buy me evening ”

r . t . pape , she said The girl soon re urned “ ’ ! ” There s bad news in that paper, Miss she

The Te l e said , excitedly, as she placed a copy of

’ r a m g in Miss Menton s lap. What is it ? ”

“ B UT I T I s RET RIBUTION ! 89

i n Miss Menton looked up suddenly , and with

e of w t re st . Any kind ne s was welcome if it. would

ennui S h e f f drive away the from which was su ering . “ Mr . Denman has been murdered, and Mr . ” Wheeler has been arrested , replied the servant, “ ’ ’ ? ” breathlessly . It s awful , ain t it, Miss

Miss Menton turned deathly pale, put her hand

s to her heart convul ively , and sank back in her

h e . s S chair Thinking had fainted, the girl tarted l d to leave the room to call o Mr . Menton . “ Never mind, said Miss Menton , recovering “ efi or t . herself with an . I am better now It was ” You S . . a great hock to me may go, Mary “ of one She was awfully fond of them , said

to w Mary the cook, to hom she hastened to tell the

S h e The Te l e r a m news which had read in g , before

“ ’ giving it to Miss Menton , but I can t tell which .

’ ” I think it s Mr . Wheeler, though . The cook and Mary settled themselves comfortably f or a long

not talk . They had had so exciting a subject for f conversation or a long time . Miss Menton Opened the paper with trembling fi U ngers . nder flaming head lines she found this s ensational account of the mysterious death of Paul

n to De man . It did credit the reporter who wr ote

s h ad n r s it, con idering that he devoted o ly two hou 90 WAS I T A CRIME ?

o f his legs and brain s to the collection and the embellishment of the facts Paul Denman and Henry t eeler occupied

ro oms together on Sixth avenue near Thirty - fourth

i s street . Denman was a man of leisure , having , it

. t understood, an assured income eeler is well

known in artistic circles . He is said to be an artist

o f n promise , and has exhibited several pai tings at

the Academy . He is also a frequent contributor to

the magazines . These men were apparently friends . As Of ficer Sullivan was passing the house this m ’ orning , at about nine O clock , he heard a cry of “ Murder ! Help ! ” He looked up and saw a man

standing at an Open window . This man was

h e f or f f i el er . O TV It was he who had cried help . cer

Sullivan hurried promptly to the scene . To his

th e surprise he found door of the room locked . He

demanded admittance . After a short delay the f fi door was Opened . The o cer found Mr . Denman lying dead upon the bed with a knife in his heart .

His suspicions were at once aroused . He believed

h e el that a foul murder had been committed . IV er pretended to be very much grieved at the death o f his friend . He said he had found him dead upon rising a few moments before , but he could give no satisfactory explanation of how the crime could

9 2 WAS I T A C RI ME ? man lived just as Wheeler was brought out by the

o f fic a s C roner and O er Sullivan . He s y he recognized him at once as one of the tw o men w h o h ad been in

th e the restaurant in which he ! waiter! is employed , on the night before . These men had high words ,

S and one of them rose to his feet, as if about to trike

. l the other Snyder says that IVh e e er was this man . He went on to tell Of ficer Sullivan that the quarrel seemed to have been amicably settled , and that the W man whom he recognizes in heeler , begged the

to other go home with him if only for that night .

He seemed to be particularly anxious , so Snyder

S w . says , that his companion hould go home ith him U pon hearing this story Of ficer Sullivan took the

’ waiter to the morgue and S how ed him Denman s

IVith ou t to body . hesitation Snyder pronounced it be that of the man with whom W’ heeler had had the quarrel in the resta urant the night before . This would se em to establish a motive f or th e m cri e , though it is not yet known what the quarrel

’ n was about . Certain it is , however , that S yder s testimony will aid the authorities to unravel the

n n mystery . The Coroner says De man had not bee

w w as dead more than seven hours hen he called .

of h a s The date the inquest not yet been set .

v The Miss Menton gazed acantly before her. “ ” B UT I T I s RET RI RUTI ON ! 93

a h e r a paper h ad f llen from h nds . She seemed daz e d unabl e to co m pr e h e i d the full meaning of

a S h e e wh t had read . She h aved a profound sigh . “ ” t S h e Poor eeler , murmured , and an expression of true pity softened her face . “ But it is a retribution retribution she a a th e dded hysterically, and she st ggered out of room . CHAPTE X R .

“ I CALL GOD To WITNESS THAT I DID NOT K ILL M PAUL DEN AN .

Mr El l er sl on l w . y insisted going to a yer W ’ f fi right s o ce with Wheeler , when the latter started down town to keep his appointment . The

’ ol d gentleman s heart went ou t to the young artist f f in his su ering . “ to You need a friend, my boy, and I intend devote myself to you until this bad business is “ ended, said he . I am convinced of your inno cence , and it will help others to believe in it if the ” world sees that your friends stand by you . Yes ; but can we make the world believe it ?

Wheeler asked , moodily .

He had passed a sleepless night . His face was pale and worn , and there were dark circles beneath

s S his eye . The train was beginning to tell on him already . The more he thought of the situation in w hich circumstances had placed him , the clearer it became that it would be dif ficult to prove his inno

ce . A a nce fter reading the st tement of the waiter, 94 “ ” p 1 CA GOD To WI TN a LL ESS . 9

S fi nyder, in the morning papers , he had been lled with a sudden fear . He had entirely forgotten the incident in the restaurant . It came back to him now

i with startling force . He saw that its bear ng upon the case would be magnified by those who were dis

. h e posed to believe him guilty 7 So depressed was

He that he felt that only a miracle could save him . tried to formulate a theory to explain Denman’ s death by other means than suicide , but he failed at the very start. Denman had no enemies at least, w none that he kne of ; and besides , even if an

how enemy had desired his death , could it have b ? not een accomplished Were all the doors locked, and every means of entrance barred ? It was pos

th e sible , of course , for murderer to have entered by the aid of a pass key , but that was not likely.

to fi In despair he turned his rst impression, that Denman had died by hi s own hand ; but even that theory seemed weaker t o him than it had the day

’ a r n before . Le ving out of conside atio the Coroner s — pre sumption that if Denman had stabbed himself death would have followed so suddenly that he would not have had the S trength or will to remove his hand from the poniard Wheeler could not entir ely convince himself that Denman would have 96 WAS I T A CRIME ?

a o wn had the moral cour ge to end his life . Still ,

no w a there was other y to solve the mystery . ” “ El l r l a . e s Come , come , s id Mr y , cheerily ; keep up your courage . Jack e ight will get us out of ” this ; you may depend upon it .

“ ’ v I hope so , said Wheeler , in a oice indicative

Of anything but hope . ’ f fi h . T ey had reached the lawyer s o ce Mr .

f or — or Wright was waiting them rather , for El l l . . e r s Wheeler He seemed surprised to see Mr y .

“ ’ The latter noticed it . You ll see a good deal of ” “ m e ou , Jack , he said ; more than y have seen for

S m years . I intend to tay right with this atter until ” out you have brought my young friend all right . The lawyer’ s face wore an unusually grave ex

pression . “ I would like to talk with Mr. Wheeler pri

v atel y , if you will kindly leave us alone for a few

El l er sl . moments , y , he said We have serious

s on mi su nder bu iness hand , and there must be no

standing at the S tart . “ m e He , too , suspects , said Wheeler to him

self bitterly . ” t o ? Do you want me go out, Henry The old

of man S poke with the solicitude a father . “ ” “ N O no I , , replied Wheeler , with feeling “ A G D To I C LL O WITNESS .

have nothing to hide from you ; and I want to lay

my whole heart bare to Mr Wright .

“ ’ S th e That s well poken , said lawyer . Now

S . we hall know what we are about To begin with , w explain to me the story of the waiter , hich is

printed in all the papers this morning . I was dum

founded when I saw it ; for it does not accord with

the assurance you gave me yesterday , that there was nothing which could be construed as a motive m to connect you with the cri e . Tell me all about

it .

e I had forgotten the circumstanc , said

Wheeler , and he spoke with a sincerity that carried

conviction . The waiter has exaggerated . There ” w as was no serious quarrel . It over in a moment . “ What was the cause ? We had S pent the evening at the house of — Miss Menton a kind of general resort for men fi about town . The Mentons are scienti c people

a that is , the old man is scientist , and his daughter ,

n who lives alone with him , has naturally take some

h i s interest in studies . We had an experiment in

n hyp otism . I was the subject . I permitted myself to be put under the hypnotic influence by Miss M en

e ton , who caus d me to describe a certain scene

a o which took place several years g in Paris , in 98 WAS IT A CRIME ?

an h ad fi u r which both S h e and Mr . Denm g ed . Thi s

a made Mr. Denman angry . At the rest urant he suggested that we part company a t o nce . He knew

Miss Menton was his enemy, and he believed she had suf ficient influence over me to break our friend

n fi ship i time . He nally consented to return to my ” rooms that night . That was all . “ Why did this Miss Menton hate Denman ? asked the lawyer . “ Must I tell you ? I pledged my word to Den d ” man that I woul never disclose his secret . “ Your life is in danger , Mr . Wheeler ; if that

a secret has the slightest be ring on this quarrel , it is your duty to make it known . I insist upon know ” ing it .

and Wheeler hesitated a moment, then without

’ o reserve t ld Denman s story. The lawyer followed ! its recital closely . A very strange case he muttered . Do you love this woman Miss Menton ? he asked abruptly.

h er Wheeler flushed. I admire very much, he admitted . “ Were you ever in love with her ? ” Seriously ? No .

El l er sl eeL Mr . y had listened with wonder to Wh

“ "" 100 WA S II A H I M ! E 1

? What can I do H e a s k e d the q uestion hOpe lessly .

“ ‘ “ e l e l . W r s aw y er vVTi ht m e Mr h e , aid g , look

c A ou e x e o u squarely in the fa e . S y p c t y r life to be s a r d and f or i v s n e s s i n h e e p red in this wo l , g n xt ,

e l l l t l me the truth . Did you ki P a u l Denm an ?

t r a s hi s r d eeler rose to his feet, i ed ight han

o c ch o w involuntarily , and with a v i e ked ith the

m l l os o m s a a e otions which swe ed his b , id I c ll

a n o t k l au e m God to witness th t I did i l P l D n an . ” n e r d m e a A murderous thought never e t e y h rt .

e h i s and w e e an h y s t er i He totter d to seat , pt lik ”

a . cal wom n This is unmanly , I know , he said ,

“ ' a B u t an ttempting to calm himself . I c t help it .

m e m an a All is d ark before . I feel like a t the

t r n a f o r a n u e t bot om of a deep pit , g opi g round o tl , and fe aring every moment to fall in to an aw f u l

a o f o u s an d v a u e abys s . My mind is a ch os a th g

m a d on u s n I thoughts chasing one another in c f io .

m w m an a r o s e fe ar I shall go ac . The retched and paced the floor in a nervous excitem en t p ain fu l to witness .

“ " m e am e s a He has a highly nervous te p r nt , id

’

E l l e r l w a e x an a . . s . W Mr y to Mr right , by y of pl tion “ a I have alw y s know n that . “ ” Poor fellow ! and the lawyer ar o se and “ I CA GOD T o IT E LL W N SS . 101

’ “ a on VJh e e l er s r : placing his h nd shoulde , said I

o u ar e n t believe y in ocent , and I will use my hear

a u and brain and soul to m ke a j ry believe so . ” El l er l God bless you ! said Mr . s y wiping a tear from his eye . This confidence and sympathy m ade a man again f o W . heeler . It was what he had craved He began to S how an interest in his case . ” What defense will you make ? he asked . l The awyer did not answer at once . After a moment’ s thought he said I can ’ t tell until

’ after the inquest . I don t know what evidence

they will produce .

Wh e el er a nd El l er l V . s Mr y took their leave , the former in better spirits , and with a faint hope that lawyer Wright would be able to Clear him with

honor .

No new facts were developed by the inquest . i The Coroner courteously permitted Mr . Wr ght to

- be present and to cross examine Snyder the waiter, who finally a dmitted th at the quarrel b e tween

e Wheeler and Denm an was n ot a serious on . He s u w as aid he could not tell what the q arrel about, because he only heard a word now and then ; he

’ judged the m en w ere quarreling from IVh e el er s

. w as as Mr actions The result of the inquest . ‘ 1 02 WAS I T A C RI ME 9

’ Wright had suppos e d ; Wheeler was held to await

d i s the action of the gran jury , which it needless

to say , found a true bill against him .

’ El l er sl s Wheeler had come to regard Mr . y

house as his home . He remained there until the

trial took place three weeks later , going nowhere

’ to except lawyer Wright s Of fice . Mr . Wright had prepared the only defense that could reasonably be

made . He purposed to S how that the relations be ‘ w t een the men were really friendly , and to deny that the testimony Of Snyder was suf ficient to war rant even the suspicion that Denman had died by

’ Wheeler s hand ; but had in a moment of despond

ency committed suicide .

That ought to clear me, said Wheeler, when “ Mr . Wright told him his plan . There can be no ” doubt that Denman committed suicide . “ ” h r I ave very grave doubts , said the lawye “ seriously ; but it is the only defense we can

n make . The truth is , circumsta ces are very much ” against us .

’ ’ s Wheeler s hopes fell again . If that the case . ’ ” I m afraid the jury will take the worst View of it .

a e r He d The lawyer m d no eply. was afrai

so , too.

1 04 WAS IT A CRIME ?

f f had have su ered in a year . He been despondent

r i h t ever since Mr . l V g had so frankly told him that

e the chances w re against him .

fin e A , drizzling rain was falling without . Wheeler regarded this as a bad omen ; and when he looked up to the bench and saw Judge Blackwood there , his heart sank within him . His mind went back to that memorable night in the Menton house . Not one of the guests who were present that night

c f f — had ome to o er their sympathy yes , one had ;

M cPhi st er Colonel , and he had done it with a “ n hearti ess characteristic to the man . The Judge “

t h e . will be like others , Wheeler thought He will believe that I was in love with that woman , and ” jealous of Denman . The day was consumed in getting a jury — and

o n an excepti nal jury it was , composed of se sible business men and intelligent mechanics .

‘ ’ t r e If we can t get justice from tha jury, “ w El l er sl marked la yer Wright to Mr . y , we may as well give up .

’ Mr . Wright s purpose was to gain as much time as possible , and he improved every opportunity that ofi er e d itself to delay the trial . He was not without hope that something would turn up that could be u s o of as r ed t the advantage his client. He w fea ful

108 WAS IT A CRIME ?

s a e well , its intere t incre s d one hundred per cent .

o Miss Menton came forward and t ok the stand . ” ar e ? n How Old you, Miss Menton ! uestio

by the District Attorney . ” Thirty The answer came in a clear, melodi

ous v oice . ” DO you know the defendant ? ”

. s Yes It was little more than a whi per . ” “ Your Honor, interrupted Mr . Wright , I must

ask that the witness remove her veil . I do not

n d thi k Miss Menton will Object, he adde politely . Before the Judge could S peak Miss Menton had

removed her veil , disclosing a face deadly white . Its strange beauty captivated j u ry and audience at

o . nce . The examination was continued

h ow ou Miss Menton , long have y known the defendant ? “ More than a year . Did you know the deceased ?

Yes . How long ?

About a month .

h a t on Mr . Wright s ily scribbled a memorandum the foolscap before him . What were the relations between the defendant and d ou ? the eceased, so far as y could discover M E IR 0 S HE FELL FRO THE WITN SS CHA . 1 9

Apparently friendly . The District Attorney seemed to be disappointed

: in the answer . He continued Did the defendant ever express an opinion of the deceased to you ? ”

O . . was nce , I think He said that Mr Denman a strange fellow ; that there were some things in

and a his character that he liked, m ny that he did ” not .

a t r r Miss Menton , did not the defend n ega d himself as your lover ? ”

“ ’ I m not w s sure I can say, replied the itnes ,

- n e Of with perfect self possessio , and without chang countenance . Did he not make of f er of his love to you ? ” o N t exactly .

al l Did he never, in the time you knew him , say anything which led you to believe that he loved ” you ? “ ’ s r t t s s I don t know how to an we ha , aid Mis

Menton with a faint smile . t Answer in your own way , said the Distric

f t r Attorney encouragingly . Miss Menton a e a moment’ s hesitation replied Once he intimated that he entertained a warmer 1 10 WAS IT A CRIME ?

n f or feeli g than friendship me . I think that was all

Did he not in many ways S how that he thought ” more of you than of other women ? “ fi Perhaps so ; your question is dif cult to answer . ” not of o Was Mr . Wheeler jealous y u ? ” o N t that I know of . Did he have any reason to suppose that Den ? ” man , the deceased, was his rival ” No . It came very sharp and bitter . Might he not have imagined that h e had some cause to believe so ? “ s I object to that question , aid Mr . Wright .

’ He s got no business to ask the witness what sh e thinks some one else thought .

The objection was sustained . “ Then I will put it in another form , said the A District ttorney , determined to carry his point.

Was there , or had there ever been , anything

ou between y and the deceased , which the defendant could have construed into a cause for jealousy ? ” ” I refuse to answer that question , said Miss

Menton coolly . The jurors opened their eyes very wide , and there was quite a stir in the audience . ” one The question is a proper , said the Judge ;

th e witness will please answer it.

1 1 2 WAS IT A CRIME ?

t e Did Mr . eler do anything on that night which led you to believe he disliked the deceased ? ”

0 N . Did he do anything at which the deceased could have taken of f ense ? ”

Mr . Denman seemed to have taken some

r h f e M . Of ens at something W eeler said . Said when ? ”

When he was hypnotized. What was it ? ”

’ I don t know ; nothing that appeared to me to f be a cause for of ense . He may have been angry

n ex eri because Mr . Wheeler conse ted to make the p ” m ent .

S S I hall how before I get through , Your Honor , that the quarrel in the restaurant was on this very

of point . Having thus delivered himself, his

th e intentions , District Attorney announced that he had no more questions to ask the witness .

- Mr . Wright began his cross examination . Miss

- Menton had not made a bad witness that is , she

’ had not done much injury to Wheeler s case . It would seem to have been politic for Mr . Wright not to but not f press her further, he could af ord to lose

Of a possible trick in this game life and death . “ sa Miss Menton , he began , you y you knew I E H R 113 SHE FELL FROM THE W TN SS C AI .

. A Mr . Denman about a month re you not mis taken ? ”

r r Miss Menton clutched the ailing ne vously , as she answered in a low voice ”

N O .

fiack fiv e Let your mind go years , and see if you can not recall a meeting with the deceased before you met him in New York two months ago ? ”

No . The voice was still lower , and she pressed her hand to her heart . Mr . Wright fol

n lowed up his adva tage . He asked in a stern voice, which was very ef f ective

“ ’ fiv e r Didn t you meet him in Paris yea s ago ,

’ and haven t you good c ause to remember that meet ? ing Answer my question .

' But the witness w as i n no condition to answer

questions . Her hand relaxed its hold upon the m w t railing, and she fell fro the i ness chair in a

swoon . Her father, who had occupied a seat near by, rushed to her side and raised her in his arms “ f or My daughter has been very ill some days ,

. t . said the old man , addressing the Cour She is suf f eri ng from a nervous af f ection which I fear is likely

Th e to end her life at any moment . excitement has ” to o u c f o r been m h her. 1 1 4 WAS IT A CRIME ?

A carriage was summoned, and Miss Menton,

con still unconscious , was placed in it and hastily

e ed e v y to her home . As it was then late in th

to . afternoon , the trial was adjourned the next day

e Mr . Wright rubb d his hands with satisfaction

‘ as he entered his of fice accdmPanied by Wheeler and

’ El l e l Mr . r s y . I don t know what advantage I can

“ ’ put this to , he said, but it s something to have

’ on fi ot got the best of it the rst day . We ve g the

’ - sympathy of the jury to day . We ll try hard to

u e keep it , and we may yet be able to pset this motiv ” theory .

But Wheeler could not see it in that light . He

feared that all the facts , if they were brought out,

would make the alleged motive stronger than ever .

That night, while Mr . Wright was in his library

at home , busily at work upon a theory that Denman had committed suicide through remorse f or th e

’ killing of Miss Menton s lover a theory which he p urposed to have Miss Menton aid by her testi

s . mony , a ervant brought him a letter To his sur prise it was from Lucius Menton ; but its contents

: were even more surprising . It read

Come to my house at once . My daughter is — very ill dying, I fear . She insists upon seeing ” El l er sl ou . . y , and Mr y

1 16 WAS IT A C RI ME ?

Upon arriving at the Menton house they found

f H e n r a . Mr . “right awaiti g their retu n with nxiety hurried the stenographer into th e sick room . The door closed behind them .

Two hours later it opened , and Mr . Wright ,

El l er l e - r a n . s r Mr y , and the clerk entered the d wi g

u . room . Lucius Menton was not inq isitive He asked them no questions and the trio entered their cab and drove away .

’ Dr . Grip hastened at once to Miss Menton s bed “ ” side . She seems calmer , he said to Mr . Menton “ who had followed him into the room , but she is

very much weaker . Death may come at any ” moment . As lawyer Wright let himself into his house with his latch - key he said to himself This —I wonderful story may be true believe it is , but can I ever make a jury believe it ? I CHAPTER XI .

“ ” THANK GOD THERE I s LIGHT AHEAD .

’ Johnson, Mr . Wright s clerk and stenographer, did not S leep that night . The December sun peeped in through the window and found him still at his desk . His busy pen did not rest until it had covered a score or more S heets of close lined legal cap .

out The poor fellow was tired , but he appreciated f o . the importance the task , and he did not grumble Johnson was a representative of a large class

Trustworthy , loyal to his employer , and always will

f - . o ing How rare it is that one these over worked,

- under paid clerks , to whom matters of great import

! h ow are entrusted , proves false or recreant And rare it is that their loyalty is appreciated and rewarded !

Mr . Wright made his appearance an hour earlier

m El l er sl than usual that orning, and Mr . y and Wheeler entered the off ice only a few moments be hind him . What is this hurry and excitement ? asked 1 17 1 1 8 WAS IT A CRIME ?

E . l . l l er s Wheeler Mr y is very mysterious . He ” will not enlighten me . Is there new hope ?

YCS ’ let that satisfy you , for I have no time to

’ r talk now , he answe ed . We have a month s work

’ ” n to do in a day , and we can t waste a mome t .

’ Piqued at the abruptness of Mr . Wright s reply ,

Wheeler took a seat near the window, and tried to

interest himself in the morning paper . He had

f f no h grown indi erent . He did t care much ow the

case might end .

not Court would open for an hour ; and Mr . Wright improved every moment of the intervening

time . On the way down town he had stopped at f o . the residence Dr Gray , his family physician , and left word for him to come to his of fice as early

as possible ; and the doctor put in an appearance

of El l e shortly after the arri v al Wheeler and r s l y . Wright had a hurried consultation with him in his

u t . f fi . o private o ce As they came , and Dr Gray pre

pared to go, he turned to Mr . Wright and said

‘ m e You may depend upon . It will not be so

t N u r son f fi . di cult as you thought For unately g , the

w h o celebrated physiologist of Paris , has made this

subject a special study , is now in New York . I can get you half a dozen other scientific men who will give their testimony , and be glad of the opportunity .

WAS IT A CRIME ?

The crier was opening th e se s sion when they

m a a w as entered the court roo . The ttend nce larger

a th n it had been on any previ o us day of the trial .

The newspaper accounts of the testimony of Miss

h e r n Menton , and the dramatic climax which falli g

m a h ad fro the witness stand in a swoon had c used ,

created a new interest in the trial ; and applicants for adm ission were so numerous that one could hardly squeeze into the space between the doors

and the railings .

When the jury had entered the box , and the trial

had been formally resumed, Mr . Wright arose and

a in a grave voice and impressive manner , s id “ n I beg the Court to adjour this trial for a day . — New evidence evidence which af f ects m y client

s h as very closely , which prove his innocence been

- discovered . I will present it to the Court to morrow,

t s together with the testimony of several wi nes es , for whom I shall ask the Court to issue subpoenas to ” day . What is your new evidence ? ” sneeringly asked “ ? ” the District Attorney . Could you tell us now “ ” Vr i h not . l t I could, but I will , answered Mr g

curtly . The Court will grant the adjournment if y ou can ”

S s . how good cause, aid the Judge “ R I I 2 THANK GOD THE E s L GHT AHEAD . 1 1

I have no wish nor reason to conceal the evi ” dence which I purpose to introduce , replied Mr. “ A Wright . nd I am willing that the gentleman

e who seems determined to hav my client punished,

S n guilty or not guilty, hall have full opportu ity to ”

t . inves igate its source , and overcome it if he can “ ” Proceed, said the Court. ”

S Mr . I purpose to how, continued Wright, S peaking with a force and earnestness which com m e nded the attention and respect of every one in “ of a the room , that my client has been the victim

S trange plot and as foul as it is strange . I shall S how th at it was his hand that drove the dagger into

r e the heart of Paul Denman , but that he is not

S ponsible neither to God nor to the law f or “ ” v eh e I protest , cried Wheeler, with startling

e t o menc , jumping his feet and raising his hand to “ r the Judge . I have been deceived . Whateve

not Mr . Wright may mean by this I shall consent

n ! to it, for it is false . I kill Paul Denma I a

’ ” murderer ! I t s a lie ! I will not s ubmit !

e Wheeler was beside himself with xcitement . His eyes dilated and his whole frame shook with l emotion . The District Attorney smiled, and ooked at the j ur y out of the corners of his eyes as much 1 22 WAS I T A CRIME ?

“ as to say : What do you think of this b usiness now ? ”

s ’ A quiet sati faction beamed in Mr . Wright s

eye for a moment . Then turning to Wheeler he

: said , kindly You may trust me Mr . Wheeler .

Sit down and compose yourself . Wheeler resumed w his seat in a maze of be ilderment .

“ ’

s . El l ersl It s all right , Henry , aid Mr y , lean

ing over and whispern in his ear. “ ” S I shall how, continued Mr . Wright , after

n quiet had been restored , that my clie t committed

e this act while in a hypnotized condition , the s ien tific explanation and proof of which will be fur

n ni sh ed i due time . This condition was produced in him by the witness who gave her testimony yes

t er da wh o on S n y , and fainted the ta d Miss Helene

n m f f Menton . I have her dyi g state ent to that e ect

a statement which no court can refuse to receive .

The poor creature may be dead now ; at the best S h e

can last only a few hours . It was almost impossible to preserve order in the

n court room . Men and wome began talking aloud,

' and the commotion finally be cam e so great that it was necessary for th e bailiff to assert his muscular power as well as his of ficial authority to restore quiet.

“ THANK GOD T HERE I S LIG HT AHEAD .

The District Attorney was on his feet in an instant. This is without precedent

’ ” arenth et That s true , assented Mr . Wright, p i cal l y .

I say it is without precedent, repeated the m A . District ttorney , waving his ar s like a windmill Here comes an attorney and asks for delay that he may present evidence to prove that his client is — guilty to which the client very naturally Objects .

’ And what kind of testimony is it ? Why it s as

’ ridiculous on its face as an ol d woman s ghost

not story . I hope Your Honor will grant an adjournment . “ But the Court will , said Judge Blackwood , with a promptness and decision that almost took the

’ ” District Attorney s breath away . It will not do , “ f we he continued, gravely , to scof at things can not understand, especially when there is a life ” at stake , and the adjournment was granted. Wheeler was so weak and nervou s when he ’ f fi reached Mr . Wright s O ce that he begged permis

n d Mr sio to go into the private room and lie oWn. .

’ Wright s explanation to the Court , in which he had shown that Miss Menton had caused him to do a

u m rder, had unmanned him . He dared not think 1 26 WAS IT A CRIME ?

’ and re of it, yet the lawyer s words echoed and echoed through his brain . Now do you see why I did not want to tell ” El l er l Wheeler ? said lawyer Wright to Mr . s y “ of when they were alone . I knew that a man his impulsive , nervous nature would be quite certain to act just as he did when the secret was revealed . We can never make him believe that he committed that

our murder, and that very fact strengthens case

To - with the court and jury . morrow I will read the ” confession .

’

God . Thank there s light ahead, said Mr “ El l er sl ! y , fervently . But poor Wheeler It will ” blight his life .

’

ar e . That s where you mistaken, answered Mr “ i l e t r e Wright . It will not blight h s if a whi mo

a i th n t will mine.

1 28 WAS I T A CRIME ?

1 2 ’ receive it. She died at o clock last night.

Mr . Wright continued The confession reads thus

to Believing death be at hand, I , Helene Men ton , as an act of justice to an innocent man , and in

of the hope forgiveness through this act , solemnly declare that I am morally guilty of the murder o f

Paul Denman . That the world may not judge me too harshly let me relate the story of my life : I will tell why I was moved to be revenged upon the

wh o of man robbed me happiness and honor, when m they were almost within y grasp , after long years of misery and neglect . I was born in Paris on the 5 80th of 1 8 6 . June , My mother , who , at the time of her marriage was a dancer of some renown in

of fiv e the theatrical world Paris , died when I was ’ E years old, leaving me to my father s care . ven my earliest recollections are sorrowful and bitter .

f f find I craved a ection but could not it . My father him was cold in his nature . I saw but little of , as m ost of his time was devoted to his studies . When

I was eight years old I went with him to India .

WVe spent three years there . I was left to the care o f nurses most of that time . My father had a

Of craze t o solve the mysteries occultism . It never occurred to him that the nature of his child w as B RNING D IR ! OR RE N 2 A U ES E VE GE. 1 9

o worthy of investigation . From India we went t

f f . England . Russia soon o ered attractions to him

n w So it was , up to my twe tieth year we ere con s t antl ne y journeying from o country to another . fi His associates were mostly scienti c men . It made

’ no dif f erence what a man s moral character was ; so long as he was a scholar my father’ s house was

w i n always open to him . I grew to omanhood an fi atmosphere of cynicism , sel shness and material i sm . I never knew a truly good woman in my lif f I have never known the refining influence o home .

My surroundings have been without sentiment ,

and h of a . without love , wit out a tinge mor l color

’ And yet the woman s heart with in me did not wither in this Unhealthy atmosphere . I had vague

not longings for a life that was cold, hard and sel fi h s . . I believed that I deserved a kinder fate My hopes seemed about to be realized when Paul Den man thrust himself into my life . We had been

fi e fiv e living in Paris about v years . Those years f had been full o misery to me . It would have

’ been better f or me had I left my father s house and

of sought refuge in a convent . Once I thought doing so ; but my father had destroyed my faith in religion, by his cold and logical arguments , and I f turned back to the old li e without hope. WAS I T A CRIME ?

The society which I met at o u r ho us e i n Paris — I could not call it home w as gradually killing what little sentiment and tenderness there was left in me , when I met the Count Ludwig . He was

’ brought to our house by one of my father s friends

fi m an h ad a German . He was the rst I ever met since I had become ol d enough to understand human motives who seemed to have an honest r e

of spect for me . He talked to me of those things which I had so often thought in my lonely misery

—O f of I home life , his mother , and once found myself weeping as I listened to his description Of

of S the beauty and goodness his isters , and the happiness of one of them in her preparations for her approaching marriage to a man she loved and fi respected . These were the rst tears I had shed

th e s ince childhood . My grief deeply moved

n a t Cou t . His symp thy was swee to me and I f poured ou t to him th e story o my unhappy life . ! ” Poor child said he , and he took my hand and

pressed it kindly . From that moment I loved him with a love that women wh o have had af f ection all their lives could not understand . I worshipped him .

He became a constant Visitor at our house . I held myself aloof as much as possible from th e

1 32 WAS I T A CRIME ? appr eciate h ow great w as the joy which pos se ss ed me when I saw the way o pene d t o an honored place in

w a s a e e n m ar e in society . I to h ve b ri d to the C o unt

—fiv e e ar a o u in December y s g . In November Pa l

Denman was brought to our house by a you ng ar t student a forward young m an w h o had called only

w a s a s once or twice before . Denman one of the co r est

s men I had ever met . He did not have even the uper

al fi na r ou! r e fici re nement of the professio l . He p sum ed that because it was not dif ficult to be intro du ce d s o f u nconv en at our house , and becau e the ti on al it a n y of the life we led , th t I was e titled to little better treatment than the shameless women of t the streets . I directed the servants not to admi him if he should call again . He came on the fol

m co ni lowing night . The servants carried out y

m e and mands , and he turned from the door , cursing

r h a every one in the house . I think he was d unk t t night as well as the night before .

‘ o e r a A few nights later , on returning from the p

o and i n th e with the Count , happy in his s ciety

a r a e w e s o e prospect of our approaching m r i g , t pp d

ca e w as s l a o r O e r a . at a f , as our cu tom after the p y p This man Denman occupied a s e a t at a t able n e ar

d w th e n s where we sat . I had not told Lu ig of i ult

e m e h e f f m . n a s had O ered e . I dared not D n emed S R R 1 33 A BURN ING DE IRE ! O EVENGE .

bent upon showing me that he despised me . He stared at me so contempt uously and insultingly that

Ludwig noticed it , and before I could entreat him not to pay any attention to him he had crossed to where Denman sat . They quarreled . Ludwig was

the smaller man of the two , and Denman , the

coward , took advantage of his physical power ; he

knocked him down . The Count challenged him . him fi I begged not to ght with so low , so base a

man , but I could not change his purpose . I prayed

that night for the first time since my childhood . I might have known that such prayers as I could of f er

would not be answered ; I had no right to expect it .

‘ I never looked upon the face of Ludwig again . He fell by the hand of a man h is inferior in cour

age , in honor , and in manliness . Perhaps it was

his fate . My father had a passing interest in my

grief. He searched all Paris for Denman , but

could not find a trace of him . Two years later we

r came to New York . My fathe was born here , but

u an d e was ed cated abroad, had no love for his nativ

h as country . We live ere very much we did in t ’ Paris , though my fa her s associates in New York

are of a better class , morally , than those who

a gathered round him there . I had drifted back

n e into the old life . If a ything I grew harder, mor 1 34 WAS I T A CRIME ?

f f h u indi erent than ever , wit o t hope Of happiness , but with a burning desire for revenge upon the t man who had robbed me of my love , and chea ed

of Can me a place among good women . I be blamed ? What else was there for me to live for ? “ I was leading this miserable existence when

h eel er — . VV wh o Mr , next to the Count, I admired more than any one I had ever met — brought Den

not man to our house . He did know whom he was

to meet . He trembled under the glance I gave

him . His conscience made a coward of him . From that moment I devoted my every th ought to

of N devising some means revenge . othing but his

life would satisfy me . I encouraged him to return .

hi s s I knew weakne s , and seemingly lowered myself

to the level on which he had placed me . I had not yet thought of a way of wreaking my revenge . I

had only one desire ; that was , to kill him . I believe it would have resulted in my doing the deed with my own hand had not a novel means pre

sented itself . The method which I used suggested

itself to me after a conversation I had with Prof .

Ryse . He described to me how the investigations o f hypnotism had been carried to such an extent in Paris as to prove beyond a doubt that an impres

s be c th e ion could onveyed to a person , while in

1 36 WAS I T A CRIME ? de scribe the advancement which had been made in it . I felt guilty even in the contemplation of the

o act, and was fearful that Professor Ryse would g on to say that it was possible for a murder to be — done through its power as he had suggested to me . I was not unfamiliar with the method of pro du cin g the hypnotic trance . I would have known

’ se s how to do it without Professor Ry directions . To every one in the room but myself the h ypnoti s

M r e m ing of . Wheeler was a pl asing experi ent fi nothing more . My rst attempt failed . I had not intended that it should succeed . It was my pur pose to be alone with Mr . Wheeler . I succeeded in getting the other members of the company to leave the room . Mr . Wheeler was perfectly willing to be hypnotized . He suspected nothing , feared nothing .

I could not have found a better subject . In a

m di r e c very few moments he had, by following y tions and gazing fixedly at the small object I held — — in my h and a golden bullet prophetic instr u ment , which I had borrowed from Colonel Mc

Phi ster - passed into the hypnotic state . It was 1 37 A BURNING DESIRE ! OR REVENGE .

then that I called the guests in . I caused Mr .

Wheeler to do a few of the things which are in the alphabet of hypnotism . I could not resist the temptation to mentally describe the scene at the

ca ! in i f Par s , which led to the loss of my lover the

- to . blasting of my hopes and this crime Mr .

Wheeler repeated the words aloud . I could see

’ to D emn an s that it struck fear heart, and I enjoyed it with a savage satisfaction .

‘ I w as in doubt as to whether I could convey

an impression to Mr . Wheeler mentally that would

be active after I should arouse him from his trance .

So , pretending that there was a great deal of mys ter y connected with the process of bringing him ou t

of th e S x sleep, which I did not care to plain , I asked

the company to leave the room . They did so . It was in the moment that they were absent th at I

repeated aloud, and with all the impressiveness I

“ ’ : could assume , these words At three o clock, get a

’ u knife and pl nge it into Paul Denman s heart . I said these words three times . Poor Mr . Wheeler r epeated them after me , as innocently as he would h hi ave repeated a prayer . Then I awoke m from hi s i trance , and the party d spersed . Suddenly, the thought entered my mind that it was impossible f or 1 38 WAS I T A CRIME ?

carr v e a s Wheeler to out my directions , becaus would doubtless be asleep at that hour . I had never heard that an im pression could be retained and put in execution if the subject were in a natural sleep at the time when that impression should sug gest itself to the mind . This doubt brought with it the hope that my wicked plan would fail . I be gan then to realize how awful it was to make a

1 murderer of th s innocent man who trusted me . The deed was done as I had ordered it : it was done at the hour I had named , as the autopsy proves . Henry Wheeler is as innocent of the crime as a

b . abe unborn I am the murderess , as much so as if I had with my own hand driven the dagger into Paul

’ Denman s heart . The persons whose names I have

i n mentioned this , my dying confession , who were

n . W prese t when I hypnotized Mr heeler , will attest the truth of my statement as to what took place at

not my house . I am about to die . I am sorry that

Denman was murdered . I feel that the only crime

I committed was in making Mr . Wheeler the in i strument . By the fr endship he once professed for me I beg his forgiveness . I was heartbroken and desperate when the means was placed in my h wh o ands to destroy the man had, without cause,

CHAPTE XIV R .

“ ” T G I TY NO U L .

During the reading of the dying confession of

. l Helene Menton the voice of Mr . Vr ight w as the

only sound that broke the stillness of the cour t

e . ens at on n room It creat d a profound s i , not o ly

m th e u r ni en a ong the spectators , but among j y .

l Vr i h t o e li- . e b I r E l e Mr g pr c eded to prov y . l r s l y and Johnson the correctness of the docum ent which

he had just read , after which Prof. Ryse was called ,

and the taking of what has come to be ca l led “ m was . r R s e fi expert testi ony begun P of . y rst

described what had taken place at the M e nton hou se

a n th e e s t on the night of the murder , corrobor ti g t i

a s o f ar a s i t mony of Miss Menton in every det il , related to what w as done in the pre sence o f th e guests .

a M r IVh e el er You are sure th t . was hypnotized

o u a s k l Vr i h t . n . by Miss Me ton , are y ed Mr g

o o f i t There is no d ubt .

Do you believe it p o s s ibl e for an impression t o have been conveyed to hi m while he was in the hyp 140 “ ” G 43 NOT UILTY . 1 notiz ed state that would impel him to commit an act after he should be brought out of that state ? ” “ Yes . Do you think it possible f or this crime to

’ have been committed as set forth in Miss Menton s confession ? “ ” Yes . Please tell the jury something of th e gener al ” characteristics of the hypnotic power . i Hypnot sm , began Professor Ryse , is not yet thoroughly understood . The uses to which it may be put are more numerous than even the most

fi fiv e advanced scienti c men dreamed of years ago .

The hypnotic condition , as nearly as it can be

fi u de ned, is almost a counterpart of somnamb lism .

It is a well established fact that the S leep - walker has absol utely no remembrance in his waking moments of what he has done in his somnambulistic tours . It is so in hypnotism . It has been proved,

h no by frequent experiments , that a man may be yp ti ze d on a certain day and have a train of thought awakened in his mind by the operator , and then A be suddenly restored to his normal condition . ut week later, say , the same man is again p into the

a hypnotic tr nce . It is quite likely that he will at once take up the subject which the operator h ad 144 WAS IT A CRIME ?

suggested to his mind when he was in the same

c ondition a week before , and continue it until the t Operator directs his thoughts in o other channels .

a It has been proved , too , th t the operato r may con

u c vey impressions to his s bjects , whi h under a

v th e command gi en to subject at the same time , will emerge from the registering ganglia of the

n brain at a day and hour , eve weeks distant , and be as potent as if the subject were still in the hypnotic ” sleep before the Operator . ‘ What kind of memory would you call that ? ” asked Mr . Wright . “ That can only be conjectured . Some writers claim that it is purely cerebral memory . There can be no doubt that the S pinal cord may be educated

h o f to perform t e functions cerebral memory . I believe that actors h ave unconsciously cultivated d me ullary memory . By its aid they are enabled to repeat lines of a part without conscious volition .

However, wherever the place of retention of an

m e i pr ssion may be, there can be no question but i that it s retained . I see no reason to doubt that the crime w as committed through the hypnotic ”

V . power , in iew of the statement of the Operator

N u r son h si ol o The celebrated g , the French p y

hi s E gist, could not give testimony in nglish , and

1 46 WAS I T A CRIME ?

an E a of n a by nglish writer, a mere st tue attentio ,

listening , expectant life ; a perfectly undistracted

a hil e . IV f culty in this expectant condition , any

thing that is suggested to th e subject is magnified ;

i s E joy doubly joyful ; fear is doubly fearful . very

’ sense is exalted . The subject s whole being , his entire sensibility seems to live in each faculty

of E perception , as it is aroused to action . ven his physical strength is increased ; his muscles will

S tand a strain that would lacerate them if he were

in his normal condition . Men who are incapable of lifting a hundred pounds can be made to lift

twice that weight . Persons have been known to perform feats while under the hypnotic influence which they would not dare even attempt in their

usual state . fi Hypnotism is really an arti cial sleep . What takes place during the time that a person is i n that sleep may be likened to the dreams that one has in his natural sleep of which he has no recollection i u nc onscious cerebrat on . There is nothing super natural about it . There can be no doubt that it is

d . a angerous power Properly used , however , it m ay be made of incalculable benefit to mankind . Patients on whom Operation s were to be performed have been hypnotized and the operation done with “ T GUI TY 147 NO L .

ou t pain to them and without their knowledge . It

anmsth eti cs o is the most powerful of all , and alt f f gether harmless in its e ects . Its value in medi

u cine is just beginning to be understood . J st before I left Paris an experiment was made in the

S a l etr i er e u p Hospital , which was more wonderf l than the exhibition of the power of hypnotism which this case af f ords . A woman who had been hypnotized was placed in a chair on one side of a

screen ; a dumb woman suf f ering from hysteria was

seated on the other side . A large magnet was

placed near the hypnotized dumb woman , and by its aid a m agnetic current was established between

m was the two wo en . Speech almost instantly

and restored to the dumb patient ; the other , when

n awakened from the hypnotic conditio , was dumb .

u u She was nable to utter a sound for several ho rs , bu t in a very short time recovered the full use of ” her organ of speech . “ B ut do yo u believe that an impression con v e e d as o u h e y y ave d scribed , could be put in execution while th e subject was in his natural ” s ? leep asked the District Attorney. “ ” It is not impos sible . ” Have you e v e r known of such an instance ?

N ur s on t not . M . g admi ted he had He added WAS IT A CRIME ?

No man can say to what extent hypnotism may be one m carried . It is of the ost powerful agents mankind possesses . The world is only awakening ” to e its us s . If murders are to be done by its aid it is bet d ter that the worl continue in ignorance , I think, r A emarked the District ttorney . fi Other scienti c gentlemen were called. They al l testified to the admitted existence of the hyp

e notic pow r , and in various ways described its attendant phenomena. They asserted their belief in the possibility of the commission of a crime by a hypnotic subject at the command of a wicked operator .

The District Attorney had no testimony to off er . He had not been able to find a scientific man in New York who was willing to go upon the stand and deny the existence of the hypnotic power , or the possibility that a crime might not be committed by its agency . Thus the trial of Henry Wheeler

f ar was brought to a close , so as the taking of testi mony was concerned . The District Attorney knew that he had lost his case ; he read it in the faces of the jury , in the m anner of the Judge , and there could be no doubt in his mind as to where the sympathy of th e spec

1 50 WM 11“ A CRI M E ?

of n confession Helene Mento . It i s true that I

was present at her hou s e on the night before P aul

a a Denman c me to his de th . I feel it to be my

duty as a Judge , irregular as it may seem , to assure you that on that night I saw indisputable evidence

. a of this strange power Now, if you believe th t w Helene Menton told the truth in her dying ords , it will be right for you to accept the testimony of the scientific gentlemen who have explained the

known extent of this power, and acquit the prisoner ” at the bar .

Thank God for a Judge wh o is not afraid to ” aid justice , said Mr . Wright to himself .

The jury retired . It had been absent not more than ten minutes when a tipstaf f announced that it

fi and was ready to report . The jurymen led in took their places . Have you agreed upon a verdict ? ” asked the

Ju dge .

IVe . have , responded the foreman He handed

of a slip paper to the Clerk who read , aloud “ ” Not guilty . A m cheer went up from the audience . No atte pt was made to restore order . Wheeler was hurried

f El l e r l s . away by Mr . “right and Mr . y Seated in ” 51 nor GUI L TY .

’ El l er sl fi . the lawyer s of ce , Mr y said with pride , as he glanced at Wright

’ Didn t I tell you , Wheeler , my boy , that Jack ” would get yo u out of your troubles ? “ ow e m i To him and that noble woman I y l fe , replied Wheeler with feeling . “ ” El l er sl What noble woman ? asked Mr . y in surprise .

Miss Menton , of course . It was a grand sacri ” ' fice only a noble woman could have made it . ” El l er l What are you talking about ? said Mr . s y sharply . If this noble woman had not died as she did you would have been hanged . There was no

fi s sacri ce about it . Most people confes their crimes b efore they die . “ You are mistaken in your opinion of Mis s ” “ Menton , replied Wheeler calmly . She had com mit ed t no crime . I believe she made that statement to save my life , not because it was true . I am as sure in my heart of that as I am that I did not ” commit a murder . “ ” Mr El l er sl ? . Who did then asked y , beginning to fear that his friend had gone daft .

Denman died by his own hand . Wheeler s El l e r sl eemed to be annoyed that Mr . y should believe that Denman h ad been murdere d. A E X CH PT R V.

“ THINK O! THE AWFUL VENG EANCE SHE WREAK ED THROUGH YO ” U .

— The Menton house was closed indeed, it was

the Menton house no longer. With its beautiful

s n ew - hostes cold in a made grave , with the wonder ful laboratory of Julius Menton denuded of its fur

naces and retorts , and their owner over the seas in

fi v Paris , ending his degenerate days in sel sh obli ion , it suggested only a memory of the days agone . But the drawing room in which Miss Menton had m held her s a l ons seemed to retain the old at osphere . When Julius Menton advertised the sale of his

\Vh e el er bu and furniture , Henry hastened to y it ;

WVh e el er o i n when old Menton moved out m ved ,

u much to the surprise of his friends , who tho ght he should be the last man in the world to take up his

l e a El l er s v . . s bode there . Mr y prot ted ehemently He could not comprehend how IVh e e l e r could v o l u n tar il y surround himself w ith the associ ations w hich lingered around the place . You might as well go to an insane asylum at 152

1 54 WAS I T A CRIME ?

Mi s s Menton to de spise the man who had caused h e r m so much i s ery .

a s n a He painted he had ever p inted before , and

w n e w a a he rote with a virility . His ch r cter seemed t m b y . to be more sta le , his individuali ore intense

m hi s He ade a name for himself . Perhaps strange history had something to do with bringing him into prominence , for anything or anybody who is unlike anything or anybody else is quite sur e of attention

m a o w s a . a fr m the orld the e d ys However th t y be , fil l t eeler had more com mi s sions th an he could .

Thus he had entered a new life . The mystery of Paul Denman ’ s death had been a turning point in his career .

El l er l O fiv e r e . s ne day , yea s aft r the trial , Mr y ,

a e a still h le and genial , though whit r of be rd and

’ a s at \Vh e e l er s w h ir , in studio , watching ith interest

’ the development of a picture unde r th e a r tist s

h a d o s i n en . brush . They sat for some m ment sil ce

El l e r l o o Mr . s y l ked long and thoughtfully at a life s — n h n w h h n ize , half le gt painti g in oil ich u g upon

’ th e wall im m edi ately Oppo s ite the ar ti s t s s tool . It w a s a n id e al ized por tra it of Mis s Menton a truly wonderful w ork i n its poetic treatment . “ ” E l l e r s l s u e w h Henry , asked Mr . y , dd nly , y do you h ave that picture hanging constantly before “ ” 1 55 THINK or THE AWFUL VENGEANCE .

“ ’ you ? nodding toward the portrait. Doesn t it give you the blue devils when you look at her , and think of the awful vengeance she wreaked through ” you ? “ ? f Why should it asked Wheeler , turning rom his work , seriously but with evident irritation . ” El l l O . er s f course it should not , replied Mr y , “ not r e quickly and apologetically, for you are

’ S ponsible f or the act ; but doesn t it call up u npl eas ant memories ? ” “ “ El l er sl My dear Mr . y, said Wheeler, I can never forget the kindness you have shown me , nor the true friendship and aid you gave me when I most needed sympathy and help . But I must beg of y ou not to S peak of this matter as if it was I

h o r e l w killed Paul Denman . The thought is pu l sive to me and equal y as absurd . I have never

on — talked with you this subject that is , I have

n k now . ever told you what I believe , what I “ Let us admit to start with that Miss Menton despised Denman . It is possible that in the bitter ness of feeling which the wrongs he had done her

n h er r e e gendered, she may have attempted to take venge in the way she described in her confession .

This may be possible ; but I do not believe it . She would never have made me a party even an inno