THE STORY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2251, 22 April 1897, Page 42

THE STORY.

I was sitting in ray cosy surgery before a roaring fire on the morning of December 8, 18 — . , I refrain from disclosing the exact year, as the story as I shall tell it had batter remain as told. Suffice it to say that tha winter was a particularly severe one, and I for one will never forget it, not merely on account of the severity of. it, but because of the event which marked it so ineffaceably on my mind. All Rroand the snow lay as a thick white carpet. The icy blast, keen and cutting as a razor's edge, swept through every ohink and crack of ill-made window .under door, moaning through lobbies and pasoages like the death wail of some lone dog, and freezing to the marrow all whom it met.

I was reading my morning paper when my eye caught the following notice in the accident list, wbioh being in my line, so to speak, I never failed to read :—: —

Last evening the body of a man was found by some children in an old and unfrequented cottage on the Edgeware road. It saems that, having become exhausted by the cold, he had crawled there only to die. The body awaits identification at the morgue, where an inquest will be held.

" Poor fellow," thought I ; " crawled there only to die," and, shuddering at the thought, I stirred the fire till it fairly roared. I, John Meredith, was at that time practising my profession in the town of H., enjoying by my exertions a comfortable and snug home. In addition, I was on the staff of the H. Hospital. Now, I should shortly have started on my way thither,, but owing to the fearful state of the weather I had decided to leave my patients to the.care of the house surgeoD, a very cirefnl and energetic young man, full of his profession. ReadiDg this notioe, however, I felt moved by some irresisitble impulse to drive down to the hospital. Why Bhould Igo down ? I reasoned. It was was against my own inclination certainly, but the mysterious power said, " Go to-day." Ringing the bell, I gave orders to harness up, and in a few minutes, muffled from head to foot in warm rug?, I was being driven swif r.ly over the crisp and frozen snow to my destination.

I was mot at the entrance hall by Lloyd, the house Surgeon, who, after a few commonplace observations about the weather and other trivial matter?, remarked that after going my rounds he desired to see me privately. The low, earnest tone in which he uttered this last remark waa quite diffarert from his ordinary mode of speech, and it made me stand and look at him as if waiting for gome explanation, but he was called away at that minute to another part of the building. I tried to dismiss from ray mind the peculiar effect his speech had left on me. What was more likely than that he desired my opinion on some more serious casa 7 But dismiss it I could not; my mind was in a flutter — I knew my man.

Thomas Lloyd bad but lately left his college behind him — some might say with a record nothing more than ordinary ; but ha had to a great extent sacrificed bis medical work to his eager pursuit of the action of! electricity on living organisms. This was his great aim in life — to fathom the mysterious relation between electricity and life — and in his pursuit be spared neither cash, time, nor himself.

He was tall, inclining to be thin, with a long, thoughtful face ; an eye quick to see, a brain even quicker. In complexion he was dark even to uwarthiness, and his high forehead was lost among3t a tangled mass of coal-J3fc hair. He was nofc what one might call good-looking, but or.cc seen his face would not scon be erased from memory. I can see him now, as it wore, explaining with sll his soul some new theory ; but, ugh 1 there are some things we do not like to dwell on, and this is ons. .

After attending to my various patients I went up to L'oyd's private room, turning over in my mind what it could be he wished to communicate to me. Here, before a blazing fire such as I had not long left, he prepared to unburden himself to me, but for a time the faintly audible puff as the curling wreaths of blue smoke from a couple of choice cigars floated lazily upwards was the only sound in the room.

" They brought here last night the body of a well-nourished man of middle age. You

will probably have read of the manner of his death this morning."

I nodded, as I did not wish to interrupt.

"As was my duty, I went down there [pointing in the direction of the dead-bouse] early this morning to examine the body. Contrary to my expectations, It was that of a man of good appearance and well dressed. I could find no marks of violence on tbe body, but on the back of the neck were four tiny spots of congealed blood arranged, peculiarly enough, so as to form a cross, the whole thing oovering about the spaco of an ordinary shirt button."

Here he paused, and looked at me, and for a space he said nothing. It was evident to me that be had yes something to unburden himself of, and yet was loth to do so.

" Can I trust you net to speak of what I am about to Bay to you ? " he asked suddenly, throwing himself into an erect posture from his easy chair with a quick movement.

I assured him that in me he could safely place his secret.

"That man was murdered — cruelly murdered," he continued. " Exposure had nothing to do with death."

" I suppose yon will report your view to the authorities I " I ventnred to Interrupt. " The man died from exposure," he replied, in a voice full of meaning. "No, that ia my fsecret. Come, let us go down and view the body. 1 '

Out once more into the biting atmosphere, over the crisp snow, to the dead-bouse.

He drew a key from his pocket and opened the door. We entered, and he quickly relocked the door on tbe inside.

We were alone with death.

Oa a Btrong wooden table, topped with lead, lay a long form over which a whito sheat was thrown. The body was quite cold and cliff. We turned the body, and there on the neck I saw the four small dots of blood ; more than that, I Baw that there tbe skin was also slightly discoloured. I remarked that beyond the peculiar dots there was no other outward eiga to account for death by other than natural causes.

" Come, let us return," was all the reply he vouchsafed me.

Out we went again into the blast, Lloyd locking the door behind him and transferring the key to his pocket. Quickly he strode over the short path which led from the deadhouse to the main building, and meanwhile not a word passed between us. Lloyd was evidently deep in thought, but once again before the bright cheerful fire he seemed to thaw under its genial warmth.

"You know of my researches into the science of eleotricity— that its unknown relation to life has been my one great aim to fathom, and that my unceasing efforts bare been made entirely for the benefit of my profession. You know my theory: that the graat principle of life is due to that subtle and unknown force electricity — that if introduced under the proper conditions into the dead body of an animal, tbe animal for the time being — that is, while the current lasts, — would be to all intents and purposes alire. Mind ycu, I don't say it is alive, but such would be the action that the animal would behave as it was wont to do in life. The nervous system would be entirely under control, and would react to all stimuli, but immediately on breaking the current all life, or semblance of life rather, ia gone, and the animal drops a helpless creature — a dead thing. Now you may laugh at this madness as much as you please, but I ask you to remember that up to the present our knowledge of tbe physiology of the nervous system is most crude. Moreover, my experiments in this direction have led me to bolieve that my theory to.' a greater or lees extent is right. So far my experiments have been conduoted on tbe lower animals, and my results so far have been disclosed to no ono, as I deem that my wotk should be perfected before I give it to'the world. Bat let me tell yon in secrecy that under the powerful influence of the * electric current I have brought back to something at any rate simulating life a dog whioh had been poisoned by strychnine. I choso strychnine as my poison because doath ooenre, as you know well enough, from a greatly increased activity of the respiratory centre ia tbe cord, and I therefore argued it would leave in death the cord and brain ia a more easily excitable condition. My secret lies in the mode of application, the power of the current, and the sits of application, and X find that in my researches en different animals they all vary."

He paused -for a moment as if to let me grasp his communication ; but I eat there in my chair, wondering what he was going to say next. That be had gone so far I had never even dreamt, nor had I any likalibood of so doing, for what he waa now expounding waß altogether beyond the hopes or even thoughts of our modern physiologists. Meanwhile he had quietly lit another cigar, and again went on : " So far my experiments have not included the human being ; for you must know that I am rather chary of experimenting in this direction, having had such strange experiences in the direction in which I have gone. Cat as man has the most highly organised nervous system of any animal, I am inclined to think that, if brought under the electrical influence, he would exhibit much more marked signs of life than the less highly organised creatures. Thin being ,so, I would auk your assistance and for a special reason I would experiment, first, on the body just brought in— for what reason you may gness, but at present I say nothing."

I gave him to understand that I would be quite willing to lend him any assistance in my power. "lam much indebted to you," broke in Lloyd, " and v/onld suggest that we begin operations at once." " Come oa, then ; the sooner the batter," I replied, laughing, for I was rather curious to sea the experiment, which in my own mind I believed would prove a fiasco.

He rose and stepped across tbc room to where there was a -small panelled door, as if of a cupboard. Tbi3 he unlocked, and led the way down a flight of steps, leaving behind us the light of day, and as it gradually lessoned from white to grey, from grey to black, I felt a corresponding blotting onfc of all my gayer spirits. The step 3 led into a vaulted chamber, made dimly apparent by the light of a small incandescent Swarm light which Lloyd had turned on. He left me to my own reflections for a few minutes while he gave the order for the body to be brought --

np, and meanwhile I took the opportunity to examine the vault.

All around was to be seen apparatus oE a scientific character, chiefly, however, electrical ; but what struck me most was the presence of two or three glass-covered tables, pivoted so that they could be turned in any direction desired.

Lloyd here joined me, and touching a button, flooded the place with light. " This," he remarked, in a jocular tone, "is my operating theatre."

" I could wish to operate in a more congenial spot," I put in, beginning to feel quite depressed in that underground hole. Presently the body was brought in, and was placed on one of tha tables, face downwards.

" Now, Meredith, while I make a trephine over the frontal region," s&id Lloyd, fixing the head in a workable position, " you will kindly lay the cord bare in the lumbar region."

Soon we were hard at it, for any work was greatly to be preferred to inactivity in such a situation, and for a time nothing broke the silence but the grating of the saw*. All was quickiy ready, and the experiment began. Lloyd produced two silk-covered wires, attached to the end of which were two long silver needles. " These wires," he said, " are in contact with a powerful coil, the strength of whose current I alone know. If ib so happens that I can introduce the needles into the proper conducting tracts our experiment will have some result. What that will be I cannot yet say."

With that be plunged one needle into the brain, piercing the motor area of the cortex ; the other he placed carefully into the cord, but into what position I could not precisely make out. We then propped the body up so that it was as if it weretsitting.

" Now I shall turn on the current if you are ready."

I signified my assent, and pressing a button be closed the circuit. For some moments all was still as death cave for the whirring of the coil. The suspense was dreadful. Suddenly a tremor ran through the corpse. It shivered violently. A convulsion of the whole body followed ; the eyes rolled horribly.

" You see," he calmly observed, " I can get movement. I expected it, but I now want to find if I can get what I have never yet got in the lower animals — sound, speech." Ha chut off the current, and then inserting the needle into the speech area he again made the circuit complete, and awaited results.

The body again repeated its first ghastly performance?, and then, as if by some supreme effort, it controlled its movements, and in a few seconds appeared as if life had once again entered into it. There the dead man sat, for dead we knew him to be without a doubt, with his glassy eyes staring at us with all the eemfalanca of -life.

Neither Lloyd nor myself broke tha silence. As for what was passing through his -mind I cannot tell, but for myself I could not have uttered a sound had I so wished ; my tongue clove to the roof of my mouth. It was too horrible, and although accustomed as I am to gruesome sights, I felt that only by a supreme effort could I remain where I was, for once begun I was determined to see it out.

At last that dreadful suspense was broken. It — or, if you will have it, hebegan to speak. 41 Wbfire am I ? " be asked feebly.

Quickly Lloyd told him all that had happeted — how be bad been found, of the mark on his neck ; while I »tood holding with both hands gripped tightly on the rail of the steps in order to control my emotion.

11 Ah ; I remember now — my head, oh my head!" •

Here again he was silent for a few minutes, as if exhausted. Then gaining as it were strength, at first in jerks, as if an automaton, then more clearly, he commenced this srory. (Bat even now, as I wrire it, a strange chill creeps over my back, the blood leaves my extremities, and bounds with great leaps through my brain ; still I have begun, and I must, finish.) This was

THE DEAD MAN'S STORY.

" I am an Englishman in the service of the Italian secret police. It became known to my superiors that for ecmo time past there had been unusual activity among the many secret socialistic societies in Borne. To me was deputed ~*b.e task of getting at the bottom of- the' trouble — to discover the reason for this unrest.

" Such a task suited me to a T, not only because I waff of an adventuresome spirit, but my success would enable me to attain my fondest desire. Under suitable disguise I mingled with the ranting discontents, attended their public meatings ; and at last, •o zsalous had I beccme in their cause, I obtained admittance to one of their secret meetings. Under the most binding oaths, and with most impressive" ceremony, I became a member of the brotherhood. So far all had favoured me ; still I had to be very cautious, for I was regarded not without . a little suspicion as being so lately united. I dared not ask too many questions, but had to wait my time, and with that future developments. Gradually I learned that on the approaching carnival a series of outrages were contemplated, to take effect in different cities of Europe, with the object of shaking the foundation of the civilised world aa by a mighty earthquake. However, before definite steps could be taken it was proposed to communicate with a powerful branch, or rather, I should say, division, for they weie the same society with the same murderous ends in view which existed in London. Ona of our number (I say " our," meaning one of the brotherhood) was appointed to proceed to England to confer with the sister society as to the exact date of the upheaval, and also other matters about which I could learn nothing.

"Many meetings were held, bnt as I was jet only within the outer circle the information I could gather was necessarily somewhat scanty. Nevertheless I learned that the messenger to England carried important despatches. These I must obtain at any cost. I further learned that be would meet the delegate of the London society and hand over to him theie despatches. Moreover, that the London man for a sign would wear and present a riDg of peculiar shape and import, for I was told that this ring was be-

lieved to possess some magic power, but I Could not learn of what kind — those of the inner circle only knew the secret. This, therefore, was my task : to secure the ring, and by it the despatches. I need not tell you all — how I journeyed to England with my brother conspirator disguised as a merchant, how I followed him like a shadow till Thursday night. Of course I adopted different disguises in every place we stopped at. On Thursday night he left the hotel where we were residing, carrying with him a small handbag. I at once set off after him, and the night being dark and the ground oovered with snow, I was not in much danger of discovery. On we trudged, I following like a shadow, for a good Bpace. Presently he stopped and looked about him as if seeking some landmark ; then striking across the Held he again strode on. The snow had begun to fall again, and I was thus enabled to keep much closer to my man without my presence being discovered. We soon arrived at a dilapidated cottage, evidently some old unused farm cottage. This he entered, and I crept close up under the window. I speedily ascertained that the London man had not arrived, for this was without doubt the place of meeting. I resolved upon my plan— l must get rid of the London brother. Either this or failure. I again made for the road along which he must come, guided by the light which the Italian had placed in the window. I examined my revolvers and awaited mv man.

" Soon a noise as of horse's feet became apparent to my dulled Eenses, for I waß nearly frozen by my enforced inactivity, and but little could be heard for the snow on the ground. Snddeniy the horse stopped not more than 100 yards away. The rider had evidently perceived the light. He came on leading his horse, and when opposite mo I

rushed ouc from under the bed^e, and holding a revolver to his head gave him to understand that one sound would be his death. I need not tell you how I disarmed and gagged him, bound him to a poet, and then possessed myself of the ring. His slouch hat I also borrowed, as it would the more effectually conceal my features. Thus far I had succeeded beyond my most ardent expectations. I already believed myself successful. Keeping the cottage in view by means of the light, I soon reached it. I gave the secret knock, and the door was opened.

«' ' To traitors, death 1 ' I gave the password of the socieiy, and to my surprise and joy he gave the countersign.

" I presented the ring, which he scanned eagerly ; then being apparently quite satisfied we fell to talking of his mission and the proposed blow for social equality. I wished to get the papers quickly, and told him of my instructions (from the London society) to return at once with the despatches ia order to ensure their safety. As for him, he was to await my return at the inn where he was at present, and to meet me two days hence at the same hour and at the same place. He shot a quick glance at me as of suspicion, but he said nothing, but proceeded to open the bag. This done, he produced and handed to me a sealed packet.

"My caution forsook me. I took them eagerly, and bendirig down I examined them by the light of the candle placed on the table.

"•To traitors, death I' laughed the Italian, and then I felt a prick on the back of the neck. It was the ring.

" I tried to rise, but movement had forsaken me, although otherwise I was conscious of all around me. He told me that my departure from Italy had been noticed by the society. Suspicion was aroused. He had been apprised of my absence, and wan put on his guard. He had recognised ma in spite of my disguise, and although at first he had mistaken me for the London emissary my eagerness had betrayed me.

" Gradually I felt my senses leave me, the light grew dim — less light, less, less, till darkness closed all. Then I remembered no more*"

He fell back on the table apparently exhausted. Lloyd ruahed to the machine to switch on more current, but I now, utterly unnerved, forced his hand back till the current was entirely broken. Then I rushed from that cell of horrors — then a blank. When I came to myself I was in a bed, and on try Id g to rise a firm hand pressed me down, and a voice whispered, " Not yet ; steady, old fellow." ' Gradually I learned that I had been ill, severely ill — my brain had had a turn, bub that I was now nearing recovery.

It was many weeks before I knew the last of that fearful morning. It appeared that after my exit Lloyd had again essayed to start the current, but whether be succeeded or not in eliciting any further information will never be known, for when shortly after my return to the upp9r room they went to seek him, they found that he had, from the appearance of the body, received the whole current through his own frame, and as a result death immediately followed. He had evidently when I left turned on the'eurrent, and then while the current passed through the corpse incautiously touched the needles.

Thus undoubtedly died Thomas Lloyd, and with him bis great secret. Whether or not it will ever be rediscovered I know not — probably it never will ; at any rate never with my assistance.

— Ifc has been discovered that to bury a man up to his neck iv web Baud is a practically certain cure for apparent death from uneleotric shuck.

— Women have a better perception of colour fchau men. An eraiueut authority on colourblindness asserts that under a very severe test the colour vision of one man in five is defective, while in women the average is one iv 30.

KmmoHne will be pleased to receive letters from corres pondents on auy matter of interest to them, Mid to reply through the medium or this page, the norn <ie plume only of the eonesnondentn 10 be publiibcd. Letters to be iddreued " Emmeiinv," care of the Editor.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Dedda — (1) Ovdimantels are F-fcill preferred. (2) Wrap them up in tissue or other soft paper, and then in an old newspaper. (3) I presume you mean white flannel ; if so the following is the method to adopt :— Take soft water, as waim as you can bear your hands in. Make a strong suds, well blued. In washing fine flannel wet but one piece at a time ; soap the dirty spots and rub with the hands, as washboards full the flannels. When half clean add thres times as much blue as for cotton clothes. Use plenty of soap. When clean have ready a rinse of the

same temperature as the suds, rinse well, wring tight, shake brißkly for a few minutes, hang out in a gentle bree/e. When nearly dry, roll smooth and tight for an hour .or two. Press with a moderately hot iron. If embroidered, press 011 the wrong side. Flannels washed in this way will look white and cleou when worn out, and the quality will look better than when new. Maud — Some good authorities say that it is not at all good for the digestion to take a nap after meals, because they aver digestion goes on less easily and less rapidly in sleep. This may be a good reason for not going to sleep after dinner, but is no reason why a light meal should not be taken before going to bed. It has always been known that digestion goes on more slowly during sleep, else people would rise more ravenously disposed in ttie mornings than they usually do. Hut though the digestive process goes on more slowly in sletp it does go on to some extent, and there is plenty of time to digest and get the benefit of v light meal during the hours of retirement.