And still he waited. The clock's slow tick
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e filled his own glass full of wine;From his pocket he took a paper. The twineWas knotted, and he searched a knifeFrom his jumbled tools. The cord of lifeSnapped as he cut the little string.He knew that he must do the thingHe feared. He shook powder into the wine,And holding it up so the candle's shineSparked a ruby through its heart,He drank it. "Dear, never apartAgain! You have said it was mine to do.It is done, and I am come to you!" Paul Jannes let the empty wine-glass fall,And held out his arms. The insentient wallStared down at him with its cold, white glareUnstained! The Shadow was not there!Paul clutched and tore at his tightening throat.He felt the veins in his body bloat,And the hot blood run like fire and stonesAlong the sides of his cracking bones.But he laughed as he staggered towards the door,And he laughed aloud as he sank on the floor. The Coroner took the body away,And the watches were sold that Saturday.The Auctioneer said one could seldom buySuch watches, and the prices were high.
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