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 CHAPTER IV.

Stanford White, Creator and Destroyer.

LIFE OF HARRY K. THAW'S VICTIM—HIS DEATH REFLECTED HIS STRANGE LIFE—A MENTAL GIANT WHO TURNED FROM LOFTY ENTERPRISES TO VICIOUS REVELS—BUILT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN—THE STUDIO IN THE TOWER—MIGHTY WORKS THAT SURVIVE WHITE AS MONUMENTS TO HIS GENIUS—THE TRAGIC "GIRL IN THE PIE" AFFAIR—WHITE'S HOME EXISTENCE—HIS END.

Stanford White's death was no more remarkable than the strange life he led. Few expressed surprise that the end came as it did. On the other hand, those who knew him best asserted they would have experienced a sensation little short of amazement had White departed this life as most men, surrounded by members of his family and enjoying the ministrations of physician, nurse and spiritual advisor.

Some saw in the pyrotechnic, picturesque, sensational climax of his existence, the fulfillment of a prophesy oft reiterated by his closest acquaintances.

The unusual, the unexpected ruled the existence of this man of wonderful brain and creative genius. A giant in mental force and power, he could turn lightly from some vast enterprise to a revel passing