Jamestown alert., 1878-12-19
ALMOST EGONE:

"Sir, are you a medical man?"
Suoh was the question suddenly put to
me by the only other occupant of the
carriage in which was seated, as I was
travelling one night to Chester by the
Irish mail, some two or three years ago.
He was an elderly man, with gray
ID. hair, handsome features, and somewhat
careworn expression of face, quick, keen
eyes, and, commanding presence, sss@z
Il an" "'1 replied. '"Can be Of any
service to you?"
,,. He sighed, and paused moment be-
fore replying. Then, fixing pair Of
searching eyes on me, he answered:
'You can beat least, l fancy it is
within your power to be Of service to me
If you will"
s And he paused again.
.e- I looked at him narrowly. A fine, tall
well-built man. well to do also, judging
from appearances. and in good health, I
fancled, in spite of that anxious express.
of countenance SO often noticeable among
mercantile men, @'.'... r4@s
. Il shall be happy tooblge you, if it is
within my power" I replied, noticing
how eagerhe waited for my answer.
"Good!" said he, shortly. II can trust
you. l can read faces, and feel that
YOU can be trusted that what you say,
you will do. When do you return to
London, for I conclude you are London
practitioner?'
s,s~''Yes,nsI answered, "but not In a fash
ionable quarter. ~ And I5smiled.@ :'The
greater part of nv practice lies around
Holburn-Lamb's Conduit Street, Gray's
Inn Road, and that direction"
Just so,'' he NODDED, $50 much the
BETTER
Y n And then he was silent for amoment,
apd. = melancholy look passed over his
countenance. "@ D' '7"" Va 4
"You will soon be in London again?"
"Yes: to morrow night" replied.
And you 60 no further than Chester9'
he continued. yt-,y.>sk~rsg '.
only to Chester, to visit an old friend
and patient professionally" replied.
3 s. .HGood, again Now" and, ne. leaned
. forward toward nae, - I'this is What want
you to do FOR me; am leaving England
forever-foreverv ,s.,..~os ,..zs
And he spoke sslernnly. ''|
@ f'lake l.Als lSLlel'v duW Ae vic" d
small packet from his 4breast-pocket.
"Don't look at the address TIL you are in
London, and then deliver it to the person
to whom it is directed, with your own
v hands, Will you promise me this, nay
Il swear it7 Y And, moreover, promise me to
mention the existence Of this packet to
nestill it isin it's owners, possession.
Nav, Ho not simag CINE" he continued, no.
ticing doubtful expression Oh my face,
l suppose, ''that l am asking you a wrong
/. sct.G No; 1.-The contra ary, by doing what
ask you will harm no one, but render a
service to humanity, perform an act it
was MY duty toshaves&performed months
ago. and which now, alas! have not
.,s time left to execute ..,..,-..-.
Il And he sighed again deeply.
ssDo you promises" he inquired, at
length, holding out the letter to me. y
'Tsgive you myswTd ef honor to do
what you require" I replied.
'And under no circumstances to repeat
the existence Of this packet to any one
49, till it is deliwred2" lie continued, earn
estly.
* swear it!' I said solemnly. ~
III tsThank Heavsn!n / he muttered, and
gave me the letter, which Immediately
buttoned up in my inner pocket.
- - What hour Is itl" be asked
I told him.
"Ah! then in few minutes we shall be
at our journeys end,?"
Eyes, If the trainsis up to time,' I re-.
piled; "but do you 60 no further than
5ChesterW gyg Evs Eg,EfG,, ~,
Is 'sI think not he answered, oddly, II
have no time to lose. Thank you, Dr.
, I do not know your name"
'sHerbert,' I interposed.
CDR. Herbert" he repeated, bowing,
sfthank you for your great kindness. You
will never repent it, come what may.
= Now adieu mas Esre. q. a. .sss.. 80
And he shook hands with me heartily,
then moved to the other end Of the car
rage, and before Icould prevent it, and
almost as the train entered the station,
v drew pistol from his pocket, placed it
against his forehead, and fred, falling
back into my arms corpse.
The report of the pistol, the smoke is
suing from the carriage window, speedily