Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-10-15

to her own.
"You have consulted other physi-
cians?" he asked.
"Quite number" she replied, a little
furriedly. "Some of the best in the
city"
without success 2"
"Oh, of course" and she spoke with
"They had no-no-inten-
tions. They argued, and-hooted."
There was something charming about
those pauses in the choice of words.
"You think they should have hum
orcd him?" the doctor asked.
"Yesp sho answered her face bright
ening wondrously. "You have caught
the idea. On, sir, 1 believe that you
can cure him"
La her excited eagerness, she I'M
consciously laid her hand on his arm,
and the touch thrilled him.
why did you come TO me?" he
asked. Il am young inexperienced
"Why?' she inquired, with a search
ing look. 81 do not know. Why do
We do queer things? and she smiled
little oddly. "They came to us like "a
revelation"
1t was an ambiguous explanation, and
yet he understood her.
Perhaps the other physicians were
too old, and knew 700 much" she add
ed, the odd smile again stirring her lips.
Il will do what l cam" the doctor
gravely said "What is the character
of the hallucination?
1T is concerning his food" she slow
ly replied, the piquancy dying out of
her face. "Or to be precise, il con-
Germs what is given him to drink For
days at 8 time nothing liquid passes
his lips. On, it is just dreadful"
There are rational intervals?" the
doctor asked.
"Yes, thank Cod" she exclaimed
with sweet fervor; otherwise he would
be in his grave"
HE fancies the water to be poisoned,
eh?"
ooh, worse!" cried the lovely visitor.
Filled with the finest needles"
"Ah!" calculated DIR. Ventor. He
was thoughtful for a minute-then
added: "Give me your address. I'll
call tomorrow.
She handed him card upon which
was printed:
Ct. B. BRANsoN,
Mo-, Walnut Street, Philadelphia.
The doctor knew the gentleman by
reputation; he felt sure that there was
a heavy fee in prospect.
you will be sure to Gomez his visi-
tor asked, with delightful tremor in
her voice.
Without FAIL" was the doctors
answer, as he accompanied her to the
door. "Is your father in distress now?"
very much SO, sir"
They had reached the doorstep. It
was so early in the evening yet, that
she was not in need of an escort.
"One thing more, Miss Branson," he
said. at may be best for me not to
call as physician"
"Why not?" asked she, in quiet sur
prise.
HE may be prejudiced," replied the
doctor. Probably you have not caught
my meaning. A great deal will depend
upon adroitness. Could I not come
upon some pretended business? Of
kind in which he takes an INTEREST,""
She bent her head, and he noticed
how finely poised it was.
''He has houses to rent on Brandy
wine Street." she said, after a pause.
etc rent and TO SELF
every good" rejoined the doctor,
shat will serve me. Now, Miss Bran
son, you must not be surprised if I cut
up some queer antics" He laughed as
he said that. "Watch me closely for
clew to what [ would have you do or
say"
He felt that she was keenly regarding
him, in the dimness, through her veil.
Il think [ understand" she simply
said. "Good evening, sir"
The next morning DR.. Paul Vent
or took from drawer a strong horse
shoe magnet. He rubbed steadily upon
the blades of his pocket knife with one
of the poles of the magnet, thoroughly
electrifying it. He purchased paper
Of very fine needles at an adjoining
store then set out for the residence of
his patient.
He found the latter to be man well
advanced in life, intelligent and genial
so genial, in fact, that the doctor
wondered at their being so much of the
suspectful in his nature.
The room was magnifcently fur
nished, yet without violation of har-
mony or taste. The owner was evident
" man of wealth, disposed to consult
his ease.
The doctor at once opened CONVEX
sation about the houses on Brandywine
Street, in which Mr.. Branson earnestly
joined, and wildly explained points in
the speculation.
Sir, could trouble you for drink
of water?" the doctor suddenly asked.
Certainly" replied the other. "Kate,
please bring Mr.. --?"
"Ventnor," supplied the doctor.
"A glass of WATER" completed Mr..
Branson.
He was addressing his daughter who
had called upon the doctor the evening
before, and she was seated in one of the
bay windows. She put aside her book,
left the room, and returned with a glass