The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1884-10-09

too old, and knew too much" she
added, the odd smile again stirring her
lips.
II will do what CAM the doctor
gravely said. "What is the character
of the hallucination?''
1T is concerning his food" she
slowly replied, the piquancy dying out
OF her face. Cor, to be precise, it con-
Germs what is given him to drink. For
days at time nothing liquid passes his
lips. Oh, it is just dreadful!'
''There are rational intervals?" the
doctor asked.
Eyes, thank God!" she exclaimed,
with sweet fervor; "otherwisc he would
be in his grave"
''He fancies the water to be poisoned,
eh?"
"Oh, worse!' cried the lovely visi-
tor. "Filled with the finest needles. :"
"Ah!' calculated DR.. Ventnor. He
was thoughtful for 4 minute-then
added: ''Give me your address. I'll
call Tomorrow
She handed him card upon which
was printed:
G. B. BRANsON,
No. -, Walnut ST., Philadelphia.
The doctor knew the gentleman by
reputation; he felt sure that there was
heavy fec in prospect.
"You will be sure to Gomez" his visi-
tor asked, with a delightful tremor in
her voice.
She arose, and dropped her veil over
her face, her diamond rings catching a
thOuSan1 cparl- loo of l;r}t
'Without fall was the doctors an
swcr, as he accompanied her ~ '''~
door. ''ls your father in distress
now?'
every much so, sir.''
They had reached the doorstep. 1t
was SO early in the evening yet, that
she was not in need of an escort.
''One thing more, Miss Branson," he
said. lit may be best for me not to
call Rs a 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 de-
pend upon adroitness. Could l not
come upon some pretended business?
OF a kind in which he takes an inter-
esto''
She bent her head, and he noticed
how finely poised it was.
Gle has houses to rent on Brandy
wine street." she said. after a pause.
''To rent and to sell.''
Every good,' rejoined the doctor,
''that will serve me. Now, Miss Bran
son. you must not be surprised if l cut
up some queer antics.' He laughed as
he said that "Watch me closely for a
clew to what 1 would have you do or
saw
He felt that she was keenly regard
ing him, in the dimness, through her
veil.
Il think I understand she simply
said. ''Good evening, sir"
The next morning Doctor Paul Vent
nor took from a drawer strong horse
shoe magnet. He rubbed steadily upon
the blades of his pocket-knifc with one
of the poles of the magnet, thoroughly
clectrifying 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 we'll
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 magniticently furnish
ed, vet without a violation of harmony
or taste. The owner was evidently u
man of wealth, disposed to consult his
ease.
The doctor at once opened a CONVEX
sation about the houses on Brandywine
street. in which Mr.. Branson earnestly
joined, and wildly explained points in
the speculation.
''Sir, could l trouble you for drink
of water?' the doctor suddenly asked.
''Certainly," replied the other.
''Kate, please bring Mr--?''
"Vcntnor,' supplied the doctor.
"A glass of watcr,' 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 of water, which the doctor ac-
cepted with bow.
He was more impressed with her low
Illness than ever, now that he had
better view of her. Her hair was black
and abundant, her air digniticd, her
manner royal; she was undoubtedly an
intelligent, refined, sensible, pure
minded young woman.
No glance Of recognition passed be-
tween them-at least her father did
not notice any; but the doctor saw
waiting, wistful, trustful, anticipating
look in her eyes, which made his pulses
throb faster.
He raised the glass to his lips, and
then a wcll-fci gned look of astonish-
ment crossed his face. He elected some
of the water, plucked at his mustache,
then strobe to the window, where he
seemed absorbed in an examination of
the contents Of the glass.
''What is the matter?" asked Mr..
Branson.
''Matter?' sharply repeated the doc
tor, as he turned from the window.
"Sir, who is this girl?' he sternly ask
ed.
"Girl!' exclaimed Mr.. Branson, with
a frown. ''She is my daughter''
II beg a thousand pardons!'' hum
bly, rejoined the doctor, seeming quite
Hurried. ''This is remarkable! Very
remarkablc!' and he stared into the
glass.
''What is rcmarkablc?' asked Mr..
Branson, with gasp.
'Thcre are needles swimming in the
water!' announced the doctor, the
nonpluscd look still on his face. "Hun-
dreds of them, sir! How did they get
in? Why did she bring me such stuff
as this?"
'.Ncedles?' exclaimed Mr.. Branson,
becoming very much excited. "There,
Kate!' he added. with an air of
triumph. ''What have l always told
you?''
Miss Branson stared into the tum-
bier, her face comically demure.
Il see no needless she said.
ooh, you don't, eh?' sarcastically
rejoined the doctor. ''What do you
say, Mr.. Branson?' and he handed the
old gentleman the glass.