The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-07-18

| ever on the SUBJECT Oh MS lldDilIJIcS,
was enabled to devote all his energies
to the difficult task of evading them.
He was quite unmoved by the tailor's
| pathetic appeals, while he succeeded by
| sound argument in convincing that
long-suffering individual that his only
chance of getting paid was to wait, But
his powers of reasoning and persua-
sion. though et1icacious in some eases,
often proved unayailing, so that the air
| became dark with writs and legal
processes. The poor young man was
| thus fairly driven to his wits end and
saw no alternative but to make known
his cmbarrassments and thereby jeop-
ardize the success which seemed to be
almost within his grasp.
One morning DR.. Jones was glOOmily
seated in his consulting-room, waiting
for patients, when there came knock
at the door and little, shabbily-dressed,
bright-eyed elderly man was presently
ushered in. DR.. Jones greeted his Wis
itor with mingled feelings, being disap-
pointed of patient, yet relieved to find
he was not shertl's officer.
How are you, Mr.. Grayes?' he said,
instinctively, adopting the condescend-
ing tone of a physician towards gen
eral practitioner. "What can l do for
you?'
Nothing, thanks" said the little
man, brisKIy: 'but you can do yourself
turn, if YOU are 50 disposed"
"What do you mean" inquired DR..
Jones, triHe taken aback.
'Balmyre has asked me to 90 up to
Highbury to give a certificate of insan-
| ity, and as he suggested that you
might also be willing to take the job
called to carry YOU along with me?"
returned Mr.. Graves, putting his hands
self before the fire.
"Well, [ am always glad to oblige DR..
Balmyre, but pom my word it is rather
inconvenient, " said DR.. Jones, with i'm
portance, but ayo ding his companion S
twinkling eye. II expect half dozen
people here. Just the busiest time in
the day, too, he added, glancing at his
watch.
They haven't come vet, and as the
weather is bad dare say they'll put it
off till tomorrow" said little Mr..
Graves, with a smile.
Where did you say the place was?
Highbnry! That is a long way off, -
said DR.. Jones, endeavoring to look
quite unmoved.
1--WE shall be back in less than an
hour. My carriage is at the door, re-
turned Mr.. Graves, a little impatiently.
well, as | have said, | should be
| sorry to disoblige Balmvre; and as for
my patients, if they won't keep their
time, they must wait, =" said DIR. Jones,
opening the door to his visitor and
signifying that he would accompany him.
He felt relieved to escape the quiet
and penetrating gaze of little MIR.
Graves, for he was painfully conscious
that his attempted air of superiority had
been a failure. OF course, he was only
too glad of the opportunity of earning
couple of guneas on dull morning,
but it was contrary to his creed to al
low anyone to suspect it. Above all,
he considered it essential to his dignity
as physician to appear a trifle conde-
scending to general practitioner and
he honestly felt tinge of contempt for
little Mr.. Graves. He might be clever
enough-and. indeed, he was really a
worthy disciple of the healing art. But
what, he said, was to be thought of
man who, wantonly neglecting opportu-
mites of amassing wealth and obtaining
celebrity, went about in thick shoes
and a shocking hat, visiting all the
lowest and poorest parts of the district?
Little Mr.. Graves showed he was a
good fellow by not taking umbrage at
the young mans impertinence and self
Importance. and DR.. Jones insenSiblv
began to adopt more genial tone and
manner during the drive. Their desti-
nation proved to be small house in an
unpretentious street near Highbury
Station, and the formalties of the bust
ness on hand were quickly dispatched.
The patient was a middle-aged man,
whose behavior and conversation
seemed to fully testify to the, aberra-
ton of his intellect. DR.. Jones signed
the certificate with a clear conscience.
mentally contrasting the present case
with others he had certified to for DR..
Balmyre when Mr.. Graves had not
been his companion.
When they took their seats in the
carriage again to drive back, DIR. Jones
glanced at the house they were leaving
and said:
Il wonder who the patient is?'
civilian Roberts,, - said Mr.. Graves,
in his matter f-fact way.
YES, know his name. But how the
deuce can people in that position afford
to pay BalmyrG's terms? His asylum
is one of the most expensive there is"
"Ah! That has struck YOU also, has
it?". said Mr. Graves, meaningly
''Well, it's odd, isn't it? However, l
suppose his relatives will Starve them
selves to pay for him."
did anything else strike you?" in
quired Mr.. Graves,
mo. What do you mean?" said DR..
Jones, innocently.
"Have you any doubt of his being
mad?"
Good gracious, no! Have you?" de-
manded DIR. Jones, in amaze ment.
81 signed the certificate. | suppose
it is all right, but when | reflect feel II
little uneasiiy, said Mr.. Graves, Sc
riously.
Il never saw clearer case in my
life -never.' cried Dir. Jones, slapping
his knee emphatically u would stake
my reputation that he is as mad as a
! March hare