The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-08-01

In such circumstances an elastic con science is often useful ally. Young Dr. Jones, having no scruples whatever on the subject of his liabilities, vas enabled to devote all his energies to evading them. He was quite unmoved by his tailor's pathetic appeals, while he sue ceeded by ssund argument in convincing that long-sufering individual that his only chance of getting paid was to wait. But hls powers of reasoning and persua- sion, though eficacious in some cases often proved unavailing, so that the air became darkened with wTits and legal processes. The poor young man was fairly driven to his wits ends, and saw no alterp ative but to make known his em- barrassments, aud thereby jeopardiIe the success which had almost seemed to be 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 visitor with mingled feelings, being disappointed of patient yet relieved to find he was not sheriff's officer
 "How are you, Mir. Graves2 ?" he said, instinctively adopting the condescending tone of physician toward general prac- titioner. "What can do for you? ?"
 Nothing, thanks" said the little map, briskly;" but you can do yourself turn, If you are so disposed"
 What do you mean2" inquired Dr. Jones, trihe taken back
 "BAlmyre has asked me to go up to Hishbury Is give certificate of insanity, and, as he suggested that you might also be willing 10 take the job, called to carry you along with me" returned pr Graves, putting his hands under his coat-tails and warming himself before the fire
 Well, l am always glad to oblige Dr. Balmyre. but 'pon my word it is rather lnconvenient," said Dr. Jones, with im- portance, but avolding his companions twinkling eyes, "l expect half dozen people here. Just the busiest time in the day, too," he added, glancing at his watch.
 They haven't come yet, and as the weather is bad, dare say they'll put it off till to.morrow,' said little Mir. Graves, with a quiet smile.
 "Where did you say the place was Highbury That is long way off" said Dr. Jones, endeavoring to look quite un- moved.
 "We shall be back in Jess than an hour. My carriage is at the door," re- turned Mir. Graves, a little impatiently.
 Well, AS have said, should be sorry to disoblige Balmyre and as for my pa tients, if they don't keep their time, they must wait," said Dr Jones, opening the door to his visitor, and signifylng 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 at tempted air of superiority had been a failure. Of course, he was only too glad of the opportunity of earning a couple of guineas on a dull morning, but it was contrary to his creed to allow any one to suspect 1t. Above all, he considered it essential to his dignity as a physician to appear trife condescendins to gener- al practitioner and he honestly felt a tinge of contempt for lItle MT Graves He might be clever eneugh-and, indeed, he was really a worthy disciple of the
 
 thought of man who, wantoniy neglect ing opportunities of amassing wealth and obtaining celebrity, went about in thick shoes and shocking hat visiting all the lowest and poorest parts of the district.
 Little Mir. Graves showed he was good fellow by not taking umbrage at the young mans impertinence and self-im- portance, and Dr. Jones ipsensibly began to adopt more genial tone and manner during the drive. Their destination proved to be small house in an unpre- tentious street near aighbury station, and the formalities of the business on hand were quickly dispatched The patient was middle-aged man, whose behavior and conversation seemed tn fully testify 10 the alteration of his intellect Dr Jones signed the certf ate with a clear conscience, mentally eontras,ing the pres- eLt case with others he had certified to for pr Balmyre when Mir Graves had not been his companion.
 When they took their seats in the car riage again to drive back, pr. Jones glanced at the house they were leaving. and said:
 !" wonder who the patient is ?"
 William Roberts" said MT. Graves, in his matter -of-fact way.
 "Yes, know his name. But how the deuce can people in that position afford to pay BAlmyre's terms? His asylum is one of the most expensive there IS"
 Alb! That has struck you a.so, b as it!' said Mir. Graves, meaningly
 "Well, it's odd, isn't it2 However, suppose his relatives will starve them selves to pay tor him."
 " Did anything else strike you?" in- quired Mir Graves.
 No. What do you mean ?" said Dr. Jones. innocenuy.
 !" Have you any doubt of his being mad?"
 Good gracious, no! Have you 7" de- manded Dr Jones. in amsz.ment.
 signed the certificate. 1 suppose it is all right. But when reflect feel litte uneasy" said Mir. Graves, seriously.
 never saw a clearer case Tn my life -neyer p cried Dr T0nes sIappfn0 hix