Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-09-28

the drive. Their destination proved to be
small house in an unpretentious street
near Highbury Station, and the formalites
of the business on hand were quickly DIES
patched. The patient was middle-aged
man, whose behavior and conversation
seemed to fully testify TO the alteration
of his intellect DR.. Jones signed the
certificate with clear conscience. men,
tally contrasting the present case with
others he had certified to for DR.. Balmyre
when Mr.. Graves had not been his com
panion.
When they took their seats in the car.
riage again to drive back, Dr. Jones
glanced at the house they were leaving,
and said
II wonder who the patient is ?''
William Roberts," said Mr. Graves in
his matter-ot-fact way.
Eyes, 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"
All That has struck you also, has itP''
said Mr.. Graves meaningly.
well, it's odd, isn't it? However.
suppose his relatives will starve themselves
to pay for him."
"Did anything else strike you?" said
DR.. Jones' innocently.
"Have you any doubt of his being mad?"
Good gracious, no! Have you?" de-
manded DR.. Jones in amazement.
II signed the certificate. suppose it
is all right. But when | reflect feel a
little uneasy" said Mr.. Graves, seriously.
81 never saw clearer case in my life
never!' cried DR.. Jones. slapping his
knee emphatically. Il would stake my
reputation that he is as mad as a March
hare"
"Ahemn' coughed Mr.. Graves, grave
ly.
Look at his manner"
Yes. his manner was eccentric
enough
"And his conversation. The man is a
gibbering lunatic. You heard his answer
when, on his saying he was the Emperor
of Russia. jokingly reminded him that
a minute before he had claimed to be the
Grand Llama of Thibet. True" he said
but that was by my first wife,
Yes" returned Mr.. Graves, pensivelv
rubbing his nose I'm not sure haven't
heard that joke before"
why, really, my dear SIR" cried Dr.
4 cpHtS. gtAtihG uultt ubI anu angry, WHAT
is it you suspect? have not a shadow of
hesitation that it is clear case. At all
events we shall hear what Balmyre SAYS. ="
Mr.. Graves smiled at this, but he only
answered:
well. there was no coercion. If the
man is less mad than he appears to be.
he has only himself to thank
With this remark the little man abrupt
ly changed the conversation. but he had
not succeeded. even when he set his COL
league down at his own door. in complete
ly restoring that gentleman's equanimity.
/ However, DIR. Jones did not long con-
tinue to marvel at Mr.. Graves extraor-
binary obtuseness. tor the disagreeable
discovery that in his absence a sherifi's
officer had been placed in possession of
his apartments. effectuallv drove all other
thoughts from his mind. As was quite
natural, he was considerably startled and
upset, and. tor time, he lost his habitual
/ fortitude and self possession. The baliff
/ seemed decent sort of man, and as he
was decidedly disposed to be sympathetic,
Dr. Jones could not refrain, in the bitter
ness of his spirit. from inveighlng against
his evil fortune.
"Well, sir, it do seem ard don't it?
! But, arter all sir, wot is it If you was