The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-12-03

You predict Le viii go mad?' he
said.
Certainly not. Unless anything
unforeseen arises he Will probably live
and die as sane IS you or ]. "
"Why do you fear for him, then?"
For this reason l think that any
sudden emotisu-violent grief, for in
stance any unexpected and crushing
blow, might at once disturb the bal
ance of his mind. Let his life run on in
an even groove, and all will be well
with him.
My companion was silent for few
moments.
Did you mention your friends
name?' he asked.
l laughed. doctors never give
names when they quote cases"
At the next station my companion
left the train. He babe me a polite
adieu, and thanked me for the pleasure
my conversation had given him. After
wondering what station in life ne occu-
pied | dismissed him from my mind, as
one who had crossed my path for short
time and would probably never cross it
again.
Although l did not see Charles Car
ristOn | received several letters from him
during the course of the year. he had
not forgotten our undertaking to pass
my next holiday together. Early in
the autumn, just as l was beginning to
long with n passionate longing for
open air and blue skies, letter came
from Carriston. He was now, he said,
roughing it in the Western Highlands.
He reminded me of last years promise.
Could get away from work now? Would
| ioin him? If did not care to visit Scot
land, would | suggest some other place
where he could join NE? Still, the
scenery by which he was now sur
rounded was superb, and the accommoda-
ton he had secured, if not luxurious,
fairly comfortable He thought we
could not do better. A postscript to
his letter asked me to address him
as Cecil Carr, not Charles Carriston.
He had a reason for changing his
name-a foolish reason, l should no
doubt call it. When we met he would
let me know it.
This letter at once decided me 10 ac-
cept his invitation. IN a week time
my arrangements for leave of absence
were complete, and was speeding
northward in the highest spirits, and
well equipped with everything neceS-
sary for my favorite holiday pursuit.
l looked forward with the greatest
pleasure to again meeting Carriston.
found him at Calendar waiting for
me. The coach did not follow the
route we were obliged to take in order
to reach the somewhat unfrequented
part of the country in which our tent
was pitched, so my friend had secured
the services OF a primitive vehicle and
a strong, shaggy pony 10 bear us the
remainder of the Journey.
So soon as our first hearty greetings
were over | proceeded to ascertain how
the last year had treated Carriston. |
was both delighted and astonished at
the great change for the better which
had taken place in his manner no less
than his appearance. He looked far
more robust; he seemed happier,
brighter altogether more like ordi-
nary humanity. Not only had he greet
ed me with almost boistArous glee, but
during our drive through the wonder
full scenery he was in the gayest spirits
and full of fun and anecdore. | con-
graduated him heartily upon the mark
ed Improvement in his health, both
mentally and physically.
''YeS, l am much better" he said.
Il followed a part OF your advice
gave up moping, tried constant change
of scene, interested myself in many
more things. 1 am quite different
man."
NO supernatural visitations?' l
asked. anxious to learn that his cure in
that direction was complete.
His face fell. He hesitated a second
before answering.
"No-not now" he said, Il fought
against the strange feeling, and | be-
lieve have got rid of it-at least hope
so.''
said no more on the sube Car
ristOn plunged into series of vivid and
mimetic descriptions of the varieties of
Scotch character which he had met with
during his stay. He depicted his ex-
periences so amusingly that laughed
heartily 70; many q mile.
But why the change in your name?"
l asked, when nc paused for moment
in his merry talk.
lie blushed, and looked rather
ashamed. Il scarcely like to tell YOU;
You will think my reason so absurd"
Never mind. l don't Judge YOU by
the ordinary standard "
''Well, the fact is. my cousin is also
in Scotland. / feared if | gave my true
name at the hotel at which | STAYED on
my way here, he might by chance see
it, and look me up in these wild re-
giOns.
"Wel, and what if he dido"
Il can't tell you. l hate to know l
feel like it. But 1 have always, per-
hapS without cause. been afraid of him
and this place is horribly lonely"
Why, Carriston," l cried, '.you are
positively ridiculous about your cousin.
You can't think the man wants to MUIR
der YOU"
Il don't know what l think. I am
saying things to you which I ought
not to say; but every time l meet him
feel he hates me, and wishes me out of
the world"
Between wishing and doing there is
a great difference. l dare say all this
is fancy on your part
Perhaps so. Anyway. Cecil Carr is
as good name up here as Charles Car
riston, so please humor my within and
say no more about it"
As it made no difference 10 me by
what name he chose to call himself, |
dropped the subject. l knew of old
that some of his strange prejudices were
proof against anything l could DO to re-
move them.
At last we reached our temporary
abode. 1t was substantial, ow-built
house, owned and inhabited by q thrifty