Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-09-29
Gales aud Sketthes.
QUEER STORY.
An ASCENDING BANKRUPT.
CONTINUED from Yesterday. }

LOucTs duu liiCuuS-
DIR. Jones had heard of the man, and
indeed, his name had recently been on
evervbody's lips. The hand-bill wa:
headed with an offer of reward for t5OC
for his apprehension, and full and de
tailed description was given OF his per
sonal appearance.
DR.. Jones glanced through this abstract
edly, and then his eye lighted upon s
roug Oh wood cut, purporting to be like
ness of the defaulter, which appeared il
the margin.
After moments scrutiny, the young
man sprang from his seat with an invol
untary exclamation.
do you know him?" inquired the
bailf, quickly.
Know him, No How the deuce
should II" said DR.. Jones, controlling
himself.
IL was 'opng. for your sake, that you
could lay your finger on him. for there's a
very nice little reward offered" returned
the man.
Five hundred'' said Dr. Jones, rather
contemptuously. as he glanced at the docu-
ment.
Aye, a tidy sum. amt it, sir?" said
the man. But Lord bless yer, it's all
fummery-all blind, He's hoff long
ago. alvin in Americay, as | said, just
now"
well, whatever he is, he has got for
tune with him." said DR.. Jones, handing
back the document with an animated ex-
preston. "Make yourself at home, my
man." he added; "order what you want.
As you say. daresay this little matter
of mine will soon be arranged"
He hurried away as he spoke, and en-
tered his consulting room, where, after
locking the door, he commenced to stride
about in a strangely excited manner.
After a while, happening to catch sight of
his flushed face. as he passed the looking
glass, he paused, and gravely addressed
himself
Come, Clarence Jones. steady your
self. This looks like stroke of good
luck. 1t may even be the foundation Of
your fortune. But you mustn't be so very
sure. You may be mistaken. In any
case you need cool head to play your
cards properly.
This solloquy had soothing effect, for
he seated himself in the patients arm
chair, and deliberately knitted his brows
to think. The result of his deliberations
was that he started off with compcsure to
his club, and spent several hours in going
through the newspaper files of The past
month or two.
He met city acquaintance, of whom
| he made particular inquiries concerning
Mr.. Anstruther Meadows Altogether, he
evidently considered that he had passed Il
profitable evening. for, upon his return,
| he saluted the man with friendly slap
on the back, and promised him five
pound note for himself if his hopes as to
paying him out the next day were real
| lied.
When he arose the next morning, DR..
Jones wrote little note to DR.. Balmyre,
stating that he had great desire to pay a
visit to his asylum; and adding, that, hav-
inc been summoned to attend consulta-
ton in the neighborhood of the institu-
ton, he should be glad of an authority to
inspect it.
He sent the letter round by a servant,
who. in reply, brought back one of DR..
Balmyre's cards. with few words in
the great mans handwriting scrawled on
the back of it. An hour later, DR.. Jones
presented himself at the door of Dr. Bal
myre's establishment.
He was very civilly received by the
medical gentlemen in charge, by whom
he was conducted over the spacious,
gloomy building. OF course he expressed
himself highly gratified and deeply inter-
ested in all he saw, though, in truth, his
mind was entirely preoccupied with other
matters. At length, as they were strolling
through the grounds, he said, carelessly
by -the-way. | signed certificate yes
terday for DR.. Balmyre. Has the patient
arrived ~
What name ? Do you recollect?"
"Roberts. | think"
'Oh, yes" was the reply. "IIe came
in yesterday evening. Would you like to
see him ?"
"Well-yes, think | should" said
Dr. Jones. carelessly. His case rather
interested me. Don't trouble to come if
you are busy. He is quiet enough"
"Yes, he is quiet enough, so perhaps
you'n excurSe my running away from
you. must 90 my rounds. Hi, Ed
wards !" he called to an attendant. take
this gentleman, DR.. Jones, TO see William
Roberts, No. 90"
| A minute later DIR. Jones was ushered
into small. private sitting room, where
he found Mr.. William Roberts, whose ac-
quantance he had made the previous day.
Mr.. Roberts gave palpable start as his
visitor entered, but Immediately assumed
a vacant expression. and dropped his eyes
on the book he was reading.
You needn't wait" said DR.. Jones to
the attendant, in a confident tone. Il
want to have a little chat with my friend
here
The man. somewhat hesitatingly with
drew, while Alr. Roberts. manifestlv i'll at
ease, stole hurried glance at the doctor
out of the corners of his eyes.
well. Mr. Roberts. You remember
me. suppose ?" said DR.. Jones, pleas
antly. when they were alone.
Mr.. Roberts grunted without looking
| from his book.
II see you do" replied his visitor. with
increasing atfability. but, really--as no
one is in clearinghouse is not the least
occasion for playing comedy. Yesterday
| did not interfere, because it was, of
course desirable TO deceive my colleague. -
IL don't know YOU" said Mr. Roberts,
glancing up at him, and then turning
sulkily aside.
That is quite immaterial. The impor-
tant tact is. that | know you. Mr.. An
struther Meadows" said Dr. Jones. in a
very low voice.
The moment his name was pronounced.
the man turned as white as marble. while
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