The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-07-16

remember. Meanwhile, how the deuce
am 1 to earn mine with you about the
place?"
'.It's a small matter, sir, and will bt
easily arranged no doubt. Bring you
friends to see me a-settin' ere. Tha
always fetches 'em. Meanwhile, Lore
bless you, sir. don't mind me. 1 won
interfere with your patients. For tha
matter. if you'll lend me suit o. decent
togs. I'll show 'en in and out as grave
as a Judge"
s'I shouldn't mind so much if / oweC
twenty thousand, instead of a paltry
hundred or two," groaned the un
fortunate doctor. between his teeth.
That's allus the way, SIR" said the
man. shaking his head. Its the small
fish as gets caught in the nets; the big
'uns break through 'em. Why, look al
ere" he added, bringing forth docu
ment from his pocket and unfolding il
clumsily. 'Ere's case in point. An
absconding bankrupt got clean away
with 'undred thousand pounds. Just
think O. that, and livin' like fightin'
cock in Americayi"
| DR.. Jones mechanically took the
paper which the man handed to him.
1t was an official hand-bill, containing
a description of a certain Anstruther
Meadows. a quondam city speculator OF
considerable notOriety, who had alb
seconded with a considerable quantity OF
plumber, after ruthlessly robbing his
customers and friends. DR.. Jones had
| heard of the man, and indeed his name
had recently been on everybodys lips.
The hand-bill was headed with an offer
of reward of f500 for his apprehen-
sion, and full and detailed description
was given of his personal appearance.
DR.. Jones glanced through this alb
stractedly and then his eye lighted upon
rough wood-c purporting to be a
likeness of the defaulter, which ap-
peared in the margin. After a
moments scrutiny the young man
sprang from his seat with an involun-
tary exclamation.
'Do you know him, sir?" inquired
the bailiff. quickly.
know him. No. How the deuce
should I?'' said DR.. Jones controlling
himself.
Il was 'oping, for your sake, you
could lay your finger on him, for there 5
a nice little reward offered" returned
the man.
Five hundredr' said DR.. Jones.
rather contemptuously. as he glanced
at the document.
'.Aye, tidy sum, amt it, sir?" said
the man. ''But, Lord bless yer! its all
fiummery-all blind He's hoff long
ago, alvin in Americay, as' l said just
now"
"Wen, wherever he is, he has got a
fortune with him." said DR.. Jones,
handing back the document with an
animated expression. make yourself
at home, my man. he added. ''Order
what you want. As you say, I daresay
this little matter of mine will soon be
arranged"
He hurried away as he spoke, and
entered his consulting room, where,
after locking the door, he commenced
to stride about in a strangely excited
manner After 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 luck
1t may even be the foundation of your
fortune. But you mustn't be too sure.
You may be mistaken. In any case.
you need cool head to play your cards
properly.
This soliloquy had a soothing effect,
for he seated himself in the patients
armchair and deliberately Knitted his
brows to think. The result of his de-
liberations was that he started off with
composure to his club. and spent some
hours in going through the newspaper
files of the past month or two. He met
a city acquaintance, of whom he made
particular inquiries concerning Mr..
Anstruther Meadows. Altogether, he
evidently considered that he had passed
profitable evening, for, upon his
return. he saluted the man in possession
with friendly slap on the back, and
promised him a five-pound note for
himself if his hopes as to paying him
out the next day were realized.
When he arose next morning, DR..
Jones wrote a little note to Dr. Balmyre,
stating that he had great desire to pay
a visit to his asylum, and adding that
having been summoned to attend a con-
sultatiOn in the neighborhoOd of the
institution he should be glad of an
authority to inspect it. He sent the
letter round by servant, who in reply
brought back one of DR.. Balmyre's
cards with a 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..
Balmyre's celebrated establishment.
He was civilly received by the medical
gentleman in charge, by whom he was
conducted over the spacious, gloomy
l.building. Of course he expressed him
self highly gratified and deeply in
terested 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 a certificate
yesterday for DR.. Balmyre. Has the
patient arrived?"
What name, do you recollect?"
Roberts, 1 think"
80, yes" was the reply. "He came
in yesterday evening. Would you like
to see himP"
"Well-yes, l think l 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'll excuse my running away from
you. l must 60 my rounds. Hi Ed
wards" to an attendant; ''take this
gentleman, DIR. Jones, to see William
Roberts, No. 93."
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