The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-08-28

Une DeSt known men, at InaG IlIne, Ill hou-
don. He and his brougham would be ia
miliar to every thief who frequented West
end thoroughfares. 1 next inquired at
Colonel C.'s To my satisfaction, l learned
that the same doctor had attended in this
case sHere," said to myself, II begin
to see daylight" Shortly afterward |
made further discovery. The coachman
who drove the famous physician to Lady
AS on the night of the accident, and to
Colonel C.'s on the night of the ball, had
only been in his employ a few weeks; and
on the date of the Earl of B. wedding the
man had driven the carriage of one Of the
guests at the breakfast.
The clue 1 felt was becoming strong.
The thief, grew convinced, was confed
crate of the grave-faced man in spotless
black, who drove the fashionable doctor
from one house of sickness to another. |
resolved to obtain an interview with the
doctor, and, after explaining my suspi-
cions, plan some mode of detecting so con-
summate rascal. Circumstances occurred
10 make me resolve to carry out my pur-
pose without delay.
My journey took me to one of the some
what sombre-looking streets that run down
to the Thames from the Chelsea side, be-
tween Chelsea Bridge and Battersea Bridge.
The name "Gideon West, NJ. D., Physician
and Surgeon" inscribed on brass plate
told me when l had reached my destina-
ton. DIR. West, I was informed, was still
out, late though it was; and the time of
his coming home was most uncertain. L
was determined, however, not to return
without seeing him; and after assuring the
tired-looking servant that / should certain
ly await DR.. Vests return, even if | had
to spend the night on the doorstep, 1 was
shown into the consulting room, where a
wood fire was still burning on the hearth.
Seating myself in an armchair with high
screen behind me / settled down to my
vigil, however long it might be,
had often noticed the house; for who
did not feel some interest in so famous
medical man as Gideon West? Why he
had chosen such house 1 did not learn
until afterward; but l knew it was an old
fashioned, rambling sort of place, with a
room built on here at one time, and there
at another time. Windows had been
blocked up at one place, and windows had
been let in at another. In fact, it was
house that seemed to defy stranger to
explain upon what rule, or what want of
rule, it had been so constructed.
Those who first heard of Gideon West as
one of the most famous physicians in Lon
don, asked in astonishment how he could
live in such misunderstanding build
ing. Perhaps they forget that even famous
doctors were not born famous. Gideon
West, when he entered on his professional
career, was anything but famous, and he
was as poor as he we'll could be, Father
and mother were dead, brothers and sis
tiers he had none. An almost forgotten
godmother had, to his surprise, left him
the old house at Chelsea. This was about
the time he received his diploma. There
upon, Gideon West married, for love, girl
without penny, settled himself in his new
possession, had the brass plate affixed to
the door, and awaited the patients who
were to prove his skill and mako his for
tune. 1t was a weary waiting, but the
young bride had unlimited trust in her
husband, and Gideon West never for mo-
ment lost faith in himself Slowly, very
slowly, a small practice grew upon his
hands; but the struggle that only braced
Gideon West for the battle of life proved
too terrible for the frail young wife. But
there was no complaining, no repining, no
word to tell of doubt, much less ofdespair,
and Gideon West battled on. He knew,
as though it had already come, that he
should at last prevail. He had measured
his own strength, and felt that he could
trust it. But-and it was that but alone
which troubled him-suppose he should
have to wait years and years-suppose, as
those years went by, he should see the
color pale on the face he loved; the bright
ness fade from the eyes he delighted to
gaze into-suppose his long years of wait
ing were marked in the lines on his wife's
young face-suppose when the golden gates
of fortune flew open, he should find it was
too late
How long l sat dreaming in DIR. Vests
room I know not, but it is certain l must
have fallen asleep before the cracking en-
bers. When I awoke 1 found myself in
all but darkness. The gas had been low
cred, and only Pickering glow from the
diving fire remained to cast drear and fan
tastic shadows on the ceiling. Many hours
must have passed. I must have been for
gotten when the servants retired to rest,
and Dr. West either had not returned or
had not been made aware of my presence
My position was embarrassing. To wake
up in the middle of the night and to find
myself in strange house was a new ex-
perience. groped about the room and
felt for the door by which I had entered.
1t was locked. Bell of any sort l could
fine none. tried to raise my voice, but
the death stiffness and darkness of the
room seemed to stihe me. found the
window and looked out. 1t opened high
above a courtyard closed in by walls.
Again I tried the door. Then l remem-
bered that it was sort of passage room;
that there was door leading from it to an
apartment beyond. managed to find this
door, covered as ii was with heavy tapestry
hangings. Feeling very much like thief,
l tried the handle. 1t turned in my hand,
and the door yielded noiselessly. Beyond
| saw large square chamber, evidently a
bedroom; but the bed was unoccupied 1t
was quaint and haunted looking room,
with high oaken skirting and paneled cell
ing. A couple of candles burned on the
dressing table, and threw faint light over
the dark furniture and the tapestries that
hung against the walls.
Once more l tried to call out; but my
tongue seemed dried up, and my voice re-
fused to be heard. Presently, to my relief
| heard human voice 1t evidently came
from an apartment beyond the one into
which | had ventured Impelled, | hardly
knew how, l resolved to venture further;
and as my footsteps fell noiselessly on the
thick carpet, I could hardly believe 1 was
not wandering in dream through the
mysterious chambers of the dead.
Yet more and more distinctly l heard
the sad low voice that had caught my ear,
and l approached stealthily, and [ confess
with something like awe, the door, which,
as perceived, opened from the bedroom
to the chamber whence the voice nroceed