Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-03-20


sieur had questioned him as to the most
expert young surgeons studying there.
Thanks 10 bon Michel. he mentioned you
and me-"
Well done, jacob What strange
affair! Why did he not go TO a surgeon Of
repute, ! wonder?n
Because the signor had his reasons.
You attach too much importance to it. |
performed the operation with skill and
speed; into my pocket put his gold; and
| have an addition to my collection of
casts" jacob waved his hand in the di-
rection of wall, upon which hung med
ley of bones, diagrams, squeezes and pipes.
did not understand. Look " he SAID,
taking small object from bracket and
removing a wet cloth; it was the cast of a
mans hand. | recognized it with shud-
der Is it not fine specimen; long
nervous, intelligent, capable of wickedness
or skill-who knows? l admired it 50
much, so much, took cast of it worthy
of Roubilliac %
Accustomed though was to the operat-
ing-room, there was repulsion to me in the
sight of that hand, because there was no
occasion for its amputation. Had it been
crushed or manned / should have thought
nothing of it. but an active, healthy, dexter
hand 1t was mystery.
Why trouble thy head p observed
Jacob. Look upon it as business trans
action"
could not share his philosophical feel
ing and during the rest of my sojourn in
Paris / kept a constant lookout for my
nocturnal visitor, but never encountered
him; 50 mystery be remained
Two years afterwards found me IN part
nership with a well-known doctor at Hamp-
stead. l had passed my examination in
London at the College of Surgeons, and
commenced practice. / should have pre-
ferred Savile Row to Frognal; but had |
resided in that orthodox medical locality,
the chances are | should not have had a
chain of events TO relate that form strange
narrative. 1t was my custom on fine morn
ings to 60 for constitutional up to Hemp
stead Heath, where the air comes uninter-
ruptedly over five counties. / had walked
to the group of Scotch frs, descending from
them to the turf skirting the Ride The
Heath, golden with blossoming furze,
seemed solitude. l had at that early hour
met no one, and imagined | had il all to
myself, unit. my eyes CHANGED to fall on a
figure seated on a rustic bench in front of
the miniature lake. II was that of fe-
male; her attitude wasso suggestive of Attic
ton that l softly advanced behind her to
within short distance in order to observe
her. She sat with dropping head and hands
clasped before her. she wore a gray dress,
with close-titting brown straw bonnet and
veil. Suddenly she arose, wildly threw up
her arms as if appealing to heaven, then
rushed down toward the water. BY in
stinct, rather than thought, | OWNED her
intention; with bound | caught her with
OF lust eli. 1 IL
waters edge. She struggled violently 10
free herself, but I pinned her arms with
both my hands.
How dare your" she said, turning to
me white. wan face. " Let ME go-let me
go, l say-this instant"
Not until you are more rational.
Young woman. do you know the crime YOU
meditated?"
Suppose do said hedefantly, what
then ?''
Only that I shall hold you until you
think better of your Intention There-it
is useless to struggle" for she endeavored
to twist herself from my grasp. q do
not intend to release you until you are
calmer."
Finding herself powerless, she began to
cry Historically. This was a good sign. |
led her back 10 the bench, still keeping a
firm hold of her. She sobbed violently,
her tears dropping on my hands, and | felt
she was trembling from head to foot
Knowing that after this excitement she
would become exhausted, / waited pa
tiently, and when she grew calmer relaxed
my hold of her. She buried her face in
her handkerchief and wept more quietly
J" Now" said |, " tell me your troubles.
Few are 50 bad but they can be alleyiated if
they cannot be cured"
She raised her head, turning her wild
dark eyes on mine " How dare YOU, a
stranger, speak to me at all 1t is liber-
ty-a great liberty"
1t would be SO under ordinary circum-
stances; but would not stand by to see a
life thrown away, and you are young
enough to have in all probability many
happy days in the future. Who knows
what Providence may have in store for
your"
Providence has deserted me-"
No; Providence never fersakes those
who do their best ard place their trust in
him. What Is your grief to prompt such a
dreadful act as this?''
on have no right to ask
This is childish" l said, vexed at the
wrong view she took Of my interference.
= If your friends gre unkind-'
have no friends, heinterrupted.
Perhaps it is a lovers quarrel ?'
Sir, do you insult me?1
Is it poverty ?'' ! asked. glancins at her
attire, which, though neat, gave no tokens
OF it; bat | well knew that poverty, that
most terrible one OF all, exists-hidden
poverty-and frequently appearances are
deceitftil
" 1t is possible that you mean well, but
life is burden to me. l am one of the
most forlorn creatures on the face of the
earth, or | should rot wish 10 quit a lovely
scene like this" glancing up at the blue
sky. Then | saw she was heau;iful-a
young. delicate, refined profile, relieved
cameo-lille by the brown bonnet.
You are better now win YOU prom
Use never again TO attempt selfdestruction
to try and bear your sorrow 2p
/ have tried-fought against It, but
hope is dead; / am powerless and friend
less
Do not say that; am willing TO be-
friend you. You distrust me because | am
young man and a stranger. Here is my
card. am doctor, well known about this
neighborhood. Write, come, or send to me.
and l will try to assist you
She hung her head evidently my words
had impressed her, and placed my card in
her passive hand.
Sir, said she, thank you if you are
sincere"
Will you give me your promise pr
Yes, l will preserve little longer my
miserable, lost life. have no one to adj
wise Or" She stopped as the old church
clock ehimed s. +" must fy-I shall be
missedi' She started up, rearranging her
veil with hurried, agitated fingers. Good
morning, sir" She sped away up the hill
like gazelle, l following at moderate
distance. A white object futtered on the
path ii was her handkerchief | picked
it up, and noted it was of the finest cam
brio, with the initials g 7. D." exquisitely
embroidered. On the brow of the hin she
turned and looked back. l waved the
handkerchief Mi:tabing my object. she
made dart forward, and her slight sylph-
like form disappeared.
You was in the nick of time, sir, to
prevent that young party from chucking
herself away. | was watching her myself,
but wasn't SO near as you, said a police
man of the 8 division, emerging from
the fprze bushes. Eve seen her here twice
before in early morning
L L