Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1891-06-26

should have nc once claimed acquaint-
anceship with my visitor, but before l could
speak he advanced, and apologized grace
fully for his intrusion.
'You will forgive IT," he added, "when /
tell you my name is Ralph CarTiston."
Remembering our chance conversation, the
thought that, after all, Charles Carrlst0n's
wild suspicion was well-founded, flashed
through me like lightning. My great hope
was that my visitor might not remember my
face as l remembered his 1 bowed coldly
but said nothing.
II believe, Dr. Brand" he continued, "you
have young relative of mine at present
staying with you?'
"Yes, Mr.. Carriston is my guest" answer
ed. 1--WE are old friends"
"Ah, l did not know that do not remem-
Der having heard him mention your name as
q friend. But as it is so, no one knows bet
ter than you do the unfortunate state of his
health. How do you find him to-day-viO-
lent@'
Ipretended to ignore the mans meaning,
and answered smilingly, violence is the
last thing should look for. He is tired out
and exhausted by travel, and is in great dis
tress That believe, is the whole OF his
complaint"
"Yes, yes to be sure, poor boy. His sweet
heart has left him or something. But as a
doctor you must know that his mental condi-
ton Is not quite what 1t should be. His
friends are very anxious about him. They
fear that little estraint-temporary, / hope
must be put upon his actions. l called TO
ask your advice and add
"ln what, Mr.. CanlstOn%'
ain this. A young man can't be left free
10. A., .
have brought DR.. Daley with me-you know
him of course. He is below in my carriage
will call him up, with your permission. He
could then see poor Charles, and the needful
certificate could be signed by you two doc.
tors.a
"Mr. Caniston," ! said, decidedly, "let me
tell You in the plainest words that your cous-
In is at present as fully in possession of his
wits as you are. DIR. Daley-whoever he
may be--cOuld sign no certificate, and in our
day no asylum would dare TO keep Mr. Car
riston within its walls"
An unpleasant sinister look crossed my list
ener's face, but his voice still remained bland
and suave. 81 am sorry to differ from you
DIR. Brand" he said, but know him better
than you do. have seen him as you have
never yet seen him. Only last night he came
10 me in a frantic state. i expected every
moment he would make murderous attack
on me-"
perhaps he fancied he had some reasons
for anger" / said.
Ralph CarristOn looked at me with those
cold eyes Of which his cousin had spoken.
IF the boy has succeeded in converting you
to any of his decisions can only say that
doctors are more credulous than / fancied.
But the question is not worth arguing. You
decline to assist me, so / must do without
you. Good-moming, DR.. Brand"
He left the room as gracefully as he had
entered it. remained in state OF doubt
1t was curious that Ralph Carriston turned
out TO be the man whom i had met in the
train; but the evidence offered by the cofnci-
dence was not enough to convict him of the
crime of endeavoring TO drive his cousin mad
by such far-fetched stratagem as the inveig-
ling away of Madeline Rowan. Besides,
even in wishing TO prove Charles CarTistOn
mad, he had much to say on his side. Sup
posing him TO be innocent of having abducted
Madeline, CarristOns violent behavior on the
preceding evening must have seemed very
much like insanity. In spite of the aversion
with which Ralph CarristOn inspired me,
scarcely knew which side TO believe.
CarTistOn still slept; so when out on my
afternoon rounds left a note, begging him
to remain in the house until my return.
Then found him up, dressed, and looking
much more like himself. When l entered
dinner was on the table, so not until that
meal was over could we talk unrestrainedly
upon the subject which was uppermost IN
both our minds.