Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-06-26

should have ut 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, "wben i
tell you my name is Ralph Carriston."
Remembering our chance conversation, the
thought that, after all, Charles Carriston'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.
IL believe, Dr. Brand" he continued, ''yOu
have young relative Of mine at present
staying with your
"Yes, Mr.. Carriston is my guest. answer
ed. I'VE are old friends"
"Ah, did not know that. do not remem-
Der having heard him mention your name as
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-
lenty'
pretended 10 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 l believe, is the whole of his
complaint"
YES, yes, to be sure, poor boy. His sweet
heart has left him or something. But as
doctor you must know that his mental condi-
ton is not quite what it should be. His
friends are very anxious about him. They
fear that little restraint-temporary, hope
must be put upon his actions. l called To
ask your advice and aid
ain what Mr.. Carriston?'
'In this. A young man can't be left free
to 60 about threatening his friends lives. |
have brought DR.. Daley with me-yOu know
him of course. He is below in my carriage.
l will call him up, with your permission. He
could then see poor Charles and the needful
certificate could be signed by you two doe
tors"
"Mr. Caniston," said, decidedly, ''let me
tell You in the plainest words that your cous-
in is at present "a fully III possession of his
wits as you are Dr. Daley-whoever he
may be-could sign no certificate, and in our
day no asylum would dare to keep Mr.. Car
rston within its walls"
An unpleasant sinister look crossed my list
ener's face, but his voice still remained bland
and suave. IL am sorry to differ from you
Dr. 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 frantic state. l expected every
UnOlIlcllt lie Noulu MAKE HluIuclOuS dltStck
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.
"lf the boy has succeeded in converting you
10 any of his decisions can only say that
doctors are more creduous than fancied.
But the question is not worth arguing. You
decline 10 assist me, so / must do without
you. Goodmornng, Dr. Brand"
He left the room as gracefully as he had
entered it. l remained in state OF doubt
1t was curious that Ralph Carriston turned
out to be the man whom | had met in the
train; but the evidence offered by the coinci-
dence was not enough to convict him of the
crime of endeavoring TO drive his cousin mad
by such far-fetched stratagem as the inyeig-
ling away of Madeline Rowan. Besides,
even in wishing to prove Charles CaTiston
mad, he had much to say on his side. Sup
posing him to be innocent of having abducted
Madeline, Carriston's violent behavior on the
preceding evening must have seemed very
much like insanity. In spite Of the aversion
with which Ralph Carriston inspired me, l
scarcely knew which side to believe.
GARRISON 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 | entered
dinner was on the table so not until that
! meal was over could we talk unrestranedly
upon the subject which was uppermoSt IN
both our minds.