Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-05-24

Len Burker Can't. Johns slender savings
ana Dolly'S lutte fortune mad melted slowly
away-thrown into the hopper of Bur>er s
rash speculations and unlawful schemes.
The second. the third. the fourth year
since the gallant ship Franklin and its
gallant captain Branigan had sailed away
from the fair port of San Diego was draw
ing to close. Measures had long ago been
taken to provide for the destitute families
of the men who had gone down with her IN
some merciless gale, for such in the opln-
ion Of everyone had been the fate Of the
beautiful clipper ship.
Len Bunker grew weary OF waiting for
Dolly's old uncle to die and, partly with an
idea TO learn from personal examination
in what way he might hasten consumna-
ton so Gevoutly wished by him and partly
on account of the threats Of arrest for fraud
made against him. he disappeared at this
time. and Mir. Andrew assumed the care
and custody of Dolly Branigau, only 10 find
the bank account drained OF It's last penny
and every dollar Of her little fortune
squandered
After consultation with DR. Bromley, an
eminent chemist. it was now resolved to
make an effort to break the spell resting
upon Dolly's reasoning powers. Her mind
had of late given several proofs OF return
ing strength. She had been observed TO
pause in front of her husbands portrait.
and to rivet her gaze upon it with a look OF
deep and tender contemplation, as if Striv-
ing to escape from the mists shrOuding her
mental faculties.
Dr. BromleyS plan was 10 reproduce to
the minutest detail the heartreuding scene
of little Watts drowning. Dolly was taken
on board of the steam launch and placed on
the very spot where she had stood when
the terrible accident mad occurred. Then
chairman occupying the same position that
the Boundary had done. As Dolly'S eyes
fell upon the ship her face lighted up with
an expression of one awakening from u
dream. Her lips began TO move, but sud
denly the old look of despair came back
and she murmured: John, dear John You
will soon come sailing back, too, and / shall
be here to receive you
Then she suddenly fixed her gaze upon
the water leaning forward and peering
down at the CLASSY surface Of the bay as
if she would fathom its dark and impen-
etrable depths
After the lapse Of q few instants a pitiful
cry burst from her lips and she threw her
self upon her knees On the deck, half moan
ing half shrieking. There there-there
where my little Wat went down, my
precious babe-thCre-I remember it all. l
remember it now
The cure WAS complete. Dolly Branigan
had recovered her reason. so severe had
been the shock. however, that she was
prOStratcd for several days, ana at times her
mind wandered, but it was the delirium of
fever, and not the dread insanity come
again.
Almost her first question to DR.. Bromley
was as TO the length of time she had been
out of her mind
For two months" replied the physician,
who was prepared for such an inquiry.
Two months" murmured Dolly, only
two months! Why it seems is if an age
had passed over my head" And then
she added with 4 deep drawn sigh,
Only two months, John is not back
then, is he2 For it is only two months
that our dear little babe
Yes" said DR.. Bromley, quietly, 'Mr.
Andrews has written him
At these words Dolly turned her large
dark eyes full upon the physician and
asked:
Have they received news of the
Franklin"
DR.. Bromley explained that the house
lad expected letters from Singapore, but
thlt they had not arrived Yet, that there
was ever reason 10 believe, however,
tnat the Franklin would soon reach Cal
cutta. that even now they were awaiting
dispatch to that effect.
10 Nh William Andrew. who called at
DoIly's request to take charge of a letter
which she had written to her husband, she
expressed her aInazement al the great
change which had taken place in her face.
And to think she muruured, that two
short months should have been able 10 do
all this All, my poor dear John, how
changed he will find me, How terribly
changed"
Convinced as Dr.. Bromley was that it
would be unwise to keep the real truth
from Dolly any longer than was necessary
for her complete restoration to health, it
was arranged that the gentle-mannered
shipping merchant should break the terri
bic news to her of the four years duration
of her insanity and of the loss of the good
ship Franklin with every soul on board.
Hui il did not become necessary. for it
WAS Dolly herself who accidentally discoy-
cred the true facts Of the case. For several
days She had had in mind an intent to carry
an additional reward to the sailor who
had saved her life and who, she
had been informed, could be found
almost any day Oh the wharf, and
fearing lest the woman in charge of her
for Jane Burker had disappeared with
her nus band, might object 10 the long walk,