St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1892-10-08
THE DEAD HAND.

From the first day of my temporary so
lourn at II Transome Terrace, Wcstvile-
by-Sca, became aware that some one
was i'll next door. The weather was 50
pcrslstently wet that | was compelled to
remain within, and, being alone, | nat,lr-
ally spent much of my time at the Win
dow, wondering whether it ever would
be fine enough for outdoor sketching.
Thus it was that the frequent visits to 13
of an unmistakable doctor, in an unmis-
taxable doctors brougham attracted my
attention. Two, and even three times a
day he came, and on his departure [ al
ways noticed that look of grave, pro-
fessicnal anxiety which, on doctors
face, bodies i'll for the patient.
Sometimes the medical man was ac-
companicd to his carriage by a gentleman
who appeared to be questioning him with
singular earnestness. Bareheaded and
regardless of the never-ccasing rain. the
latter would stand at the door of the
brougham, seemingly loath to let the
doctor go without some final instruc-
lions, or, perchance, some ray of hope.
The anxious inquirer was tall, with mar
row, stopping shoulders, but all that
could see of his features as he hurried
back into the house was that he was about
thirty years of age, with no hair on his
face, which was very pale
With curiosity born of enforced idle
ness, I asked my landlady what was the
matter at No. 10, but all she could tell
me was that the house next door was
also a lodging house and that the doe
tors visits were paid to an old gentle
man who had been brought there very
ill, by his nephew. My landlady added
that it was strange choice of apartments
to have made for sick person, as the
woman who kept them was little better
than an idiot, and was only assisted by
an equally stupid servant girl At the
time put this remark down to profess
ional jealousy, especially as the nephew
had been to look at the rooms I myself
was now occupying, and, after making
particular inquiries, had refused them.
1t was not until [ had been at West
vile a week that the weather frightened
and was able to take my sketch book in
search of subjects. But the eighth day
was fine, and starting Immediately after
breakfast, managed to put in a good
days work at the ruined tower some
miles along the coast. Returning at sun
down l dined, and then settled myself
for comfortable pipe over the days
paper. AS l lit up could not help Won
dering how many visits the doctor had
paid to No. 10. From mere force of
habit had grown into looking out for
him and finally into taking a sort of in
terest in the number of times he came.
The day before, while was still at nv |
post at the window, he had been in four
lines, from which l argued that the
patient was worse.
had not been reading very long when
here was ring at the street door bell.
minute or SO later my landlady came
INTO the room and said that the gentle
nan who lodged next door was below.
md had asked for her husband, who
to be out for the evening On
learing that the gentleman had inquired
there was any ane else in the house
Who could accompany him back next
ioor Tor few minutes on matter OF
business. The landlady was unable to
70 herself, the servant being out, but
S the gentleman seemed disappointed
he had taken the liberty of suggest
ng that he should ask me. Would I,
It any rate, see him and then decide?
was only too glad to be of use to pco-
Die who appeared to be in great trouble,
ar from their friends in seaside lodg-
ng house, and | told the landlady to
how the gentleman in.
In another moment the tall, loose
ramed man whom | had seen so often
ttending the doctor to his carriage
TODD bowling in the doorway.
Pray come in" said, rising, Gin
What way canI be of service to your
The stranger entered the room. His
yes, which saw were weak, blinked in
ne bright lamplight. He disregarded
he motion l made toward chair, and
answered me standing. He seemed nerv-