Birmingham state herald., 1896-11-08

thought. Was It fancy that Wycherly was becoming structurally and organic ally affected by the new blood which was now circulating through his system? Could the mere transfusion of ordinary blood into his veins have given the fresh- ness of look, the elasticity and buoyancy of spirit which were now his. to man who, scarcely two weeks before, had been upon the bed of death? And could it be possible, on the other hand, that I de- tected a somewhat older look in the Ger man lads who formed part and parcel of this curious physical trinity? It was with a view to observe more closely and thor oughly both the surgical and physical aspects of the case that I decided to preserve the status quo for time, at any rate.
 Up to this date, at my friends request, I forebore to send any intimation to his friends at home regarding the serious &C., cident that had befallen him, as he feared to cause them unnecessary alarm. Now, however, he requested me to write them full account of the matter, and also of his rapid convalescence. There were, he told me, only three members of his household proper, now that himself and son were absent, namely his aged mother, his sis ter, and young lady-a distant relative who was betrothed to his son. Before this letter was dispatched the China mall brought news from his son, who wrote to say that he found Japan so interesting that he did not propose to leave it for month to come.
 From this time on most remarkable physiological change began to take place in the three beings who were curiously linked together by their circulatory sys- tens. They were evidently fast becom- ing assimiiated in physical features and conditions. Wycherly was, indeed, grow ing younger, while his companions were growing proportionately older. Once l was able to grasp and recognize that inf faf fon I da1.- ing, not so much at the fact per SC, as at the rapidity with which the change was being accomplished. I could only ac- count for this last feature of the strange metamorphosis by remembering that the blood now coursing in the veins of this strange partnership was in the first in- stance almost wholly that of the young Germans, as Wycherly'S vessels were well-nigh drained at the commencement of the trial He, therefore, took a fresh start in life, so to speak, with large capital of new blood.
 Two days before the China steamship was due, carefully separated the three men. The altered appearance of Wycher- ly, though in the highest degree strlk- ing to me, excited no surprise among the dairy people, who had first seen him in death-like swoon, and who attributed his altered looks to returning health. As for the young men who had become pre- maturely matured through keeping com pany with an invalid no one thought anything of it, and no one pitied them, as they had been paid literally for their loss of vitality. Wycherly, however, upon his return to the city, sent each of them check for an amount which amply represented the earnings of the eight years of life which they had lost We returned to the city in company, fash ionable tailor fitted out the young En- glish gentleman, my guest, and we ar ranged to meet next morning to go to- gether to the China steamship.
 ''Is MT. Wycherly on board-Mr. Steph- en Wycherly?" asked my friend, next day, of one of the stewards.
 MT. Wycherly?" replied the man, starting; "why-oh, yes, I remember. Please to wait, sir, till ] call one of the officers
 Presently we observed one of the of ficers coming forward, conversing with the steward. AS he came up, he bowed gravely and said:
 q grieve to tell you, gentlemen, that MT. Wycherly died on the passage here and was buried at sea. If you will ac- company me to the surgeons cabin he will supply you with all the particulars, and he led the way aft.
 Sorrowfully followed the grief-strick- en parent, whose bowed head and un- steady step showed the violence of the blow.
 q am speaking to MT. Wycherly's brother, I presume,' said the surgeon, after the officer had explained our er- rand, turning to my companion. The resemblance is so striking that I do not think can be mistaken, though I should say you were slightly his senior"
 "1is father" replied my friend, simp ly.
 His fatehr! Excuse me; if you will come inside I will show you my books"
 It turned out that poor Stephen-my friends son-his name also-had been II. I. txrfI day out from Yokohama, and had never rallied from the attack.
 Did you remark the surgeons express ion of incredulity when you said you were the father of the MT. Wycherly who died on the passage?' said to my friend the next day as he sat in my office. Tt may turn out that you will have trouble in establishing your identity. I can, of course, vouch for it, but 1t is not likely that my word would gain undisputed credence, seeing that it is unparalleled in the annals of science"
 Make yourself easy on that point" returned Wycherly, with something of heat in his tone. "As to my friends at home, is it reasonable to suppose that they would fail to recognize one who is thoroughly conversant with each detail of our family affairs?"
 'I hope 1t may turn out as you say" I remarked dubiously.
 Just then my servant entered with card I started on reading it and handed it to Wycherly.
 Miss Gertrude Tremaine" he ejacu- lated. But how--how-
 'The lady has come to inquire regard ing MT. Wycherly--Mr. stephen Wycher- ly," said the boy.
 .'Show her in," said l. and immediately a tall, handsome brunette appeared in the doorway. She looked first at one and then at the other, as if undecided how to act, then advanced to where Wycherly was sitting, too bewildered to speak, and took him by the hand.
 "Why Stephen" she said, wont you know me? I didn't expect to find you here I thought should find papa here. They told me should get news of him here at the place used to direct all my letters to-"
 why, Gertie' returned Wycherly, re- garding her with embarrassment. "don't you know me? Don't you know Stephens father?"
 "What does this mean, sir?" she said, drawing herself up with offended dignity. "But do not fatter yourself it was to see you sir, that came. I came at the express desire of your grandmother and aunt to see that your father was being properly taken care of. Oh, Stephen" cha continued in A sOftened tone. "they