Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-10-29
CHAPTER MI,
Philhrick Surnrised.

ne man MAD, he eNcidlncu.
The doctor was not far from right.
Whichever way Professor turned he
saw possible danger. Worse, or at
least more terrifying than the dangers
he could see, were those that threa.-
ened indefinitely The doctor might
at any time take it into his head to
disclose what he knew and PhilbriCk--
there was no telling what he knew or
inferred or meant to do. Desperation
was steadily and rapidly undermining
the professors mental balance. His
violent fits of temper, his inability 10
conceal his passion at all times, were
plain symptoms of the overstrain to
which events subjected him. The pro-
posal to Mrs Williams was a frenzied
attempt, like a last resort, to establish
such relationship that DR.. Williams at
least would be bound to silence.
"Of course" said Mrs. Williams,
quietly, st seems like it, | can't think
that he feels any affection for me-
Il should say not! What did you tell
him."
why, made it as clear as | could
ton. He begged me not to decide
hastily, but to hold the matter open.
He promised not to refer to it again
until a reasonable time had elapsed.
He has said nothing about it since | re-
turned here
shouldn't think he would. How
monstrous it seems!
"He pleaded for Louise and Amelia
more than for himself. They needed
an elder womans companionship, he
said.
Undoubtedly he was right there"
The doctor went to the bedside and
gazed at his patient with troubled eyes.
The horror Of the general situation
grew upon him as he saw the pallid
face of this innocent girl whose life
had been blasted by the yillainy of the
nan under whose roof she was obliged
to find shelter. Was it weakness on
his part that restrained him from still
exposing the professor? What was TO
be gained thereby? Not the undoing
of the murder, not the restoration of
Amelia's happiness, not a thing that
would he of benefit to himself or to his
mother. What evil would then be at
tendant upon an exposure. granting
that the crime of murder could I've
fastened upon the professor?
In answer to this query the doctor
felt host of ills rising before him:
The disgrace that so far he had warded
from Louise; the shock to his mother,
who would suffer. he could not tell how
keenly, at the thought of her associa-
tiOn with the man: discredit to him
self, though that weighed least in the
balance.
And yet, was it not his duty to act
that other crimes might be prevented
He had hardly thought of il in this
light before, and he shuddered as he
recalled how quick the professor was
to give way to violent passion. What
might not happen if he were permitted
to pursue his wretched course?
This thought came upon the doctor
with the force of a new resolution. He
felt himself called on not only to save
Amelia, but to Checkmate the professor
as well. His mind seized upon this
idea with vigOr, and he rapidly debated
plans of action. He had thus far dis
dained to exert or develop the power
he possessed over the professor except
the matter of compelling the proper
care of Amelia. 1t now seemed 10 him
as if he must establish that power
more firmly, if for no other reason,
that in the possible event of a trial he
might have inControyertible evidence
against Professor Drummond.
Mother" he said, suddenly wheeling
about, IF ii were to right great
wrong, could you descend to trick a
vilIain?"
Why, Mason, she responded slow
~ j hardly know what you mean"
"Of course you wouldn't" he ex-
claimed, striding across the room with
his hands behind him; you wouldn't
understand. for you don't know what is
in ny mind, and | am ashamed that
even dreamed of suggesting it. | will
handle the matter myself"
Mrs Williams went to him, and laid
her hand upon his shoulders,
My poor boy" she said you are
very much disturbed. | know, and
wish | could help you lou feel That
Professor Drummond is a very wicked
man do YOU mott"
Wicked isn't strong enough
mother"
1T it dreadful that we should have
been brought in contact with him So
she murmured half TO herself then TO
him i am thinking OF yod, Mason, not
Of myself What is this great wrong?
1t isn't to either OF us I'm sure"
She looked appealingly at him.
ITS to her" he answered huskily
jerking his head in the direction Of the
bed.
Mrs. Williams pressed her hands
gently upon his shoulders.
What can ! do, Mason ?" she asked.
Nothing, he replied abruptly. "Tn
see the professor"
He started 10 leave the room
Are Won going TO mention his pro-