The San Francisco call., 1897-10-10

But, Lord Suppose that even ut the house
l should find it impossible to convince
them that | was not surgeon Woeful
possibilities OF all kind suggested them
selves. l could not speak and so offer
proof. By this time We had travelled a
long distance and l had not the least idea
II what part of the city l was.
The carriage halted at last. The man
and the woman assisted me to alight and
led me up flight of street stairs. l was
ushered into hallway, the floor of
which was covered with a fine, thick
| carpet; then into reception-room,
which had the faint, sweet odors of refined
occupancy. Then the woman laid her
hand upon my shoulder, and in the
gentle and caressing way peculiar to her
| and so incredibly different from the fierce
determination with which she had seized
me in the carriage, said:
Take the word of an earnest woman
who has suffered more than you for the
outrage TO which you have been sub-
jected-that you will find a case here
which will appeal to all tbs manliness
within you. You will see distress and
suffering in an uncommon form, and the
kindliness of your nature will respond to
it-I know it will. Will you give me
sign that you trust me and that l may
trust your"
was too much frightened, exasperated
and confused to respond promptly. She
sank upon her knees, put her arms about
me and implored me for sign.
nodded. She sprang to her feet, ex-
claiming:
Il knew you would! Now I will run
and see how my friend is and ascertain if
everything is ready for you"
With that she left the room. The silent
men still sat beside me. In short time
the kindly voice of another man at the
door said:
John, show the doctor upstairs"
The man called John unbound my
hands and removed the gag. I'VE will
keep the bandage over your eyes for lit
tie while yet" he said, kindly.
He conducted me up fight of stairs.
led me down passage and then halted.
There the other man was awaiting us.
This one took my hand in a friendly
grasp, and discovered that his own was
soft and slender, but was trembling.
my dear sir" he said, with the voice
and words OF gentleman, cit is exceed
ingly painful to US all 10 have treated you
thus shabbily, but you will in good time
know the necessity for ii, and you will find
that If We have the good fortune TO secure
your friendship and silence we shall be
more than happy to recompense you to
the extent of our power, which, permit me
to add. is not small. l am about to take
you III to see my wife, who, as you have
doubtless been informed, has suffered a
serious accident. In handling a revolver
this evening she inadvertently let it fall
upon a ts Dle. 1t was thus discharged and
the bullet penetrated her breast"
He led me into room and removed the
bandage from my eyes. Then l saw in
the very dim light of the cham Der that he
was about 90 years old, with tall, strong
frame; but in spite OF his high-bred COM
posure and wonderful self command il was
evident that he was suffering greatly. He
retired, locking the door from the outside.
The chamber was large and handsomely
Z furnished. At the further end was bed,
from which came occasional faint moaDs.
Although my position was indescribably
awkward | had already decided upon a
course. Under the pretense of going out
for necessary surgical material l would
find some trustworthy surgical friend and
send HIM in my stead.
Iapproached the bed with much trepida-
lion. AS 1 did so l passed under the
chandelier and turned up the gas. When