The National tribune., 1897-10-14
II see," he answered, laughing also; you
arc on guard. l shall have to watch and

II see," he answered, laughing also; you
arc on guard. shall have to watch and
| wait"
You will never succeed"
Well, !" he said, in tone that meant that
he would never give up the attempt, may
| be you are right. But now that you are re-
| covering, you must have name. do not
wish you TO he known as Number Ninety
six any longer. What shall it be?"
why not John Smith,"
Too common. Try again"
"Nasmith then; that is the negative
Nay-Smith."
"a bad derivation but let that go
Any given name?"
why not Claudius?"
"ClaudIus Nasmith, ell ?" He looked al
me a moment with his eyes half closed
WAS it Claudius n. Smith ?" he asked sud
denly.
Then I could not keep from laughing
Il see, Mr.. Nasmith, it is to be long
game. Did you play chess?"
"a little'
Enough to know the meaning of check
mate, l suppose ?" he asked, significantly.
"Or stale mate" answered
"Well," he responded, pleasantly. I" it will
be fair game. Would you like to take a
after awhile Good morning"
He went ont. closed the door, and shot the
bolt. He did not yet believe in my COM
plee restoration.
Aud I--what do you think did :? I sat
for an hour repeating over to myself what
had been said, rejoicing with unspeakable
rapture in the words which were as old
friepds-friends met after long absence, each
one of whom brought greeting. How sweet
it was to know them! How their syllab!es
unclaimed nay ear! How rapturous to feel
their Specification, to know their uses, to
play the never ending game of conversation
once more!
/ was not strong and rapture wearies.
fell asleep. and when l woke DR.. Walcott
was aading beside me and asking me to
go down and lunch with him before we
went to ride. Had the heavens opened
could no: have been happier. lift only
knew abau, my wife!
l went down the flights of stairs and
along the halls as If had been a friend WIS.,
iting the Institution" L was afraid
should shout for joy. but knew it would not
do to let my ecstacy be known. He led me
10 y pleasant room, where stood dainti!y-
appointed table, and asked me 10 be seated.
A great fear took hold upon me. Suppose
all this should vanish Suppose it were a
dream-one of the terrible dreams of the
tomb wherein had lain SO long! / caught
his hand.
Doctor! Give me something-quick
mcihing-something mum ing!"
"Quiet!" he said, holding my hand with
a crushing grip.
1t grew dark suddenly. wave of black,
hopeless despair rolled over me. Was /
slipping Blackjack into the night. l. was
conscious OF some stir about me.
God send l have not been too hasty,"
dimly heard the Doctor say. Il did not
think he was SO weak"
A draught was put to my lips When I
came to myself was in q little cottage out
SIDE the walls, and The birds were singing in
the vines that clustered about it. few days
afterwards | took the ride which had been
deferred. How luxurious the carriage
seemed! How incompatible the horses!
How inconceivasiy lovely tho trees, the
lawns, the-everythng! l had been dead
and was alive again! was taken to
tailor's and fitted with a suit of clothes.
How soft thu stuff seemed! How lovely
their sheen! How delightful it WAS to feel
them on my body! Every nerve kissed
them with rapturous greeting. The dead
was clothed in the garments of life. Laza-
rus was a gentleman again.
ITO Be continued