La Junta tribune., 1898-02-05


the first train which would carry me
towards the city where Horace was
located an . physician OF course. my
wife protested and was anxious about
me. bn, go would. and did.
-whcn reached c. repaired at
once 10 the home OF my friend. con6-
den,!y expecting to see Grape on the
door. but that badge OF death being alb
cent felt greatly relieved
II was met in the drawing-room by
the housekeepcr. who explained that
the doctor had been called away east
very suddenly; she had heard him
speak Of sending telegram followed
By letter to me at Denver. II was evil
dent Horace had not received my mes
ssges telling him 10 follow US to Colo
rado Springs.
II returned at once to Denver. where
I found his letter awaiting me. and rs
near Ms can remember II read as fol-
lows:
Dear Old Chum:-I intended to 5e
with you long ago. but was detained by
severe sickness among my patients.
and have now received news which
obliges me 10 go cast at once. I may
as well confess the one secret OF my life
which l have kept even from you. my
trusted friend. loved Eleanor M.
the daughter OF the old surgeon with
whom ! spent several years; before
was aware OF it my heart had gone out
to her beyond recall: then. and not un-
Ill then. did learn she was betrothed
TO her cousin; she married him. and
her life has been q hell on earth. fer
he was dissipated scoundrel. Her own
fortune was soon swallowed up. srt
Eleanor fought braveIy against adver-
sity and managed to care for herself
and children. have not seen her for
ten years. but unknown to her have
been able to aid her in various ways.
Now comes news through my agent OF
the death OF her miserable husband In
an inebrintc asylum. and I hasten to
her assistance with hope rising phenix-
like in my heart: bid me God-speed.
my more than brother.
Ever yours.
HORACE.
II laid down the letter and unused.
The secret revealed therein did not
surprise me greatly: had suspicioned
something of the kind long before:
Horace was just the man to keep on
loving a woman all his life. and was
rejoiced at the prospect Of his being
rewarded at last; but how in heavens
name could explain that phenomenon
on the moun,ain?--it WAS SO real that
trembled with superstitious awe
when recalled II. but instead Of hay
ing been subject Of telepathy. as I
had firmly believed. here was positive
proof that no vision had appeared to
me. The more ltried to argue It out
with myself the more puzzled be-
came. and finally decided II must have
been 4 hallucination causd by the rari-
fed air acting upon my overtaxed
brain.
II should never have known to the
contrary had not Horace confessed to
me the first time We met Afterwards
that he vas really on the summit q
Pixies Peak In person that svsat8Al
afternoon He found ont his trip esst
could be made rs quickly via Denver.
and longing to sec me. followed ON to
the Springs. and took the next train
to ours up the mountain. A guide told
him where was. and he quietly took
seat Deslue me On the TOCkb. NOtln&
my look Of establishment and remem-
bering my scorn of things supernatural
he decided to test me. SO. without
speaking word. he rose slowly and.
pointing upward. disappeared round q
point of rocks rs suddenly n he had
come. never dreaming but would
guess the ruse he had employed against
me when I should receive his letter
awaiting me at Denver.
. You may be interested In knowing
that Horace Is now residing In Chicago
and married to the woman of his
choice.
And now. gentlemen. with your per-
mission We will drink bumper to the
decline of superstition and the triumph
Of common sense In this good land Ct
ours
All arose in response and drank to
the toast. then Joined In giving three
cheers in honor Of their esteemed host.
Judge No. 13