The Forrest City times., 1899-10-20
G6tfW6II'S Skeleton.
By Kennett F. Harris.

THERE was a skeleton in Harvey
 Geffwell's closet. Strictly speak ing. it was not in the closet, for the at tic bedroom had not that convenience, but in its stead Geffwell had strung a wire across the recess at the foot of his bed and had pinned sheet on the wire in such a way that he could easily slide it backward and forward. It answered every purpose, for it kept the dust from Geffwell's other suit and it concealed Johnson.
 Johnson was the skeletons name It is to be understood that he was not fugitive from justice with a hold on Geffwell. He was a beautiful compile ment of the 200 bones in the human body, nicely articulated with silver wire and with a ring screwed into his pari- etal for the greater convenience of hang ing him up. He was a present from medical uncle of Geffwell's who had re- tired from practice and who, hearing that his nephew had chosen the noble profession of healing, sent him the bleached framework of humanity by express.
 When Geffwell first came to Chicago to study he used to feel lonely, and in time became greatly attached to his uncle's gift. To begin with, it was merely a scientific interest that he took in it, but in time the interest ripened into feeling that he had more than an element of personal liking. Then he began to call the skeleton Johnson and tell him his troubles.
 Some companions are not sympa- thetic. Johnson always was, or so Geff- we'll imagined. His bright smile of well come was unfailing whenever the young student pulled aside the muslin curtain on his return from lectures. He was si- lent, of course, except when Getfwell happened to turn him around to settle some anatomical doubt and rattled his tlbia. but loquacity is not essential to companionship. He was instructive at least, and what knowledge he could not lmpart directly he often suggested. Geffwell and he had many midnight session together, the student with his books and Johnson ready and willing 10 assist him at any moment he might be appealed to.
 Geffwell never treated Johnson dis respectfully. as many of his fellows treated their skeletons or skulls if they were not fortunate enough to own an entlre osseous system. The idea of making a pipe rack of Johnson's ribs, hanging his umbrella on his ilium or setting a straw hat at rakish angle on his polished cranium would have shocked him. When any of the men came up to see him, as they did occa- slonally, Geffwell's pride in his posses slon would not allow him to conceal it from their professional admiration, but 1t made him nervous if they handled it 100 familiarly. He had somehow a vague idea that Johnson might not like It. and he was always glad to draw the curtain again.
 The men gradually came to recognize GeffwelPs consideration for his skele ton and their greetings generally in- cluded a polite inquiry after Johnson's well-being.
 Hes all right" Geffwell would re- ply, cheerfully. He's behaving him. self and he hasn't seen the inside of the precinct station yet. They'll never have 10 send out the wagon on his account"
 You're sure you looked at him this morning before you left the house ?" said the man at whom this stab was di- rected
 Sure" said Geffweli. Then as a sus- pieion of conspiracy to steal his treas ure crossed his mind he added: ''Why?"