The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1899-04-05


the matter until year later Ireceiyed
another letter of similar import, add
ing that the deer hunting in their vi
cinity was fine, Again l was obliged
to decline the invitation with thanks.
Then, for couple of years, | heard
nothing further until one day re-
ceived n telegram summoning me to a
small lumber town but few miles
from Robison's null to perform an OPP
Grafton.
That evening l took the train, and
on the following afternoon | reached
the place, performed the operation and
was asking the proprietor OF the hotel
where was stopping as to midnight
train / might take on my way home,
when / was very much astonished to
sec my old friend Robson enter the
| hotel. He was cordial to enthusi-
asm, told me how, hearing of my COM
ing, he had driven into town especially
to get me and take me to his home
| for visit, told what a fine lad his boy
had grown to be and all about the
prosperity and happiness of himself
and wife. He would not be put off, so
that finally / agreed to go, and we re-
tired for the night.
The following morning l visited my
patient to find him doing nicely and
returned to the hotel just as m, friend
| drove up to the Office door with fine
dark bay horse hitched TO an open
buggy. As put my foot on the step
to climb to my seat l noticed, under
the seat partly covered by robes, two
or three large stones netted with ropes
like the stone anchors improvised
sometimes by fishermen. These an
chors did not excite especial curiosity
Mt the time, but, ,as we drove along, my
friend very exuberant and talkative,
those anchors would flash into my
mind every little while so that between
listening to my companion and musing
as to the stones had little else to do.
was surprised at Robison's volu-
bility at first, and then | was puzzled
by the variety of topics he discussed
and the unusual energy and excite
ment he showed as he talked. He was
still interested in the tramp question
and said he was about to solve it by
erecting two large treadmills which
he was going to turn in opposite di-
rections by tramp power. The shafts
of these treadmills were joined to-
press against each other, the ends of
the shafts when they came together
being protected b, plates of iron and
a universal joint. The friction result
ing from the opposite movement of the
two treadmills and the plates of iron
would generate heat sufficient to boil
water and produce steam with which
to warm his mill, run his electric lights
and grind wood into pulp for paper
making purposes.
Then was certain was driving
with a mailman, and the curiously
covered stones under the seat required
to my mind.
At this point Robson turned his
horse from the main road into little
wood road, remarking as he did so
that he wanted to leave the highway
and take look at some shingle tim
ber which he had skidded on the bank
Of lake nearby, preparatory to float
ing it over to his mill
1 was not frightened because physi-
cally felt far superior to my madman.
Reaching point quite distance
from the main road, my friend stopped
his horse, and as he jumped from the
buggy l observed that while his face
was covered with strange pallor his
eyes were weirdly bright, while ner,
vous twitching kept his lips in rest
less state. Surely the climax was a
hand, but what was it?
Jumping from the buggy saw, ovel
n slight eminence a very pretty littl,
lake, and on the bank in the foreground
was n small boat-a scow made o
rough pine boards. 1 remarked tn,
presence of the boat and asked what i
was for.
1T is for you to ride in if you wish.
he answered in a quivering, shril
voice at which / stepped more closel,
to him. Then he said, rs he stepped
upon log, 'let's get up on the logs
we'll get better view" As he di,
this saw, in the hand farthest from
me, the handle of revolver, and will
powerful spring l leaped up at him
seized the hand holding the pistol anC
speaking with all the calmness / coul,
command said; "My dear Robson
you do not want to shoot me; it woult
be the mistake of your life to commi
such crime"
: Instantly his eyes filed with tears
he released his hold upon the weapon
and answered: doctor. did intent
to shoot you; l have wanted to do i
} for years, but l am very thankful
} have been prevented. AS soon as
} heard you were coming up this way
resolved to kill you and end my suf
ferings."
'Sufierings?" l exclaimed in amaze
} ment.
Eyes. They have been dreadful TO
: years." he answered. shortly afte
, we moved up here and when my bo,
, became old enough to talk in mature
/ reasonable way, he would engage hi
| mother in conversation about his i'll
7 ness. about the operation. about you