Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-11-30
G6ttW6II'S Skeleton.
Ey Kennett F. Harris.

THERE was a skeleton In Harvey
Geifwelrs closet. Strictly speak
ing. IL was not In the closet, for the at
tic bedroom had not that convenience,
but in it's stead Geffwell had strung a
wire across the recess at the foot Of his
bed and had pinned a sheet on the wire
In such a way that he could easily slide
il backward and forward. 1t Unanswered
every purpose, for il kept the dust from
L ffwells other suit and II concealed
Johnson.
johnson was the skeletons name. II
is to be understood that he was not a
fugitive from Justice with a hold on
Geffwell. He was 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, il was
merely scientific interest that he took
Ia It. but in time the interest ripened
into feeling that he had more than an
element Of personal liking. Then be
began TO call the skeleton Johnson ant
tell him his troubles
Some companions are not sympa-
thetic. johnson always was, or SO Gctl-
well imagined. His bright smile Of well
come was uufailing whenever the young
student pulled aside the muslin curtai'
On his return from lectures. lie was -
eBt. of course. except when Geiiwel.
happened TO turn him around to SETTLE
some anatomical doubt and ratified his
libia, but loquacity is not essential 60
rompanionship. He was Instructive at
least, and what knowledge he could moi
impart directly he often suggested.
Geffwell and he had many a midnight
session together, the student with his
books and johnson ready and willing
TO assist him at any moment he might
lie appealed to.
! Geffwell never treated johnson dis
respectfully, as many Of his fellows
treated their skeletons or skulls II they
we're not fortunate enough TO own an
entire osseous system. The idea Of
making a pipe rack of Johnson's ribs,
hanging his umbrella on his ilium or
setting straw hat at a rakish angle on
his polished Uranium would have
shocked him. When any of the men
anne up TO see him, as they did coca
.ionally, Geffwell's pride In his posses
sion would not allow him TO conceal Il
from their professional admiration, but
made him nervous II they handled Il
too Familiarity. He had somehow q
vague idea that johnson might not liS,
Il. and he was always glad to draw the
urtain again.
The men gradually came TO recognize
Ieffwell's consideration for his skelt.
lNtH anu AhNfi EiStAlhEe EfItidilN III
tuded a polite inquiry after johnson,
well-being.
He's all right" Geffwell would re
his. cheerfully. Hes behaving him
self and he hasn't seen the inside Of th,
precinct station yet. They'll never hav,
20 send out the wagon on his account.
You're sure you looked at him thi
morning before you left the house 2
said the man at whom this stab was d
rected.
Sure" said Geffweli. Then as a sus
picion Of a conspiracy 10 steal his treas
ure crossed his mind he added: "why 2
'Oh, nothing particular; only the las
time I saw him l thought he had los
flesh"
In course Of time the examination
rame on, and then GefTwell began 1,
realize what he owed TO johnson. r,
\ constant contemplation he had Ion.
-ince come 10 know his fractional part
4 from the frontal bone to the last row
= his dangling phalanges-uot merel
~ name and position, bui by exact form
nd 10 the most minute detail Of prOpor
i On. Then he had invested him VIII
4 tilages, veins and arteries. and witl