Evening star., 1900-08-18
Copyright, 1900, by S. s Mcclure Coz

I called upon Marston Moore one even
ing-it was IN September, 1SSS-and quite
to my surprise found him in deep detection
He was a young physician of three or four
years practice. but without a care in the
world that 1 had ever heard of: certainly
he had occasion TO worry about ordi-
nary things. for his bank account was
among the many thousands. Nevertheless
he was respondent. and when l endeavored
to laugh him out of the condition he be-
came only more morose- His manner was
so brusque and his replies SO monosyllabic
that at last took offense and rose to de-
part 1t was then that he detained me.
Pardon me. old chap he said. with
more cordality than he had yet manifest
ed. THE fact is I'm in trouble. Somebody
has got to help me out, and 1 don't know
which way TO turn. 1t is almost too much
to ask of any friend
1 dropped back into my chair reassured.
and after moment of silence asked as
gently / could:
How much is it. Marston?
He looked up quickly. and there was
puzzled expression on his face; then he
laughed, but it was mirthless laugh after
all.
1T isn't that he said. presently. Il
wish it were. Do you think that l would
have hesitated to apply to you if it were
question of money? No; tina: is the least
of my worries. 1t is something of far more
Importance than that 1t is-but | cannot
put you to such a severe test of friendship,
old fellow
Come, come" l exclaimed my curiosity
aroused. and also reseut!ng the idea that
he should consider any tes- of my fCienu-
ship for him too great for me to stand. IF
there is anything in the world that l can
do for you. MarSton, you well know that L
will be only too glad 10 do it. Out with it
now: what Is the matter?
Il cannot tell you all of the horrible
story he replied. with marked hesitation.
''lf you are willing to go with me you will
have TO wait until arrive before you
hear all there is to tell
Arrive where?" 1 demanded.
THAT also is out of my power to state
he responded. for l do not yet know my
self" Then he sprang from his chair, and
with rapid strides crossed and recrossed
the room several times. at last pausing
directly in front of me, with feet wide
apart and hands thrust deep into his trous-
ers pockets For moment he regarded
me with a gaze SO intense that involun-
tarily l turned my eyes away 1t was then
that he continued:
Look here. Ferguson" he said: IF you
really mean that you will stand by me
through this thing. you will have to go into
it blindly- 1t is not that l lack confidence
in you that L do rot tell-you know that. or
shouldn't Is because, now, l cannot be more
explicit"
''AI right: I'll go it blind. them 1 said.
trying to laugh, and making a miserable
the positions were reverss d."
Il am not so sure of that. knowing what
] do, he half SolioquiZed Its a great
deal to ask of any man. especially ones
best friend No. Ferguson, | do not think
that should accept your offer I'll see the
thing through alone. let the consequences
be what they may.
'Ill be blowed if you WILL l calculated,
getting upon my feet also. and facing him
where he stood. IF you are going into any
danger, where ] can be of service or
where l can help see you through I'm go-
ing to do it, l don't care a rap what it is
You needn't tell me another word now or
ever, II you don't want to, but go with YOU
l VIII: and if You still refuse. so help me-
II trump up some charge and have YOU
arrested so that you cannot go yourself
Now don't have any more words about it,
Dut tell me at once what L am to do
Ou re trump. too. Ferguson he ex-
claimed. seizing me by the hand and shak-
ing IT heartily. and l noticed tina: his eyes
frightened perceptibly he did So ut is
worth while having such a friend as Won
are In an extremity like this one. and /
Will take you at your word. All that l can
say now is this: | must leave here tonight
al midnight, and L have an appointment IN
Keep beyond the city limits: but the exact
Iocatlon OF the place where | am to meet
IN" parties who expect me has not vet been
hxed upon In fact. l will not know about
II until shortly before the time TO start
We VIII have to go on horseback and Cod
alone knows when We will return if we
ever do Are you still determined to ac-
company me?"
More than ever"
Very well. Meet me- then. at Iandis'
stables exactly at 10 o'clock tonight | will
have two good horses in readiness. See that
You well armed. Ferguson a pair of