The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-05-11

n little and put out his hand to the near
est chnir
whats this?" whispered the DOCTOR
coming swiftly to his side.
empty stomach" said Jimmie, with O
wan smile. Nothing in it since last
night"
Idiot" said the doctor, but Jimmie
knew he wasn't addressing him. Idiot
And you pretend to some knowledge OF
diagnosis. Here, you hungry humilia,
tor Of overweening conceit, come this
way" And presently Jimmie was served
meal the like Of which was quite be.
yond the widest limit of his dreams. The
doctor went away softly while he ate,
and when he was through the tall man
appeared in the doorway.
Are you quite fnished?" he asked.
IF so, come this way" And he led him
into a coy sitting room whose walls
were lined with bools-more books than
Jimmie had ever seen in all his brief life.
time.
sit down." said the tall man in a gen.
tie voice. Il want to have little talk
with you. Are you so situated that you
can remain hcre?'
No one has any claim on me-" said
All lily wv u
The tall man smiled.
and how would you like to drop your
independence and play grand vizier to the
sultan of my Dickie:" he asked.
My independence brought me to hun
ger and the Streets" said Jimmie. II
think Id like the change"
Il am greatly pleased with you," said
the tall man. You seem to be youth
;at,
health and strength, and You can rest as.
$ured that anything you may do for my
inotherlrss Dckie will be gratefully up.
preciatcd. For the present | must ask
You TO act both as companion and nurse.
His wants are few, but some one must
be with him. He manifested violent
prejudice against all outsiders until you
came. and while you fill nurses place
| want your mind clear regarding your
responsibility and its financial equivalent
Il will pay you nurses wages. $50 IL
week." Jimmie thrust his finger nails
into the palms OF his hands. The pain
told him he was awake. 1.-The recon-
pcnse for your admirable works of fiction
will have to be settled upon later. But
can say to you that if you can retain my
sons good will and all goes well with
him | can promise you trip abroad in
his company next summer"
Before Jimmie could pinch himself
again the doctor entered. He was slow
ly rubbing his hands.
THE sultan is sleeping beautifully" he
said. Il believe lie is good for an all
night nap. and I'm going home. You
have arranged with the vizier. ! sup
pose. Jordan? Yes? Then first. young
man. I'll put you to bed. Come along"
Jimmie assured him that he was. and
they went up to the room of the sick boy
Here broad couch had been prepared
for Jimmie. and at Il signal from the doc,
tor he rapidly undrcsscd. The big man
pointed 10 Il cooling drink on the table at
the bedside and to the slippers and dress
ing gown Mt the foot of the couch. Then
as the boys head touched the pillow he
stopped above him and gently whispered:
Good night. grand vizier."
The boy lay for few moments with
his eyes roaming about the dimly lighted
apartment He noted the quiet elegance
of the appointments, the dainty decora
tons. the costly pictures and vases. the
soft blending of many colOrs. The very
air of the apartment seemed charged
with the aroma of luxury.
Once more his finger nails bit into the
palms of his hands.
NO" he whispered to himself; "it isn't
dream"
Then as his head sank q little lower
and his eyes closed he murmured broken.
ly:
1T beats the Arabian Nights all ho
loww
And he was aslcep.-Cleveland Plain
Dealer.