The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1902-12-26


the natural question under such cir
cumstances.
"Well-yes; l think you can,' said
the stranger, a man whom the bright
ening moon revealed as tall, broad
shouldered, dark, and not prepossess-
ing of appearance. THAT 49," he
added, "if you have house near at
hand" and he felt one foot and leg
thoughtfully.
"Within three yards" The doctor
pointed towards his garden gate. 81
have spare bedroom, also a vacant
stall in the stable. Shall / put you
and your horse up for the night?'
"You are not afraid to entertain a
stranger"
"Not in the least" The other man
smiled. 81 am not nervously consti-
tuted."
"Then l accept-with thanks" was
the reply. Evidently am not seri-
ously hurt, but l think my foot is
sprained," and, trying to walk step,
an exclamation escaped him which
meant pain.
"Fortunately am doctor-1 will
see to it. Let me lead your horse, and
do you lean on my arm. My man is
gone home, but can stable your steed;
l often do so for my own if come in
late. Please walk in and make your
self as &C mfortable as you can; l will
be with you in ten minutes. The door,
as you see, stands open; the room on
the left-hand side has very good fire" q"
The short interval was spent by the
unexpected guest in considering that
things might have happened worse,
and in looking round him while he
leaned back in a very restful easy
chair.
A small room, lighted both by lamp
and fire; we'll curtained, we'll carpeted;
pictures on the walls, crowded book
shelves, magazines and papers piled
upon side table.
1t was essentially comfortable. Evil
dently fine black cat (hy name Alci-
biades) thought so, for he lay extended
on the hearth rug, nor suffered even
the entrance of visitor to disturb his
repose.
Doctor Deane soon came in.
"Your horse is all right" he said.
"Now let me see to YOU"
Until the injured foot had been at
tended to and bandaged, the stranger
kept silence; but his piercing eyes
were studying the countenance OF bis
host with an expression Of astonish-
ment.
"No," he exclaimed at last, "you
have no fear of me, though, for all you
know l might be robber or a mur-
derer. How comes it that you have
not the suspicious of the common run
Of humanity"
The doctor smiled.
81 suppose because l make it rule
to trust my fellow creatures until some
reason for not doing so is firmly es-
tablished."
"You go in for philanthropy?'
"If by that you mean, do l make
generous gifts and plan great projects
for the good of others-no, for l have
not the power. l am only a country
practitioner with very modest in
come; in regard to kindness, l simply
do what l can
"Then | should call you true phil
anthropist. The sham article only
does what he thinks he must. Now,
to change the subject, may | learn
your name?"
"Certainly. 1t is John Deane And
yours?'
But apparently the question was not
heard, for it was not answered.; indeed,
the doctor could plainly see that his
guest seemed startled and i'll at ease.
"Deane-John peane?" he repeated
ayes, John Deane. Is my name
familiar? Have we met, or have you
hea ri of me before tonigh,?'
Still no answer except a heavy sigh.
'It must be Fate, hard and relent-
less Fate, which brought me to your
door tonight, then," said the man at
last "If | had known you were living
in this corner of Englan | should have
given you an exceedingly wide berth,
DR.. John Deane. AS it is, l am forced
to be on your hands for some day s-if
I understand anything of the incon-
venience of sprained ankles. l should
add, of course, it is open to you to show
me the door"
"Why should l do so? On the con-
trary, would ask you to stay until
you are quite fit to remount your
| chestnut and ride off AGAIN.