Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-02-16


wasn't strange that this voice never
appeared to be quite in order. Some
times there wasn't enough of it, often
there was too much, and once in a
while it was right This particular
morning the man in the rolling chair
slightly smiled. The erratic voice some
times was a source of amusement to
him. He had stoutly combatted the
suggestion that the little clock should
be sent to the thinkers to have it's voice
doctored.
Nine O'clock he said half aloud and
without looking at the time piece. His
dull eyes Frightened. Then he wheeled
his chair towards the telephone table in
the nearest corner. When he was near
enough he took down the receiver.
Hello" he said, and waited a mo-
ment. Good morning. he quickly adj
ded. Il trust you are quite well this
morning What number? Certainly
Pardon me if l delayed you. Ninety
two-seven- six, and thank you very
much for your Kindness" He hung up
the receiver and softly sighed. ITS
an even thing he said, that the girl
thinks I'm crazy. I've no doubt an
noy her. But there is really more of
tonic in her voice than all these Stops
combined can give" And he gave a
side glance at the row of bottles on the
mantel. II suppose fellows ears get
in a queer state when he does so much,
he went on, and may be when am
free from the effects of the drugs IN my
system I'll get over this phantasy. lie
was interrupted by a sharp ring at the
instrument and took down the receiver.
ooh it's you, Parker. Yes. thank YOU
steadily improving. Anything new, FAR
ker? Nothing, Ell? I'll call up again
in the morning. BODILY. Ana ne
wheeled back to the center table and sat
there for some time with his long I'M
gers stretched upon the 'upnoisterel
arms of the chair and his eyes nan
closed. He had been a very sick man.
He was slowly convalescing. he haa
fought down the fever, but Its eHects
still fingered. He was limp and nerve
less. easily exhausted and quite TOO
weak to travel.
OF course this was CALLING to the ac'
tive man of business with Els many
irons IN the fire His illness lad COM.
on him. so unexpectedly that he had no
time to prepare for his sudden Win
drawal, but luckily his ventures "er.
carefully selected and no serious result
had followed. 1t was natural that with
the slightest return OF strength ne
should be actuated with a strong desire
to hear from his office. And Or. John
Thornton had finally compromised with
him by giving reluctant permission TO
his using the telephone just once dur
ing the day, the conversation to be reg
ulated at the Office end. The office EN-
ployes were to answer his queries IS
briefly as possible and on no account
to worry him. And for his part he
promised that he would be brief and
tractable. Nine o'clock was the hour
chosen fer the telephoning and Paul
Radburn had at first eagerly accepted
the chance to get in touch with the
outside world again. But afte: three
or four mornings 1t seemed as II he
tired of the sensation. The replies were
stereotyped and quite lacking in inter-
est, and, anyway, why should he bother
about business. He had bothered
about ii too much, and here he was a
limp and worthless wreck. That's the
way patient old Nature had of reveng-
ing herself-and 1t served him right.
1t was just what he deserved, when
he goaded her too far. Well. there
wasn't much in life anyway Here he
was, with the game played out, at 80.
What had life been to him? Just
struggle and for what? For COM
petence at first and then for wealth.
Well, ne had risen fast enough. Too
fast for his own good. The more he
the keener grew his
craze for accommodating more. He was
rich, ne was a power on the street,
ha was admired and feared-and then
came the collapse. And here he was
quite helpless and quite alone without
a relative in the world and with few
real friends.
Paul Radburn had an unmistaAen
able attack of the blues.
An then-with his noiseless step-Dr.
Jim Thornton strobe into the room.
He was one of the real friends, and
Paul tried hard to call up smile as he
raised his eyes and met the doctors
bright glance. But the Doctors face
bore a frown.
Here" he cried, as he took Pauls
hand, what sort of an attitude was
that I caught you in? / could see dole
full dumps written all over you. You
are grateful fellow must say. Here
I've pulled you thru a stubborn fever
and you show your appreciation by
to do the least thing to roust
appointed in you, old man. Where's
your nerve?"
Guess you've dosed it all out of me"
said Paul, with a feint smile. Il just
seem to enjoy drifting"
The young doctor looked at him
sharply.
We've got to interest you In some
way he suddenly said. you're like
a spoiled child who has exhausted all
the resources of his toys. What is 1t
you want?"
Nothing replied Paul. "Just want
to rest" There was a little silence
during which the frown on Thornton's
face deepened. Then Paul raised his
eyes. Jim he said, do you believe in
any such fool theory as the influence of
certain sounds on the human mind?"
"Of course l do" the doctor quickly
replied, his bright eyes still on the inva-
ids face. "Of course do. And 1t isn't
q fool theory, either l know of cases
myself. There is particular friend of
mine who is troubled with nausea when
he hears a French horn. Why do you
ask?'
Il thought 1t was all nonsense" said
Paul. MAY be 1t isn't" He paused a
You let me call up the office,
you know. Jim, just for question or
two. and there is girl at the exchange
who answers the call, and she mas a