The Cooperstown courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., N.D.) 1902-1913, 1903-01-01
Elm RICHM0ND'S CHANCE.
Observation-Disclosures N14N5ltl1INSlN1l;
: By John J. Armstrong.

IL move had been made to the lawn
for the open air was an invigorating
tonic after the closeness of the din.
ing-room. Cigars aglow, Jim Rich.
mond and myself lay comfortably
stretched in the garden chairs, while
in the French window Jim's wife sat
industriously plying her needle, from
time to time aiding her husband in
his inquisitions as to my doings from
the date of our previous meeting.
'But come," said-my examina-
ton being completed to their salts
faction-''tell me something about
how the world has been going with
you. Three years ago I left you,
James Richmond, a patientless medi-
co, and a more or less miserable bach
elor. Surely some extraordinary
chance that comes not to every man
who dreams of fat fees must have
lifted you into your present estab-
ished position? There is no other
deduction possible. Who, then, is
the wealthy valetudinarian, and how
did this chance to come about?"
My words caused them to smile.
"Your deduction is not far wide of
the mark" returned Jim, after u
pause, "but-that is story my wife
can tell far better than I, for to her
owe everything"
''Jim exaggerates my share in the
affair."" said Mrs. Richmond, shaking
reproving finger at her husband.
'.Tell me the story, and I will
judge" said promptly, and yielding
to my persuasion, Jim commenced:
Well, Jack, as you know, I was al
ways keen on toxicology, and shortly
after leaving the hospital, where I
had made a special study of the SUBJ
ject, contributed paper to the
Lancet on ''The Effect of Certain
Little-known Oriental Poisons."
Three days after it was published 1
was surprised to receive telegram.
Hastily tearing open the envelope I
read the following message: "Just
read your able treatise. Shall be
glad if you will dine with me tonight.
My carriage will meet you at the sta
tion.-Didsbury."
"Didsbury of Elton Towers!" l
cried, involuntarily, and gave a whis-
tie of amazement. Lord Didsbury!
1t was chance that the most noted
of my confreres would have jumped
at.
Bradshaw informed me that it
was three-hours journey, and din
ing meant staying at Elton the night.
There would be just time to pack my
bag and run around to acquaint
Eileen with the news. Need say
that she was as excited over it as my
self? Her whispered good luck was
ringing in my ears all through the
journey. ~ e
Alighting in due course at my
destination I entered the waiting
brougham, and was rapidly driven
to the Towers. .You are ex-
pected," said the man who took my
card. ''Come this way and will
show you your room. His lordship
dimes at seven"
BY the time I had donned my even
ing clothes the man reappeared and
ushered me into the spacious dining
room. An old gentleman, with snow
white hair, was leaning on the man
tlepiece before the fire. He turned
at my entrance, and I was immedi-
ately struck with the corpse-like pal
lor of his cadaverous face. 1t needed
no second glance. to tell me that this
man was ill.
Crossing over to him I took his ex-
tended hand. It was limp and cold,
and his fingers seemed powerless to
exert the slightest pressure.
II am glad to see you, Mr.. Rich
mond," he said, weakly. s'Pray be
seated. johnson, you may serve
The dinner was perfect, and, feel
ing hungry after my journey, I did
justice to it. His lordship; however,
took nothing. He sat back in his
chair breathing stertorously, his eyes
glazing into vacancy, and, after at
tempting conversation and being an
swered in monosyllables that pro-
claimed his alteration, 1 gave it up.
He seemed utterly exhausted in mind
and body.
It was somewhat trying expe-
rience, and I was not unthankful
when I found myself assisting him
back to the fireplace. He motioned
the servant to leave the room.
my lord" said, when we were
alone, II do not know whether you
wished to consult me in my PROBES
sional capacity, but your condition
-
Il know it," he Interrupted, quer-
ulously. II want you to listen. {.
Three months ago was as hale and
hearty as any man of my age. To-
day am what you see me-a phys
ical wreck. Carter-my medical man
would have me believe it is only
what is to be expected-in short, that
am breaking up. He's q fool!
tell you no man understands his own
body better than myself. A man
does not break up in a few short
weeks like this, and I have studied
myself for years. 1t was all ihcon.-
prehensible to me until this morn
ing read your paper. Richmond, if
you had studied my case you could
not have described the symptoms
clearer" ,..s.. Is s-gf.a
His l1tterance came fisioi-,tef71v nc