The daily palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1904-1905, 1904-05-05

to rely upon his special gift. ana In the
use Of it he knew not how to work in
full harmony with an ordinary man
like me. Much that he knew was
doubtless too vague to be put into
words. and certainly 1t was susceptible
Of no rational proof. l then saw more
clearly than ever before how terrible
a burden this mysterious power might
be, and | fully understood why those
who possess it deny the possession and
zealously strive to turn the inward eye
away from such revelations.
Yet suspected that Donald was as
sisted by disclosures Of more palpa-
ble nature. There was tangible eX-
planation of his knowledge of Kelvin's
part in these designs. l could not ask
the boy to lay bare his soul to me, to
disclose the inner mysteries of an en-
dowment which ! should doubtless be
wholly unable to comprehend. but |
| thought that he ought to contide in me
! in all things of the common sort. There
| fore | asked him straight ont whether
| he had derived any Information from
Amy Kelvin in regard to her fathers
| underhaIid schemes.
None whatever" he replied locking
| me straight in the eyes.
! "Does this information depend upon
the exercise of il peculiar power not
| possessed by the generality of man.
kind? 2" said |. ~..-,~
He hcsitatcd a moment, struggling
with himself.
at does, Uncle john" he answered.
''But-but you're all at sea. You don't
in the least know what l mean. This
power can lie acquired by anybody
! absolutely by ANYBODY who is not blind.
dumb and idotic. Yet not five in a
million ever pay the slightest attention
| to it. Great heavens! A person can't
| throw a ball unless he learns. Now,
please don't ask me any more questions
or shall lie to you"
He seemed overwhelmed with that
shame, as for deformity, which the
| psychic power always seems to carry
| with it.
81 will press you no further, my boy"
said l, but it would occur to me that
| you might perhaps be able to contide
| more fully in your parents"
Il can't! l can't!' he cried. Il can't
, bring myself to speak of it. | can't
| ever help you any more unless we
| cease TO talk Of the means"
'"Then we will cease to talk of
| them," said |. do your best my boy.
Tell me whatever comes to you, and l
will mention it to no one. Meanwhile
| in regard to this particular business
matter am very glad to be warned,
but l do not think that there is much
| danger
In the hurry of my thoughts l had
| forgotten what Donald had said about
Jim Bum. though this was the most
shocking and surprising feature of the
disclosure. 1t was impossible for me
to believe that this man who for thirty
years had served me faithfully would
form an alliance with my enemies.
He had always seemed to be devoted
to my interests. he had run to me with
all his troubles, he had found me his
friend in the many difficulties into
which his injudicious investments had
involved him, for Bum was one Of
those men whose business judgment is
excellent in his employers affairs and
persistently wrong in his own. Ger
tainly he was bound to me by ties Of
,, gratitude; but, above and beyond this.
believed him to be man Of honor.
Recurring to this matter, l insisted
that Donald must be mistaken, yet,
while the words were on my lips, l
had no great confidence in them. In
my heart believed that if he predict
ed this event it would occur. Still he
might redeem his stock from me and
not be a traitor. This view l suggest
ed to Donald.
sit may be true" said he "And, at
any rate, | want you to promise me
that you will not let Bum know that
you have any suspicion"
Il don't see that, Donald" said l.
eff Bum is tempted to sell this stock,
he may not know who is buying it.
Even if he knows Kelvin to be the
buyer and is tempted by fancy price
he may not be aware that there is a
| chance of a successful fight against
me In the company. l can talk him
| into the right line Of conduct. Jim
Bum knows me- He will do what /
say"
Donald looked at me with an express
| SION of extreme desperation.
IF l beg Of you not to do this" he
cried. twill you take my advice?
! give you my word of honor that can
| foresee the end Of it all and that you
will be glad If you follow my way"
MAY l consult with any one?" l
| asked. thinking of his father.
He seized my hand with grip that
seemed to paralyze my arm to the
shoulder.
| please, please, don't say word to
anybody" he exclaimed. II want your
promise that you WON'T
| looked him in the eyes and gave the
word that he asked 1t was partly SUI
perst1t1on that led me to do it. parity
1 nd