Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-12-07

"Thank you, sir" he said warmly.
1T will lift a great anxiety from the
firm, and, I may add, from me person
aily."
The doctor laughed good naturally.
II knew that, Of course" he said.
I'VE doctors hear all the gossip going.
I might add that was glad to hear
this bit. II you'll wait for me here, I'll
20 at once.
We instantly assented, and he called
his carriage and was driven away.
felt that Mt last we were to sec behind
one corner Of the neutrality-suspicious. one
glimpse would be enough TO penetrate
the mystery. hut in half an hour he
was buck again. and glance at his
face told me that we were again des-
tined to disappointed.
II sent up my card" he reported
briefly. land Miss Holiday sent down
word that she must beg to be excused"
Mr.. Royce's face fell.
"And that was ally" he asked.
"That was all. OF course there was
nothing for me to do but come away.
l couldn't insist OH seeing her."
NO" assented the other; mo. How
do you explain It, dOctor?'
Jenkinson sat down and for mo-
ment studied the pattern Of the car
pet.
Frankly, MIR. Royce" he said 1T last.
II don't know how to explain IT, The
most probable explanation is that Miss
Holiday IL suffering from some form
of dementia, perhaps only acute pri-
mary dementia. which In usually mere
ly temporary, but which may easily
grow serious and even become perma-
nent."
The theory had occurred to me- and
saw from the expression of Mr..
Of II.
rs there NO way that we can make
sure?" he asked. "Shc may need to be
saved from herself
"She may need it very badly" agreed
the doctor. nodding Yet she Is of
legal age and absolute mistress Of her
actions. There are no relatives to in
terfere. no intimate friends even that
l know of. see no way unless you,
as her legal adviser, apply TO the au-
thorites for an inquest of lunncy."
But Mr.. Royce made an instant ges-
ture of repugnance.
"Oh. that's absurd" he cried. I'VE
have no possible reason TO take such
action. 1t would offend her MORALLY"
mo doubt" assented the other 80
l fear that ut present nothing can be
done. Things will just have to take
their course till something more de-
cided happens"
There's no tendency to mental dis
ease in the family inquired Mr..
Royce after Il moment.
Not the slightest" said the doctor
emphatically. Her father and mother
were both sound and well balanced
know the history of the family through
three generations. and there's no hint
of any faint. Twenty-Five years ago
Holiday, who was then just working
to the top IN Wall street. drove himself
too hard-it was when the market went
all to pieces over that Central Pacific
deal-and had touch of apOpleXy. II
was just a touch. but | made him take
a long vacation, which he spent abroad
with his wife. 1t was then, by the
way. that his daughter was born. Since
been bothered with "a recurrence Of the
tr0uble-in fact. that's the only illness
in the least serious l ever knew him
to have"
There was nothing more to he said
, and we turned to go.
IF there are any further develop
ments." added the doctor as he opened
the door, will you let me know: Yo,
may count upon me If can be Of an!
; assistance"
certainly" answered our junior
; you're very kind, sir" and we wen
back to our cab.
! The week that followed was a per
picking one for me and miserable
: one for Royce. AS know now. he hat
written her half dozen times and hat
, received not a single word of answer
For myself had discovered one mOr'
development Of the mystery. On thu
. day following the delivery Of the mon
ey had glanced. as usual, through tn
r financial column Of my paper as rod
home on the car, and one item had at
! tracted my attention. The brokerag
!. firm Of Swift L. Currer had that da.
, presented at the subtreasury the sun
!, Of 100000 In currency for conversion
into gold An inquiry at their ofiic
. next morning ELECTED the fact that til
: exchange had been effected for the &C
. count of Miss Frances Holiday.
I was done, of course that the recipien
i. of the money might remain beyon
trace Of the police.
CHAPTER TX
D ~ UR regular work at the oGc
a | itaaf o. thaI fiIno hnnnanad 1