The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-03-17
CHAPTER XNNII

George Bostock's progress toward re-
cOvery. The comments which were APP
pended he left UNDECIDED; only the ac-
tual state of the patient interested him,
and this failed to disturb the calm
which had set In upon him as a result
of the long hours of mental combat he
had endured the previous night.
The early afternoon was spent in
reading old letters long stored away
for something they contained in them
selves, and which he now burned. And
as his eyes dwelt upon them 1t seemed
as If old friends came back. old days
returned. Various chapters In his life
opened out before him as q book: some
almost forgotten. others remembered
well, but seen now in new light-a
light which had come too late.
And as the flames consumed each
separate sheet it was as though a year
of his existence had escaped his grasp,
had changed to ashes and turned to
nothingness. until but memory re-
manned OF that past which had seemed
so eventful, freighted as it had been
with a thousand incidents of the in
ward. rather than the outward life.
This task was in itself a wrenChing
of the past from the present; Il fare
well to what had been and might be
never more; burying OF the dead.
And the pain which it brought lay
deep in his heart. but was accepted by
him as part of that which he had set
himself to accomplish.
Outside the world was full of gloom,
for a dense fog had settled over the
city since mornng--a fog which the
electric light OF his rooms was scarcely
able to scare. Once or twice he went
to the windows and stared over the
park, where all things We're vague and
indistinct; the trees, the seldom and
SLOW passing figures, the cabs With
their lighted lamps.
To the lunch which was served with
the same regularity as If nothing of
vital Importance was happening, he sat
down and ate with appetite, then con-
tinued his work. When the early
editions of the evening papers We're
handed him he turned to one part and
read OF George Bostock's gradual re-
covery, a fixed expression on his face.
And presently, late in the afternoon.
he went out. His man had some diff
Guilty in finding him cab. for the at
so that traffic bee ime dangerous. If not
impossible. But having secured q
hanson. Nalerius drove to Sir Pugln
Tates house in Harley street.
The famous surgeon being well
known to him, Valerius determined to
call upon him and receive from Sir
Pugin statement regarding BostOck
which might implicitly be relied upon
Sir Pugin's footman admitted that his
master was ut home, but feared he was
engaged.
Valerus wrote some words upon a
card, which he asked the servant to
give his master, the result being that
Galbraith was shown into the library.
which the surgeon entered u moment
later.
Il hope you will excuse me. Sir
Pugin" Valerius said as he shook
hands with the surgeon. II fear have
disturbed you. but l promise not to
keep you many minutes"
Pray sit down."
Thanks" replied Valerius whose
excitement was beginning to overcome
his studied calmness. Il came to
learn from your own lips the truth of
the statement made regarding George
Bostock."
The surgeon glanced at him with
surprise, noting which Valerius hurried
to say:
Il am much concerned in the case;
Mrs Dumbarton. you will perhaps re-
member. Is my cousin
Yes, know hiatt
And a great deal l cannot now ex-
plain hangs upon the death or recovery
of the man who has confessed to muir
der"
mo doubt-no doubt" answered Sir
Pugin.
Therefore, | want to hear your opin-
ion as to whether George Boslock will
live or die
Unless something unforeseen occurs,
the man will certainly recover
Galbrath heard this reply stated in
an authoritative voice; heard il with
a tension Of the nerves. with tight
ening Of the heart. 1t was the answer
he had expected to receive. yet its
announcement produced upon him a
despair such as criminals may feel
when the anticipated death sentence
is passed upon them.
THAT is your cOnVictiOn?" Nalerius
said In slow, hoarse voice
"Ce-tainly The loss of motor power
Is gradually disappearing, and it's
quite plain that consciousness is re-
turning. Tomorrow or next day he
may be able to answer questions"
Tomorrow or next day." repeated
Falerius.
II expect so.
That settles the question, Sir
Pugin."
1T has been particularly interest :
ing case to me-
Il am sure ii has; il could not fail
to be-
by one OF those unexpected turns
l have been enabled to save his life
for which l don't suppose he'll tina nix
! me-" said the surgeon well pleased
with himself
why did you save him" asked Va
lerius in voice that sounded full OF
reproach and full OF pain why did
you save him."
Because It was my duty" replied
Sir Pugin stffly. 1T was not for me to
take into consideration what Nigh,
/ happen on his recovery. but 70 bring
him back to life, II possible"
And you have done your duty" re-
marked Galbrailh. with covert bitter
ness as he rose to take his leave
4 have done my duty" repeated the
| great man, somewhat puzzled by his
| visitors tone and the expression OF his
| face.
Forgive me for having troubled
you, Sir Pugin. Thank you, and gooG
night" said Valerius, as he quilted the
| library.
He drew the collar of his coat arounc
his neck as he descended the steps
and made his way to the cab thai
awaited him. Through its windows he
could see little save the yellow, hay
lights of street lamps and the blacl
| figures OF wayfarers wrapped anc
| muff1ed, that for second passed int
narrow circles of radiance and disap.
peared again into blackn ness beyond
phantom-l like figures that. turnin,
neither to right nor left with ben
heads. hurried on their course
The dense fog mutfled all sounds. anc
hung black. heavy and almost palpa BILE
like vast pail covering silent cit,
Of the dead. Something there was IL
the murky atmosphere that harmon
lied with the resolution he had take,
which now as the hour for its accom-
nil INF hao 1-ti