Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-10-07

1t IS worse! L am likely to die without the
chance of finishing my work. Great things
will die with me. God knows what will hap
pen!"
You have doctor and hospital nurse"
| remarked That doesn't look though
they meant you to die"
you don't know who l am, and you don't
know who they are" he answered, dropping
his voice almost to a whisper Il want a
month, one more month, and l might cheat
them yet"
a. do not think that they mean you to die
| said They have an idea that you are in
possession of some marvellous secret They
want to get possession OF that first"
They persevere," he murmured "In
Paris But never mind. They know very well
that that secret, if | die before | can finish
my work, dies with me, or"
The nurse who had left us few moments
before, reentered the room. She went straight
to chair at the farther end of the apartment
and took up book. Guest looked at me with
puzzled expression.
Stranger still" he said. we are allowed
to talk"
1t may be only for moment" reminded
him.
Or passes on to a successor who will
complete my work" he said slowly. Il fear
that | shall not find him. The time is too
short now
Have you no friends could send for?"
asked.
Not one he answered
/ looked at him curiously. A man does not
often confess himself entirely frendless.
Il need strong, brave man." he said
slowly, lone who is not afraid of death, one
who has the courage to dare everything in
great cause.
"A great cause" l repeated. "They are
few and far between nowadays"
He looked at me steadily. you are an
Englishman?"
| laughed. Saxon to the backbone |
admitted
You would consider it great cause to
save your country from ruin, from absolute
and complete ruin 81"
My imagination" declared, cannot con-
ceive such situation"
"A flock of geese once saved an Empire
he said; a childs little finger in the crack of
the dam kept whole city from destruction.
One man may yet save this pig headed country
of ours from utter disaster. 1t may be you, it
may be l -
You are also an Englishman?" 1 exclaimed
Perhaps" he answered shortly. Never
mind what | am. Think Think hard By
tomorrow you must decide. Are you content
with your life? Does it satisfy you? You have
everything else; have you ambition?"
Il not sure" | answered slowly. RE
member that this is all to me. | must
think
He raised himself a little in the bed At no
time on this occasion had he presented to me
the abject appearance of the previous night
His cheeks were perfectly colorless, and this
pallor, together with his white hair, gave
his face somewhat CHASTITY cast, but his dark
eyes were bright and piercing, his features
composed and natural
Listen! he said. They may try to kill
me; but l have a will, too, and l say that [
will not die till | have found successor 10
carry to the end what have begun Mind,
it is towards camel 1t is walk with
death, hand in hand all the way
He raised suddenly warning finger. There
was knock at the door. The nurse who
answered it came to the bedside.
The gentleman has stayed long enough"
she announced. He must go now"
rose and held out my hand. He held it
between his for moment, and his eyes sought
mine
You will come tomorrow"
81 will come" l promised, Tomorrow
evening"
To be continued next Sunday