The sun., 1908-05-10
III

hlbs lIlDDle enteI0u lleI patlohN lOOii'
The old man was lying, as he had lain when
she left. his face to the wall; picture OF
senle debility with his thatch Of white hair.
his shock Of white beard and his great
spectacles with the lower halves Of the
lenses dulled still balanced on his nose,
How heavily he sleeps, mused the nurse.
He hasn't reused; he hasn't moved.
She stepped TO the stand, whore the lamp
was burning brightly under the urn. and the
aroma Of coffee invited her With that soft
deftness which comes from dutiful expert
ence she lifted a cup and held II under the
spout.
Don't you touch that coffee on your
changed his position.
How did you know was going to touch
iti' asked Miss Tribble, hurrying to his
side, more surprised by the warning itself
than by it's significance. Il thought you
we're asleep your back was turned. ] didn't
make a sound
Il saw you answered Mr., Fabian.
He swung around in his bed with power
full movement He held out the great
spectacles. and Miss Iribble, examining
them, saw that a bit OF looking glass had
been cunningly set in the lower half OF each
lens.
Who are you?' demanded Miss Tribble.
shrinking. Il believe your illness s as false
as your character.
That isn't all | saw continued Mr..
Fabian, unheeding. while you were out
of the room saw the doctor come in.
He stood over me until assured that
was asleep. Besides, even II wakened.
my face was 10 the wall. He orept 10 the
coffee urn and poured in something from a
green vial Then he poured some Of my
medicine into a bottle be had
Look yourself; you know haven't taken
20 much You ought 10 know, too, that my
medicine is deadly 10 one not habituated
to opium haven't really taken single
drop. OF It,,
plain, my dear, as your face IL pretty The
doctor plots 70 poison you; and then have
your death laid TO a reckless use by you, as
an opium fsnd. Of my medicine.
There was q genial yet compelling frank
ness about this extraordinary patient that
affected Miss Tribble; but she persisted.
Il don't believe 1t. Who are your she
said
am your we'll wisher. replied Mr. Fab
bian, because, though you have gone
wrong in a way II is natural for you 70 go
right. You are faithful to your duties,
can see that
yes, and am faithful to tho doctor.
won't hear a word against him.
Not his own words, declaring his anGiety
10 be rid OF you; his alteration for another
woman, for Adene Braytonp'
For herr Oh, my God, u only knew
After ali have done after ali nave donel'
Don't believe me, then; put the doctor
TO the test He has gone 10 her house,
hasn he but must be still on the way'
Telephone Mrs. Bray ton, then, to come
here TO his Office on any reasonable excuse.
She often comes, doesn't she2 Well, then,
he will follow her here. won't hep
"0n his arrival let him sec you In the
act Of offering her a cup OF coffee; that
can easily be arranged, can't it You can
put screen before my couch; I'll be dead
am completely dressed under this gown.
Put him TO the test, say, Of seeing her
about to take your coffee. Isn't that as
simple and harmless az you are assured the
coffee Is itself?'
che stood a fine, tragic figure, her hand
pressed 10 her heart,
who are you?" she Rasped
If / am wrong In my deductions, the
patient answered, and there was calm con-
iidence in his tones. i swear 70 you that |
will remain Mr., Fabian, the Eick East Indian
who shall pass from sight and thought in a
day and forever. But II Dr.. Knowles
by his own word and action oonviots him
self Of this murderous attempt against you
and also betrays ha love for MrS. Brayton,
why then, then you can depend upon me,
my dear, TO turn into ashes their dearest
hopes. TO make effective your most tusti-
fable revenge"
A hash Of comprehension, a nrty Of
resolution, and Miss Tribble stepped briSkly
TO the telephone.
".
Mrs. Adeline Brayton looked curiously
about the room, while her Gon, Jimmie
Menzel, made a bee line for the stand on
which the luncheon was displayed.
-Is it all right FOR me 70 come in hsFsf'
she hesitatod. 1T would be pleasanter
than TO wait in that gloomy old ONCE
yes indeed, assured Miss Tribble. my
patient. an old man, ls fast asleep behind
that screen; the DOCTORS medicine. you
know. l think the doctor will be back
from his call presently
1T is strange hs sent word for me 10
meet him here-Jimmie. come GWHy from
there at onoe. You know I won't let you
eat atbetWeen mealS-snd coffee. Of all thingsl'
But want some persisted the lad.
'Tn AZ a warm drink for you replied
Mrs, Brayton, busting 10 the stand, that
will answer fun as we'll Poor child, don't
wonder. That coffee does smell appe-
tizing'
Perhaps you win permit me 70 serve