The Washington times., 1909-05-20

when they examined me and put me in
jail?
Yes, YES, boy. I've heard all about it.
Just this morning 1 returned from a
deatn-bed where 1 had been called, five
miles out in the country. Then I heard.
All last evening I was here with Grace,
| watching. watching for the last shred
of reason to leave her
I have seen, boy, all sorts of insan-
ity, but never anything like hers. lust
one word she could say coherently-
your name. Then about midnight L was
called away. it was buts few moments
ago that [ heard of your arrest, and
escape. Oh, boy, why didn't YOU wait?'
The chance came, and / took it.
! There is nothing which you do not know
against me. It was only a postal from
my father, saying that ne had not writ
ten me that made them hold me-and
YOU knew 1 felt that he did not send
the message by tSe gypsy But what
shall we do now?"
There is one thing, Jim, that must
| be done. Law or no law, life or DEATH
you must be with Grace. When first 1
advised YOUR humoring her in the be-
lief that you were her brother, thought
IL was a mere matter of keeping her
calm. and giving nature chance to re-
store her reason. Now. boy. it's a mat
ter of life or death I would not give
her day TO live If you were away from
her-if she had another such a day as
yesterday. Even-even the finding Of
| her baby, now that she has grown 50
TO depend upon you. might not accom-
plish what you can
And I under arrest-oh, Dr.. Jordan,
what have I done?"
You've done. Jim,' and the old mans
eyes slistened, you've done what
Heaven would have you sdo; you've
come TO rescue the sweetest girl vino
ever lived and suffered from madness.
And. law or no law, death or life, you're
going to do it."
From the head of the stairs came
a happy girlish voice.
On, no, aunt. I'm not nervous now.
Don YOU remember. Jims down there
waiting for me-"
Then to the two men standing there
IN the hall, listening. she came.
Here YOU are. Jim. knew I would
ma YOU and the glorious arms were
about his neck.
And DR.. Jordan. too" she contin-
ned happily. Did see you last night.
1 guess was pretty nervous. wasn't
L Did I give YOU much trouble? But
It's all right now. Jim's come back to
stay"
'You-you gave me no trouble. Grace"
said the old man, scarcely able to re-
strain the tears. viii you invite me TO
have breakfast with you and jim; I'm
very hungry?"
Or. Jordan, of course. Come in when
you and Jim have finished your talk"
Then again to Alton. Never separat-
ed any more, dear
Never, Grace" and Jim meant Il.
Then don't talk long. Well be there
in the dining-room, aunt and I"
She left them, and the old man placed
a trembling hand on Jin's shoulder.
For the third time in a few moments
the front door swt.ng open and the
unwelcome Black appeared again.
''I was worried he said, that the
young rascal might get away again. so
7 phoned for the sheriff from the next
house. He's on his way here now. but
I'll watch meantime
"Come outside, quick" whispered DR.
Jordan. anc the three stepped out on
the porch.
See here, Black" began the old man.
i"
But he stopped suddenly and darted
as fast as his stiff limbs would let
him down the broad path in the IL
rection OF the gate, calling loudly. A
passing horse, hitcl ed to a light road
cart, was pulled up, and it's driver
listened to rapid words from the old
physician.
Then the horses head was turned
into the gateway. Slowly the rig came
on until it halted at the foot of the
front steps. Here the driver alighted,
and carefully drew rein across the
animals Jaw and through the ring of
the bit, fastening the loose end to the
stone hitchinG-post
Then suddenly up the highway and