The Washington times., 1909-05-13
CHAPTER XII.
nOWN 20 BUsINEss

OR q few moments after the doc
- tor had voiced his determination
to fiT.d Grace Gordon's baby, ana
his conviction that by tracing
Jim they would be able to accomplish
this. there was silence in the library.
Mrz. Graham. keenIy conscious of the
mistake she had made in carelessiy Civ
ing Alton a hint of the suspicion they
had of his connection with the probable
abduction. refrained from further COM
nent. and the old doctor was deep in
thought
Into the heart of this silence there
suddenly came from above the most an
g11ished of cries. Long. strong and fl
naIly dying, II left the old people in
sorrowing grief for the girl they loved.
With one impulse both rose. the wo-
man hurTying, the doctor following after
with the muttered words, T'u be outside
her room II you want me-
Again came the cry, and as Mrs.
Graham entered Grace's chamber she
stopped. horrified at the picture
Sti aight I'm her bed sat the girl, arms
outstretched. and for the first time Mrs.
Graham saw the light OF absolute mad
ness in her eyes.
My baby-my baby" she walled,
know-you and I-that he's off there
there where the sun is setting; where
the gypsy pointed; where the railroad
tracks lead Oh, Jim. Jim, I can wait
no longer. =
ouie.fng the Tear in her heart as
vel as she was able, Mrs. Graham
at last crossed to the girls side. and
DR.. Jordan moved to the door. watch
fug the two women in each others
arms.
Oracle. Graciel' cried her aunt
oh, you" again besought the girl,
turning her unreasoning eyes to the
elder woman. whoever you are, call
Jim TO me and let us go. No, no." she
continued. es her sobs fast numbed the
heart OF the other woman Il can't be
quiet You don't know-rve lost my
baby; they are keeping me from him.
and only Jim can help me. Bring him,
oh, bring him TO me-
Absolute physical exhaustion carried
snomentary quiet with it, and Grace
lay back on the bed, no sound coming
from her but the quick. spasmodic
breathing. DR.. Jordan could remain in
active no longer. and he, too, came into
the room. a terrible hardness expressed
on his countensnro. which usually bore
the promise OF charity TO all
But the quiet was only mOmentary.
and when the natural strength Of the
girl returned once more she rose again
10 q sitting posture, and, seeing the
cid man there. cried out TO him:
Wont you help me. sir? II you
knew, you would not be surprised that
a strange woman should speak TO you.
have to tell some one and they won't
Arfr In n rEr
would understand. I've lost my baby
re was only three months old. sir. and
they're keeping me from him-they and
the gypsy who told me where he was
of there. Won't you help me. sir?''
'T-rn go and find him." whispered
the old man. bending low over the
girl. "and don't you tell anyone"
A shrewd look came TO her eyes AZ
DR. Jordan left the room.
Il won't tell. won't tell" she re
pested &c herself as she lay back on hel
pillow. "I WON'T won't"
over and over came the words, bu
with each repetition the sylIables wer,
less distinct. and when at last DR.
Jordan returned. her breathing wa
regular and natural Mrs. Graham hell
up a warning hand and the old MAJ
paused at the door, as she rose ant
came to him.
IN sit here" she whispered.
''Yes." and the doctor thought a mo
nent '-And TIL stay down stairs unit
you come ] think I had best remali
here tonight
He turned and quietly descended tn
broad stairway, careful Of each ste
lest the creaking OF a board nigh
wake the girl from the sleep which
meant so much 20 her at this time. Int
the library he tiptoed though the heav,
rug Of the floor deadened any sound o
his feet. and 10 the large chair by IN
fireplace he went