The Washington times., 1909-05-09

rous Illness which threatened to unhinge
her mind and required a visit to New
York for treatment by an eminent spe-
cialist.
And then she reached the part of the
story which the old man had not heard
the telegram telling of her baby's
death and the burning Of her brother
Grace's subsequent immediate madness.
none the less terrible on account Of its
silent intensity, and then the coming Of
this fair-haired young man of the city
streets ana her insane belief that he, the
last person whom she had noticed IN
her. conscious moments, was her broth
er. who could restore to her arms the
babe whom her dreams told her was
gone.
AS she finished. shaken by inward
sobs, the regular breathing of the girl
on the couch brought home to them the
nearness of the horror and the hope
lessness Of the situation.
tewhat-oh, what can we do?'' I'm
plored the woman.
But even to this man, learned not
only In the lore Of his profession, but
the knowledge of men and their hearts,
the answer did not come.
''An1 the-bodies have-not been
fcundg'
'"The whole town has searched-they
: all-even the poorest love her so-and
the charred remains OF Jim, her broth
er, were unearthed from q pile Of burnt
| timbers. He was not at hone when
when the fire started, and hearing OF It,
| and that the baby with the nurse were
there, he rushed into the flames. Oh,
my old friend. what can we do? Think
Of the living-of my baby Grace's mind.
and bring her back some sort of hap-
piness-so young she is-and at least let
her have the half destroyed coat of her
child that-that they found-near the
dead boy"
Only the coming and going of the girls
breath could be heard, and through his
tears the old man saw nothing.
Outside on the porch Jim was sitting
Tar from the door, close to the green
vines whose fragrance harmonized with
the thoughts of good which filed him
! occasionally Frank Black, pacing rest
| lessiy up and down at the other end of
the veranda, would pause In his walk
and look in the direction of the other
with wonder and selfish analysis in his
glance.
he seemed to be planning some sort
+: OF campaign, and when he at last an
preached Jim, there was the evidence
IN his manner OF the elimination OF his
4 scheme. ---'
I don't know your name" he said
with hint Of apology in his voice.
James Alton"
Here on business, Alton?''
beIore replying sudden realization
came to Jim, and though hypocrisv
was no part of his Character he Feit
that there existed possibility that this
man might make his efforts to he or
/ neip 10 TIE women In trouble practic-
ally Of no avail, and it was this thought
which led him to abate somewhat his
| severe attitude.
II came" he said, ''to look for vorl, ;.
Perhaps I can help you," ouicIlS
from the tall man.
Il can probably find something"
with my assistance, yes; without it
perhaps"
Again there was silence between
them, but Black was determined to I'M
press the boy even at the expense of
his pride.
Say. Alton, have an apology to
make to you. I should not have becn
| 50 nasty TO-DAY, but when I recognized
Mrs. Gordon's bag in the hands of "a
| stranger, and remembering the trouble
she was in-her baby's deach, and her
brother's-I couldn't restrain myself. So
grant me a pardon. won't you9'
Far from being deceived. but appre-
lciating the mans skillful acting, Jim
assured him that he had completely
forgotten the incident and would bear
no grudge. The next silence prepared
the way for Blacks real object in
endeavoring to make friend Of this
mysterious stranger. and his casual re-
mark concerning the great trouble IL
which the women had been plunged
was but weak attempt to cover the
importance of bis question.