The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-05-10

said, because I am going to trust you
to an extent that many people would
not understand. I liked you at once,
boy, when 1 saw you, but your answers
have made me feel that 1 am not max
ing any mistake-and it's what you
have not said as well es your words
that convinces me-"
There was no question OF The respect
OF his voice. and Jim knew that TO this
man the honesty Of his heart was plain
1T is probably the strangest situa-
tion of which you have ever heard"
continued the doctor, land I am glad
that the sacrifice of what I called
mans proudest possession viii, under
the circumstances. not be as great as
1 at first supposed. 1 referred to your
identity.
ITO one person you must completely
lose that. Grace Gordon Is at this mo-
ment absolutely insane. with a phase Of
the disease which. if not guarded with
the greatest tact, will eventually de-
stroy her mind completely. Her aunt.
Mrs. Graham, tells me that she is prac-
tically sane today in most matters, but
she believes that her baby has not been
burned to death-as we know he was
but has been taken away from her for
stand. And now Mrs. Gordon has taken
you for her brother, who looked, in his
life. not at all like you.
Your influence over her. strengthened
by her belief that you are her brother
Jim, has already proven itself to be a
wonderful one. With its aid we may
nope to bring back her mind: without
it there is little doubt that she w:ll
in, fI,o
but. my boy. L cannot speak OF it.
There's just this hope.
I'VE will keep every one, even
Frank Black, who is still waiting
there outside, I suppose, in ignorance
of her condition If possible. IN order
that she may experience none of the
evil results coming from the Gus
tomary idiotic treatment of insane per-
sons by their acquaintance, but we
viii hurnor her In her belief that her
baby and brother are still alive. You,
my boy. must be her brother"
Jim had no thought whether or not
the treatment laid down by this man
Of learning was orthodox IN It's char.
acter. but he knew thar he, Jim Alton,
had the opportunity - help in saving
the reason OF the fairest girl his dreams
had ever pictured or his eyes seen.
II guess needn't tell you. sir,'' he
replied. slowly, that there is no sac
rifice, IL can help"
DR.. Jordan smiled a little wfstfuIIy
You don't realize yet" he said, what
1t n,eans-how every moment Of the day
you will have to think think how her
irresponsible mind is working; what
tact and gentleness It will take, and
how often the same question about the
baby will be asked. None OF the
pleasures to which you have been ac-
customed can you enjoy-there must be
nothing in your life but the thought of
Grace Gordon"
THAT viii not be hard. sir"
But, my boy" and the old mans
eyes again sought the green fields there
beyond the trees Il can see, IL we
succeed In restoring her reason, the
greatest OF suffering for you at the end;
for 1t will all be different when she is
herself, you know"
I'D thought Of that" murmured Jim.
But the days before-it was different
would always be mine"
Yes"
''To-remember."
Yes"
"And even that knowledge that 1t
would all end when her mind came
back, am glad Of the chance, sir, and
viii do my best"
I'm sure OF that, Jim. I Will call you
that now. and we will tell every one
that you-that you are some relative.
And, Of course, you will live here Your
pride, and know you have pride, must
be forgotten
you must accept your living from
us temporarily, and money enough TO
get new clothes and all that. / viii
come every day and will always be
ready to talk 10 you about her. or any
perplexing matter in which Mrs. Ora
ham cannot help you. And now I will
leave you. taking Black with me. When
she wakes, remember-be gentle-and
bring to your heart all the wisdom that
dear mother OF yours gave you in birth.
GoOd-by."
"Good-by, SIR came low. from jim
AND thank you"
AS DR.. Jordan crossed the room
toward the door Mrs. Graham left her
place by the window where she had
remained while the men wss7 talking,
and accompanied him to the poron, and
Jim. a moment later followed thers
quickly.
Just a moment, SIR he said to the
old man. Il suppose there is a post
box near here7 win you wait a mo-
ment while I wri.e little noter'
Certainly, jim: but We don't have
mail boxes here. I'll drop it in the
pOstofhce."
Having ascertained from Mrs. Ora
ham where he could ind paper and
ink, Jim left them stanCIug on ne We
randa just as Black Joined them.
I'm pretty hungry, aren't you, doc
tor Come and have lunch with me"
and he certainly looked the part of one
conscious that he had been forgotten
Surely" responded DR.. Jordan, as
after moment Jim returned and hand
ed him a sealed envelope.
It's just a line" said Alton aside.
"a letter TO father telling him where /