Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1910-01-13

things not anticipated by the Major,
who was too simple to be a match
maker.
On this special occasion, however, no
| ladies were present at the little dinner,
and besides Jen and his two boys, DR..
Etwald was the only guest. About
this man with the strange name there
is something to be said. He was tall,
he was thin, with a dark lean face,
and fiery, watchful dark eyes For
three years he had been wasting his
talents in the neighboring town when
he should have been shouldering his
way above the crowd of mediocrities
| in the metropolis. The man was dis
| passionate, brilliant, and persevering;
he had in him the markings, not only of
| great physician, but of a great man;
and he was wasting his gifts in dull
provincial town. No one knew who
Etwald was, or whence he came, or
| why he wasted his talents, and such
| secret past, which he declined to yield
up to the most persistent questioner
accentuated the distrust caused by his
sOmber looks and curt speeches. Pro-
vincial society is intolerant of origi-
nality.
Etwald had become acquainted with
Jen professionally, and having cured
the Major of one of his frequent at
lacks of ague, he had passed from be-
| ing a mere medical attendant into a
| closer relationship of a friend The
| boys had met him once or twice, but
neither of them cared much for his
somber personality, and they were not
| overpleased to find that the Major had
invited the man to meet them on the
| occasion of this special dinner.
But Jen-good. simple soul-was
rather taken with EtwaId's mysticism.
and, moreover, pitied his loneliness.
| Therefore he welcomed this inteIlec-
| tuaI pariah to his house and board !:
and on this fine June evening EtwaId
| was enjoying an excellent dinner in
the company of three cheerful compan-
ions.
Major Jen sustained the burden of
| conversation, for Maurice was absent
minded, and David, physiognomically
incIined-was silently attempting to
read the inscrutabIe countenance of
Etwald. AS for the latter he sat with
his brilliant eyes steadily fixed upon
MAUI tCS- L IlS SOullS IIldH 1SlC uneasy
under the mesmeric gaze of the doc
tor, and kept twisting and turning in
his seat. Finally he broke out impa-
tiently in the midst of the Majors
babble, and asked Etwald direct
question
Does my face remind you of any
one?'' he demanded, rather sharply.
Yes, Mr.. Aylmer!" replied Etwald
deliberately, lit reminds me of man
who died."
Dear mel" said Jen, with a sympa-
thetic look. Was he a friend of yours
Doctor?"
We'll, no, Major, I can't say that he
was. In fact" added Etwald, with the
air of a man making a simple state
ment, Il hated him!"
Il hope you don't hate me?" said
Maurice, rather annoyed
mo. Mr.. Alymer; I don't hate youl'
replied the doctor, in {. coIor1ess tone
do you believe in palmistry?" he
asked, suddenly.
MOI" said Maurice, promptly.
All rubbish" added the Major
What do you say Mr.. Sarby?" ask
ed Etwald, turning to the lawyer
Il am a skeptic Also" said David
with a laugh. And your"
L am a believer"
Here EtwaId rose and crossed over
to where Maurice was sitting. The
young man, guessing his errand, held
out mis- left hand with a smile EtwalG
scrutinized it closely. and returned t
his seat.
Life in DEATH" he said calmly
Read that riddle, Mr.. AyImer Life
| in death"