The Wagner post. (Wagner, Charles Mix County, S.D.) 1912-current, 1912-06-28

self was apparently in a swoon. The
man is a regular coward and a fool be-
sides. He left his master lying just as
he had fallen. but fortunately he knew
me and knew where to m me, and
within 10 minutes l was on the spot,
and had got Lord Radcliffe into bed"
is it," asked Luke, anything seri-
Gus ?"
Lord Radcliffe has not been over
strong lately. He has a great deal TO
put up with, and at his 6 tine system
is not sufficiently elastic or-how shall
put it?-sCfficiently recuperative to
stand either constant nerve strain or
nagging worries
II don know" ~interposed Luke stiff
ly. that my uncle has a either nerve
strain or worry to put up with"
oh" rejoined h doctor, h grun
familiarity seemed to Luke's sensitive
ear to be tainted with the least possible
note of impertinence. Il am an old
friend of your uncle, you know, and all
your family; there isn't much that has
escaped my observation during the past
year"
You have not told me, doctor" said
Luke, a shade more stiffly than before,
what is the matter with Lord Rad
clyffe."
There was distinct emphasis on the
last two words.
LIZ. ANtNlilSIon SHtuS6Uo Ilio SIlout~
ders good humoredly.
Your uncle has had something in the
nature of a stroke" he said bluntly, and
he fixed keen ~light-colored eyes on
those of Luke, watching the effect
which the n~ews-baldly and crudeiy
put-would a on the yong mans
nerves. He was a man with What is
known as a fashionable practice. He
lived in Hartford street and his rounds
were encircied by the same boundaries
as those of the rest of Mayfair. He
had had plenty of opportunity OF study
ing those men and women who COM
pose the upper grades of English soci-
ETY.. They and their perfect sang
froid, their ~well-drilled calm under the
most dire calamities, or most unexpect-
ed blows had often caused him aston
isbment when ne was a younger a
fresh from hospital work, and from the
haunts of humber folk, who had no
cause or desire to nc the depth OF
their feelings. Now he was used to
his fashionable patients and had ceased
to wonder, and Luke's impassiyeness
on hearing Of his uncle's sudden illness
did not necessarily strike him as in
difference.
rs it serious?' asked Luke.
Serious. OF course assented the
doctor.
DO YOU mean h a Lord Radclyffe's
life is in danger"
AT so years of age, life is always in
danger"
II don't mean that" repoined Luke
with a slight show of Impotence. us
Lord Radcliffe in immediate danger?"
mo. With great care n constant
nursing. he may soon rally, though l
doubt If he will yer be as strong and
hearty as he was this time last year.
Then what about a nurse?"
"Ill send one down today, but
"Yes?"
Lord Radclyre's present household
and a night nurse. 1 can send both,
but they will want some waiting on and
of course proper meals and ordinary
comforts"
Il car see to all that. Thank you
for your advice"
"A good and reliable cook is also nee
essary-who understand invalid cook
ing-all that is most important.
And shall be attended to at once.
Is there anything else@"
Perfect rest and quiet Of course are
the chief things"
II shan't worry him.. you may be
sure, and no one else is likely to come
near him."
Except the police remarked the
doctor dryly.
THE police?"
The grave events of the night before,
and those that were ready to follow one
another in grim array for the next few
days had almost fed from Luke's
memor in face of the other-to him
more serious-calamity-his uncle's ILL
ness.
"Oh, All. yes.' he said vaguely. II
had forgottn."
The nurses rejoined the doctor
| with a ~pompousness which somehow ir-
ritated Luke. "wil have my author
| iZation to forbid any n having access
to Lord Radcliffe for he present. I
| will write out the certificat now, and
this you can present to any one who
may show a desire to exercise official
authority in the matter of interviewing
my patient
Il daresay that 1 can do all that is
necessary at the inquest and so on
| Lord Radcliffe need not be worried
He mustn't be worried. To begin
with he would not know any one, and
he is wholly unable to answer ques-
tioEs."
THAT settles the matter of cours.
So, if you will write the necessary GER
tifcate, I'll see the police authorities
at once IN the subject. Would Lord
Radcliffe know me, do o think 2"
added the young man after a slight
pause of hesitancy.
II don't think l would worry him to-
| day. Wen see how he gets on"
He'll probably ask for me-"
THAT is another matter, and if he
does, you must of course see him. But
| unless there is a marked improvement
during the day. he won't ask for n
one"
Luke was silent a ne or two
! while the doctor sat down at the writ
ing table and sought for pen and ink.
Continued Next Week.)
EnoIish Soeiefv-