The leader-enterprise. [volume] (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1912-1915, 1913-01-03
CHAPTER XIX.
The Devil sr,iIss.

II l. -
"a energy and enthusiasm to the
practice Of law. The wide fame
he had achieved as district at
torney brought him the best clients and
from them he was able to choose only
the cases which involved principles
worth fighting for. His spare time he
gave in loving effort to restore the
doctor to his old cheerful frame OF
mind. He had returned Bivens' money
in spite of his protest and made his old
friend loan sufficient for his needs.
taking his personal note for security.
He had no difficulty in learning the
progress of Bivens in his search of
Europe for health. The daily cabled
reports to New York always gave his
condition as better. But Stuart knew
the truth. He received two or three
letters week from Nan. She had tod
him TN full detail the little mans suf-
fering, and at last Of his homesick
ness, fast developing into a mania.
He was not surprised at the end OF
three months to hear her familiar voice
over his telep h<ae
Eyes, we've returned. Jim-sailed in
cognito to escape the reporters. He Is
very feeble. We haven't been in the
house three hours. but he has asked for
YOU q dozen times. Can you come up
at onceY
Stuart hesitated, then. It'll come" he
answered slowly.
He lost all sense Of danger In the
warmth and tenderness Of Mans greet
inG. He not only forgot his fears but
repYoached himself for his low estl-
mate Of her character in suppOsing that
she would allow herself or permit him
to cross the line Of danger. Her solicit
tude for Bivens seemed deep and genu
inc.
Bivens' joy at meeting Stuart was
pathetic. and moved him deeply He
was surprised to find him SO strong
apparently, in body and yet 70 broken
in spirit.
The little shrunken hand chung to
his friends.
"You know. felt the thing creeping
on me for the past two years. but
couldn't let up. That's why / tried so
hard to put some of the load ON your
shoulders. At least you can help me
to get well. To the devil with the doc
tors! I'm tired, too, of all the syco-
phants, liars and fools who hang
around. l didn't mind 'em when was
we'll. But they get on my nerves now
The doctors kept DINING into my ears
that I've got to rest and play. and
fiaaIly one old duffer over in France
nut an idea into my head that brought
me back home to see you. He told me
TO get on a small boat with q single
nurse and a congenial friend, get away
from land. cut every telephone and
telegraph line, get no mail. and shoot
ducks all winter. and he'd guarantee
I'd be a new man next spring. I've
sent for you to accept the invitation
YOU gave me to shoot ducks with yoa
down in Virginia"
What invitationr p Stuart asked In
surprise.
"Why, the one you used to reproach
me for not accepting. VIII you 60
with me new?'
Stuart shook his head.
Il cant co." he said slowly.
Biwens hadn't said Nan must 50 on
that trip. but in fash of warning In
tuition he knew It. The danger OF
such a situation on yacht would be
real and only q fool would rush into 1T.
Cant go? Why?" the hnancier
asked in tones Of genuine distress.
i've important legal business.
There's no use in my going. | can tell
you exactly where to go. the guides to
get and the kind Of boats you'll need.
You'll get along better without me-"
II won't go without you" the finan-
cier said peevishly You know the
place, yAu know all about the birds,
you can teach me the ms and outs of
the business and can trust you.
know that you won't try to worm out
Of ME any information my enemies