The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-01-25

ISOLATION. II I could have tidings Of
even the slightest improvement In
Cameron before meeting her, II would
aid me In the assumption of confidence
upon which had determined.
AT ten minutes past eight was
searching the encyclopedias in the
library for information on the subject
or brain concussion. Already had
followed the trail through three vol.
umes from Brain" to Nervous Sys-
TEN" and from Nervous System" to
Conclusion" when an opening door
caused me to turn eagerly. Mr.. Bryan,
the nurse. In white uniform such as
hospital doctors wear, stood on the
threshold. The next moment l had
risen from my crouching position be-
fore the bookcase and had met him
midway across the room with anxious
inquiry.
Mr.. Cameron awoke quarter Of an
hour ago." he told me. His power Of
speech has returned. He asked me
where he was and what had happened.
told him he was In his own house,
and that he had met with an accident"
Yes. yeB." I hurried him. "And
what then? Did he inquire for any
one?"
mo. For all OF minute he lay
looking about the room without anoth-
er word. Then, In a puzzled way, he
repeated: My own house!' and asked.
Where is this house?' And told him.
He did not seem to recognize the room
at ALL"
"Is he still awake?"
"Oh, no. DR.. Massey left directions
that he was to be given some nourish-
ment-a raw egg and milk-and then
another powder to make him sleep. He
turned on his side after that, and IN
less than three minutes was In q deep
slumber once more"
was annoyed that had not been
called. let myself hope that sight Of
me might possibly have stirred his
memory even though the familiar OBJ.
1ects OF his bedchamber failed. I said
as much to the short. .broad-shouldered
nurse. whose twinkling eyes were in
violent contrast with his thin-lipped,
grave, determined mouth.
DIR. Massey's orders were that Cor
twelve hours no one should be admit.
ted to the room." was his unanswer-
able rejoinder.
Which means not until after i've
o'clock, this EVENING"
Exactly, sir. But shall report 10
you everything he says. as nearly az
possible In his own words"
Very WELL" I said. II shall spend
the day here" My tone conveyed dis.
missal and fear 1t still smacked of
annoyance. Mr.. Bryan. however. gave
no sign Of resentment. His eyes were
still kindly merry. his mouth still in
spired reliance. He turned towards
the door, saying:
He'll probably sleep four hours at
least. Mr.. Clyde. II you wish to go
out, there's no reason why you
shouldn't"
meant to reply. Ny lips were al.
ready framing a sentence, when
tableau checked me.
Evelyn Grayson was standing In the
doorway. She wore q clinging house
gown OF pale blue. cut low at the
throat. and bordered with a deep col.
lar OF Irish lace. The rose flush of
youth and health tinted the cream of
her complexion and shaft Of sunlight
from a near window made glittering
golden nimbus Of her hair. With wide,
startled eyes she was gazing at Bryan,
or, to be more exact, at the snowy
linen duck in which he was clad, and
which must have held for her a per.
picking significance.
The nurse had halted, deferentielly
standing aside at sight OF the girl
whose young beauty seemed to dazzle
him.
For a moment the stiffness and 81.
lence were absolute. Then Evelyn
turning her gaze upon me advanced
quickly, with a little questioning cry:
Phillip"
You're surprised to find me here"
l interpreted, with hands outstretched.
And to" she began. laying her
fingers against my palms.
ITO find nurse here. as we'll"
finished for her. LET me introduce
Mr.. Bry-" But when / would have
presented him he had already gone.
But who Is ill?" she questioned in
nervous haste. What"
1t were well. thought, to have the
revelation over and done with as
speedily as possible.
Your uncle. l brought him home
at two o'clock this morning"
/ do not know what expected, but
am sure I was not prepared for what
ensued. Her fingers, suddenly releas.
Ing themselves from my fond but
feeble support, clutched wildly at the
lapels OF my coat for support, as she
burst into passion OF sobs. In vain
/ made efforts to comfort and quiet
her. She became hysterical. She