The Washington herald., 1914-11-19
DAILY SHORT STORY
GREEN TAXICABs.
by MICHAEL J. PORTER.

ny hIN HAZEL Js FOhIEhs
Copyright IS1IJ
DR.. Eastman sat before his desk with
telephone receiver at his ear. The voice
that came over the wire was the impa-
tient one OF busy man.
Il will send her to your ONCE in a
taxicab. l have told her that you are
a real estate agent who will tako her to
look at a house in Westchester. I told
nyOu she had a mania for buying real
estate. and I can't interest her in any
thing else. She is so suspicious that
have had TO cOncoct this scheme in order
that you may take her to Dr. WIddle's
for observation. Once there, I presume
she can be easily persuaded TO remain. ="
1T seems rather a clumsy method OF
getting your ward to the sanatOrium, but
IL that IL the arrangement you made with
DIR. Gray must carry It out am sorry
that his serious illness prevents him from
taking care Of this matter himself. Miss
Trimble has been under his care and she
would have more confidence m him than
in a perfect stranger. StiIl. will do as
you request. and We will telephone you
from DR.. Widdle's. Suppose you arrange
for her to be here at 8 o'clock"
Three o'clock Remember to look for
a green taxicab at your door. Just run
uOhu lIlC ElcDst lGll nor you arc EldSl-
man. the real estate agent, and use the
letter I have sent you for the purpose.
Drive on as fast as possible. or course,
the whole AFFAIR is quite unconventional.
but the very suggestion of going to wild
dies would drive her to hysteria. 1t is
a delicate mission, and I'm placing entire
confidence in you. DR.. Eastman"
II will do my best Mr.. Smith," said
the doctor as he hung up the receiver.
He paced up and down the room with
his chin on his breast He was averse
to carrying out this clumsy plan OF Jonas
Smiths to have his ward. Margaret Trim
Bile, placed under restraint pending an
of her mental condition.
Miss Trimble had been dissipating
vast fortune in reckless real estate spec
ulations. II Jonas Smith had been one
of his own patients. as well as Miss Trim
BILE, Dr. Eastman would have made q
strenuous objection TO the plan: but they
were DR.. Gray's wealthiest patients. and
In the illness of his confrere the younger
man did not wish 10 offend Jonas Smith.
Hence his consent
At o'clock he put on a straw hat and
went down the steps to the sidewalk
where a green taxicab waited at the curb.
With a word to the chauffeur. Dr.
Eastman opened the door, stepped in
side and seated himself beside
young woman who was gazing intent
ly out OF the opposite window.
She did not turn her head until the
car started and then IL was to say
carelessly: You've been long
while. Tom
I'm sorry,'' said the surprised
physician. apoiogeticalIy. and at the
sound of his voice she turned great
brown eyes upon his and uttered
cry of alarm.
"Oh. who are you?" she asked in
What are you doing
here?" She lifted the speaking tube
and spoke to the chauffeur. Stop
the carl" she ordered.
The man on the seat outside did not
turn his head. but drove steadily on. II
their speed increased.
The girl turned to the physician witH
blazing eyes.
You coward she exclaimed.
Miss Trimble," he said. gently:
pray don't excite yourself. am Mr..
the real estate agent your
guardian recommended. You may re-
member am TO show you a house in
You have made an absurd mis-
take" said the girl coldly. II am