Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1914-12-24

That's it," he cried excitedly, be-
ginning to pace back end forth
across the cabin floor. ITS more
than theory-its truth-that
people suffer more because Of other
people than on account OF them
selves. We're born to 1t and we
keep 1t up, infiicting a thousand
pricks and n thousand sorrows to
gain one selfish end and it isn't
once in hundred times that the
boomerang comes bone and strikes
the right one down. But when it
does-when it does, sir"
AS suddenly as he had begun, the
doctor stopped, and he laughed lit
tie unnatu~ally.
"Bosh!" he exclaimed. Lets see
that head of yours, Steele. Speaking
of pains and pricks reminds me that.
being surgeon. may be of some
assistance to you"
Philip knew that he had checked
himself with an effort, and as his
new acquaintance began to loosen
the bandage he found himself won
derfng what mysterious mission
could have sent Chicago surgeon
up to Fort Smith The doctor inter-
rupted his thoughts.
Queer place for blow" he said
briskly. Nothing serious = slight
abrasion-trifle feverish. Well set
you to rights Immediately" He bus
tied to his greatcoat and from one
Of the deep pockets drew forth
leather medicine case.
Queer place, queer place." he
chuckled, returning with vial in
his hand?"
Philip laughed with him, and by
the time the doctor had finished he
had given him an account Of his af-
fair with DeBar. Not until hours
later, when the Cree had left on his
return trip and they sat smoking be-
fore roaring fire after supper, did
1t occur to him how confidential he
a man who impressed him as did the
little surgeon. He liked him i'm
mensely. He felt that he had known
him for years instead of hours, and
chatted freely of his adventures and
asked a thousand questions about
home. The doctor said nothing about
himself or his own personal affairs,
and cleverly changed the conversa-
tion whenever it threatened to drift
in that direction.
1t was late when Philip rose from
his chair, suggesting that they go to
bed. He laughed frankly across into
the others face.
n-Boffin-Boffin," he mused.
strange, I've never heard of you
down south, Doctor. Now what the
deuce can you be doing up here?"
There was a point-blank challenge
in his eyes. The doctor leaned a
little toward him, as if about to
speak, but caught himself.
Il know your father" he said at
last, in low, restrained voice. 81
know him we'll. and of course read
what the papers said when you broke
away from society to go roughing it
down in South America. I believe
you're honest-on the square"
Philip stared at him in amazement.
"If | didn't" he went on. rubbing
his hands again over the stove, 'T'd
follow your suggestion, and go to
bed. AS it is. I'm going to tell you
why I'm up here. on your word of
honor TO maiG+ain secrecy. I've got
G-1, c., l.
able to assist me. But nothing must
go beyond yourself. What do you
say to the condition."
81 will not break your confidence
unless you have murdered some one"
laughed Philip, STOPPING to light a
fresh pipe. "In that event you'd bet
ter keep quiet, as I'd have to haul
you back to headquarters"
He did not see the deepening of
the flush in the others face.
Good" said the doctor "Sit
down, Steele. l take it for granted
that you will help me-if you can.
First l suppose / ought to confess
that my name is not Boffin but Nc
,Gill-Dudley McGill, professor of
neurology and diseases of the
brain"
Philip almost dropped his pipe.
l"Great Scott, and it was you who
wrote" He stopped, staring in
iamazement.
"Yes, it was I who wrote 'Freda,
If that's what you refer to-" finished
the doctor. "It caused a little sensa.
ton, as you may know, and nearly
got me ousted from the college. But
it sold up to two hundred thousand
copies. SO it wasn't a bad turn" he
added. 81 believed everything that ]
wrote-and more. 1t was my theory
of life"
He sprang from uis chair and be.
gan walking back and forth in his
quick, excited way. The flush had
gone from his face now and was re.
1.