The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1915-01-28
man suddenly looming up under the
arc lamp proved to be his savior.

man suddenly looming up under the
arc lamp proved to be his savior.
The lull made Jones doubly alert.
He was positive that they were pre-
pairing to strike again. But from what
direction and in what manner? He
had not met the gift Of clairvoyance,
so he had to wait; and waiting is a
terrible game when perhaps death is
balancing the scales. 1t is always
easier to make an assault than to
await It; and IL Is a good general who
always finds himself prepared.
But It made his heart ache to watch
the child. She went about cheerfully
when any one was in the room with
her. Many time, however, he had
stolen to the door Of her bedroom and
heard the heart-rending sobs, vain
attempt being made to stifle them
among the pillows. She was only
eighteen; 1t was first love; and first
loves are pale, evanescent attach.
ments. It hurt now; but she would
get over Il presently. Youth forgets.
Time. like water, smooths away the
ragged places.
The countess called regularly. She
was, Of course, dreadfully sorry over
what had happened. She had heard
something about his character; news
paper men weren't always the best.
This one was mere fortune hunter;
q two faced one, at that. She was
never more surprised in her life when
he threw his arms around her. And
80 on, and SO forth, half lies and half
truths, till the patient Jones felt like
wringing her neck
From his vantage point the butler
smiled ironically. He could read the
heart of this Perigoff woman as he
could read the page of book. The
effrontery! And all the while he
must gravely admit her and pretend
when the blood rioted In his veins at
the sight Of her. But he dared not
swerve single inch from the plans
laid down. 1t was a cup OF bitter gall,
and there was no way Of avoiding the
putting Of II to his lips. She ema-
mated poison as nightshade emanates
1t, the upas tree. And he must bow
when she entered and bow when she
left! Still, she had done him an In
direct favor In breaking up this love
business.
One afternoon Braine summoned his
runabout and called up two physicians.
When he was ushered into the desert
ed office Of the first he sent his card
in. The doctor replied in person. His
face was pale and his hands shook.
Good afternoon" said Braine, smil-
ing affably.
The doctor eyed him like a man
hypnotized. You you wished
to see me on some particular bust
ness?"
very particular" dryly. MY car
is outside. Will you be SO good asI
to accompany me?" !.
The doctor slowly went into the.
hall for his hat and coat. He left the
house and got into the car with never,
a word Of protest.
Thinking" said Braine. !;
Il am always thinking whenever Il
see your evil face. What devilment
do you require of me this time?"
"A mere stroke Of the PEN"
Where are we going?"
ITO call on another physician Of
your standing" significantly. TT is a
great thing to have friends like you
two. Always ready to serve us, for
the mere love of It."
There's no need of using that kind
Of talk to me. You have me in the
hollow Of your hand. Why should I
bother to deny it? / have broken tho
law. I broke It because / was starv.
Ing"
"It is better to starve In freedom
than to eat fat joints up the river.
Today 1t is a question Of sanity"
And you want me to assist in sign
ing away the liberty of some person
who is perfectly sane?"
THE nail on the head" urbanely.
You're a fine scoundrel!"
mot so loud!" warningly.
AS loud as 1 please. 1 am not for.
getting that you need me. I'm no
coward. I recognize that you hold the
whip hand. But you can send me to
the chair before I'll crawl to you. Now,
leave me alone for a while"
The other physician had no such
;qualms Of conscience. He was ready
lat all times for the generous emolu-
ments which accrued from his dealings
with the man Braine.
The Countess Perigoff was indis-
posed; SO 1t was quite in the order of
things that she should summon ply.
'sicians.
There is a law in the state Of New
.York-just or unjust, whichever you
please-that reads that any person
may be adjudged insane II the sigma.