Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-07-27
THE CURIOUS QUEST
of MR.. ERNEST BLISS
CHAPTER l (Continued)
br E. PHILLIPS OPPENHEIM

CHAPTER (Continued)
Il am chairman Of the governing
board Of that institution" Sir Jane
replied stiffly.
1T was your name I saw at the bot
tom of circular the other day Bills.
continued. You're cadging for nev
wing and general laboratory. aren'
you? It's twenty-five thousand pound:
you want. isn't it,"
Now listen to me. I'll lay tina
twenty-five thousand to shake of thu
hand and an honest apology from you
that start out today with five
pound note and live for year on what
I earn. Do you hear that?"
II hear it." the physician remarked
with unmoved face. "A very interest
ing suggestion
Don't you believe am in earnest:
Bliss demanded.
"You may possibly be" was the calm
reply. your name and wealth are
probably well known in certain circles
can imagine that your bookmaker
or your wine-merchant, or even your
to make use of your valuable services
for twelve months at suitable re.
muneration.'
The young man was thoroughly an
cry. and It was state which seemed
to agree with him. His eyes had lost
their leaden color and there was dis
tinct flush of color in his cheeks.
'1 am not such rotter as you seem
to think me- he said excitedly. Il
undertake that I will not derive the
slightest benefit from my wealth, my
name, or my present position and that
IL, during that time, I draw a check
or touch my own money. 1t shall be
one of the conditions that personally.
directly or indirectly. shall not profit
by It.
Don't let's have any mistake about
this. III take no post except as Bliss,
the out-of-work. If my identity is dis
covered or even suspected while am
in any ones employ, I will leave I'M
meditely. If touch my own money
at all any time during the next twelve
months. for my own advantage the bet
Is lost. Are you on?"
Sir James bowed a little sarcastic
ally. His interest in his patient re-
manned almost negligible.
Certainly the hospital could do
with twenty-five thousand pounds very
nicely" he murmured.
"You understand the terms Of the
bet?"
Perfectly"
Bliss, as he prepared to depart pro-
duced an envelope from his pocket.
Sir James pushed It away little wear
lily.
81 cannot take money for such ad-
vice as have given you" he said.
why not?'
Because my advice is valueless.
The odds are about a thousand to one
against your taking it."
$50 much the better for you if I
don't" Bliss reminded him. you'll
get the twenty-five thousand for your
hospital"
The physician rose to his feet impa-
tiently and struck a bell by his side.
He turned toward his visitor with an
almost discourteous gesture Of dismis-
sal.
Fore once he dropped the mask. The
expression on his face was one OF
disbelief.
Perhaps" he said
Bliss found himself filled to the brim
now with unexpected and unusual emo
lions. The anger which the physi-
clans attitude had kindled in him kept
him for a moment silent. Then he
clenched his fist and struck the table
with what, for a weakling was very
blow.
Thirty seconds ago." he declared,
ut was possible that your hospital
stood very fair chance of getting the
money. Now I'm damned if you will
ever see penny of It,"
1.-THE bet, then, is OFF, the physi-
clan inquired with a cynical smile.
"The bet is on" Bliss replied vigor. |
ously, land am going to win it."
CHAPTER II.