Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-06-10
AND HERE 1T CONTINUES

MY UNCLE'S earnestness was de-
4Nl lightful. At this suggestion he put
on his spectacles, and drew a paper
from his pocket.
'Iet me see," said he. Here are
few directions given me by my own
doctor, Sir James Macpherson. ] had
TO give him some inkling of what ] was
after, but he is sworn to secrecy. Hum
No. Roger, you are trying religiousiy
TO cure yourself. and only very occa =
sionally must the craving so far over
come YOU that you actually endeavor to
secure alcoholic refreshment, as Sir
James calls it. No promiscuous spong
ing, my boy, but sponge now and
then at considerable intervals might be
advisable"
There was an interval Of general
conversation while one course succeeded
his instructions.
.'With the help of a few tips from
Sir James and my friends at the
admiralty, I have worked out tn"
scheme very carefully. and I must beg
you to get every detail most firmly into
your head, Roger. Mind you. these
poisonous fellows won't hesitate to stick
a knife or bullet into you, if they have
the least suspicion of you. You know
that as we'll as l do, and | cont want
you to go and throw your life away,
my boy"
s I felt half inclined to smile. and half
to do something more sentimental. He
was such a dictatorial boss, and yet
such dear old fellow.
81 assure you | set more value on
my life even than my friends do ]
said.
"Well, then, get these instructions off
by heart-and don't forget one of them
I'll give you the paper to take away
with you to- might, but meanwhile here
are the principal points. In the first
place, your name is Hobhouse-Thomas
Sylvester Hobhouse."
N / saw he was very pleased with this
selection and asked tactfully.
''How die you manage to choose such
excellent names, Uncle Francis?'
II chose one name from the Red
Book, another from the Peerage, and
another from the clerical directory, SO
lifelike combination in that way; and
yet avoids real name. | think Thomas
came from the clerical directory-oI
was it the Peerage? Well, no matter
that's your name"
.'And my occupation?"
"None: it saves prevarication anC
confusion. You've always been an idle
dog, Roger, so | think a gentleman OF
no occupation will be a sufficiently cor
rect description. You are very well con
nected, by the way
AZ "I am aware of it." I said. with q
polite bow to my uncle and cousin.
Il But my uncle had grown too serious
to appreciate such small change of con
versation.
''Your relatives" he continued, "art
in such high positions that they are en-.
titled to ask Doctor Kendall not t.
make any indiscreet inquiries of hi
patient regarding his family, and als'
to appeal with success to a certain in
fiuential gentleman in the government
for permission TO dump you in thes
prohibited islands. You, of course
know nothing of these steps. You hav
Just recovered from severe attack o
delirium tremens-"
''My dear uncle ~ gasped, 'is tha
Sir James's idea?"
at is putting into definite terms wha
he obviously suggested. Under thos
circumstances you naturally kno'
nothing of what your friends have bee
doing or your behalf. Doctor Renda
being informed of all these facts will {
course refrain from putting awkwar
questions, the answers to which 20
might forget, even if ! composed theI
for you"
Sand how did my relatives hear {
Doctor Kendall and the island of Ran
say?'' l inquired.
''I have thought over that point yer
carefully, Roger, and think the be.
plan will be to take Sir James lit
more into my confidence and get him I
write personal letter to Doctor Ren
dali. He will do it if 1 assure him it
for his country's sake. and hts nan
will lull all suspicious"
My cousin and | thoroughly agree
with this last suggestion. In fact v
found little fault with any part of II
Btoei hiItuAtu W un, tACtpI u
delirium tremens. Even Jack, thoug
he itched to see me thus labeled. agre,
with me that "A less definite form
drunkenness would be safer, and final
Sir Francis decided to substitute "a
& alcoholic breakdown"
AS for the rest of my instructions,
made one or two mental reservation
For instance, if Doctor Kendall hin
self was mixed up in the affair,
would scarcely refrain from puttil
questions to find out all about b
guest; but felt need scarcely trout
my worthy uncle to compose the repli
Beforehand.
j remember that little dinner We
vividIy. As it chanced it was my o
glimpse of the old life Of town a
elubland and everything that goes wi
evening dress, seen just for that bri
evening between months Of mine dod
INK and blizzard facing in the Nor
sea followed by hospital bed, and t
lonely tempestuous isle of Ramsay. T.
white napery, the gleam of glasses, d
shaded electrie lamps, the blazing FIR
~ Ihc nifty sofl-carDetad rojm left 4