Charlevoix county herald., 1920-09-24
cHAPTER xi.
Gagged.

siut ncT uusDuuu, Siutou WIS AS
CURED to make one Of the three In the
tonneau. and the girls saw to IL that he
sat between them.
The visitors were shown into re-
freshingly cool waiting room, and the
ladies sent up their cards to the pa
tient they had come to see. Presently
a pleasant young nurse. with the dress
and manners Of social secretary,
came down to say that Miss Searle
was at home and would be delighted
to see Miss Lowrie.
"Only me?" exclaimed Amy.
The nurse looked at Doctor Kirk.
land. He considered. and spoke to his
wife: "Amy alone may prove too ex-
influence Of yourself and Ellen. Go to
her door and pretend to take leave Of
Amy. When she sees you are not COM
ing In. she will insist that you make
her call"
But VIII, papa?" objected Ellen.
"You have to visit your patients. He
may find 1t tedious waiting here alone"
II shall show him about. He will
enjoy looking over the institution" re
piled the physician with his usual in.
cisiveness.
Mrs. Kirkland had at once started
to accompany the nurse. The girls re-
luctantly followed her. Doctor Kirk.
land led Clinton away in the opposite
direction. After conducting him
through the offices, he took him up to
the enclosed roof garden, where sew.
eral vlvaciOus, fashionably dressed per
sons were strolling about In the bright
sunshine, each In company with o
melancholy companion. The situation
required no explanation.
On the second floor DR.. Kirkland
led him into an unoccupied room fac
ing the side street. 1t had a private
bath and was otherwise furnished with
conveniences to satisfy the most fastid
ious taste. The physician closed the
door and signed to Clinton to listen
From above came a faint, almost In.
audible sound.
"That Is patient In the room
above" he explained. "She is shrieking
in an hysterical paroxysm. told you
our walls are sound proof That Is not
absolutely the case. as you hear"
"But virtually So" said Clinton
zone never would imagine that WON
an is screaming less than ten feet
away"
"There Is special manner OF
deadening the walls and windows" ex
planned the physician. Otherwise we
could not keep our representative pa
tients In the same building with those
subject to noisy outbursts. Our ar
rangements are so perfect that many
persons came here simply for relaxa
ton and quiet This room Is one re
served for the use of such guests
I can hardly call them patients"
1T Is an ideal room," remarked
Clinton.
The physician beamed upon him
I'm glad to hear you say that, my
boy. What do you say to taking II
yourself for a few daysT
Tw
"Why mott You could keep secluded
and escape all this annoyance over
your Identity. Am 1 right in surmisine
that even the attentions Of the girls
are not altogether agreeable to your
"I am not so sure as to that" replied
Clinton. II cannot say that I have
found It so very unpleasant being with
my-sister."
The physicians look became grave
81 did not wish to speak Of disagree
able subject. The fact Is the bank on
Gals are not altogether satisfied with
the arrangement by which you were
placed In my-charge. II can say
that you are here under treatment
they may be willing to wait a reason
able time while we are Strengthening
out this muddie."
''They still threaten me with punish
mentw exclaimed Clinton, his eyes
with quick anger. II shall 90
to the bank and tell them to try 1t J"
"You will do nothing of the kind"
genially contradiced the physician.
and he laid q sympathetic hand on the
young mans shoulder. Consider your
friends"
"FriendsT
"Even IL you should prove to be
what you claim, do you imagine we
would cease to think Of you as
Clinton grasped the others chubby
hand. "It is most kind Of you to say
II, doctorp
"The simple truth, my boy. I know
you will stay, to oblige me. Pardon
me moment. wish to inquire about
q patient"
He left the room In his usually brisk
manner. Clinton selected magazine
from q pile on the neat little writing
table and sat down In an easy chair.
Noiselessly an attendant reached In
and closed the door behind him with
out attracting his attention.
He read an article, tossed the maya
zine aside, and looked around. DR..
Kirkland had not returned. He
yawned, rose. sauntered across the
r0Om and onened the d0Or In n mo-