The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1920-10-01

~ iOia htbfC a i0ihAt aiihN'b "a
audible sound.
THAT Is patient in the room
above he explained "She is shrieklns
In an hysterieal 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 wom-
an is screaming less than ten feet
away"
"There is special manner of
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-
tlon and quiet. This room Is one re-
served for the use of such guests
| can hardly call them patients"
ut is an ideal room," remarked
Clinton.
The physician beamed upon him.
"Pm glad to hear you say that, my
boy. What do you say to taking 1t
yourself for a few days?"
Tw
"Why not? You could keep secluded.
and escape all this annoyance over
your identity. Am l right in surmising
that even the attentions of the girls
are not altogether agreeable to your"
81 am not so sure as to that" replied
Clinton. II cannot say that | 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 Off
eials are not altogether satisfied with
the arrangement by which you were
placed in my-charge. If / can say
that you are here under treatment,
they may be willing to wait reason.
able time while we are Strengthening
out this muddle."
"They still threaten me with punish
ment!" exclaimed Clinton, his eyes
flashing with quick anger. II shall go
to the bank and tell them to try it I"
"You will do nothing of the kind"
genially contradicted the physician,
and he laid sympathetic hand on the
young mans shoulder. Consider your
friends"
'Friends?"
Even If you should prove to be
what you claim, do you imagine we
would cease to think of you as
friend?"
Clinton grasped the others chubby
hand. 1T is most kind of you to say
1t, doctOrl
"The simple truth, my boy. l know
you will stay, to oblige me. Pardon
me moment. l wish to inquire about
a patient"
He left the room In his usually brisk
manner, Clinton selected magazine
from a 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
room and opened the door. In a mo-
ment he found himself confronted by
an attendant, who planted himself in
the doorway, hand to cap and smile
on his good hundred, resolute face.
"iou called, sir?"
NO" said Clinton. II am going
down to the waiting room"
The man did not move out of the
doorway. Clinton advanced a half
step and said sharply: Are you deaf?
am going down. Step aside"
Beg pardon. sir" respectfully re-
piled the attendant. "Dr. Kirkland
wished me to tell you that he preferred
you should keep in your room"
Clinton measured the man with a
swift glance. There could be no mis-
taking the athletic ease of the fellows
polse, Yet he stood with hands down
An uppercut to the chin, followed by a
straight drive, might put him out Of
the way. Clinton tehsed for the attack
aud did not make 1t. Three other
male attendants had appeared In tho
corridor behind their fellow employee.
To attack would only result in the
humiliation of certain defeat The
mere knowledge of this fact was quite
sufficiently humiliatng, Clinton flushed
crimson with chagrin. .
You have the odds on your side" ne
muttered y.
"IeS, sir. trust you will not hold
1t against us personally, sir"
The respectful, good-natured replv
tended 10 mollify the prisoner.
"Fhat depends" he SAID. II wish TO
see Or Kirkland"
I'm afraid, sir, he won't he through
with his calls for half an hour. But
| just as soon
"fhen tell Miss Lowrie l wish 70 see
| her--alone." .a
The man looked his surprise. Gin.
| ton hesltated, and eXnlained. 0Dr