Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1920-12-10
Continued from last week.
CHAPTER XII.
Gagged.

AS Mrs. Kirkland chose the seat be-
side her husband, Clinton was re-
quired to make one of the three in the
tOnneau and the girls saw to it 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 a 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-
citing for her She needs the quoting
influence of yourself and Ellen. Go to
her door and pretend to take leave of
Amy. When she sees you are not com
ing inE she will insist that you make
her a call"
But viii, papa?" objected Ellen
You have to visit your patients. He
may find it 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 vivaciOus, fashiOnably dressed per-
sons were strOlling about in the bright
sunshine, each in company with a
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 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 q patient in the room
above" he explained. "She is ShriekinG
in an hysterical parOXysm. l told YOU
our walls are sound proof. That is not
absolutely the case, as you hear"
But virtually So" said Clinton.
"One never would imagine that w0m-
an is screaming less than ten feet
away"
There is special manner of
deadening the walls and windows" ex-
planned the physician. "OtberWise we
could not keep our representative pa
tfents in the same building with those
subject to noisy outbursts. Our ar
engagements 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
can hardly call them patients"
'It 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 1t
yourself for a few days?"
aIr'
"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 yOu?"
81 am not so sure as to that" replied
Clinton. 81 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 a disagree
able subject. The fact is the bank Off
Gals 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 -muddIe."
They still threaten me with punish
mentI' exclaimed Clinton. his eyes
flashing with quick anger. II shall go
to the bank and tell them to try it !"
''YOu will do nothing of the kind. y
genially contradicted the physician,
and he laid sympathetic hand on the
@oung 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 a
friend?"
Clinton grasped the others chubby
hand. ''It is most kind of you TO say
it. dOctor!''
"The simple truth, my boy. l know
you will stay, to Oblige me. Pardon
me a moment. wish to inquire about
patient"
He left the room in his usually brisk
manner. Clinton selected magazine
from pile on the neat little writing
table and sat down in an easy chair.
Noiselessly an attendant reached in
oIa hn nj h