The Pulaskian., 1920-08-26

All right" he said, but If you want to be decent about it, ask Mrs. Sidney first whether she wants your help and your asking That's my advice, young fellow. And while we're asking, how did you get out of your room? You're not supposed to be out We don't want people in this house running around the halls at this time of night"
 T opened the door and came out. Why shouldn't I come out. l heard scream ana came"
 He looked at me as if he were doubt ing himself I think he was uncertain whether he had thrown the bolt or not. It transpired later that I was right but for the time I was worried.
 When 1 went back to my room, l was restless, as one naturally would be, stranger in so strange house. 1t was impossible to sleep and difficult to read. I sat by the window and alter nately dozeo and read until day broke and the woodthi'ush began to sing Then, quieted, went to bed and had two hours sleep.
 I thought it wise to speak to Mrs Sidney about the incident of the night She had seen me, she knew had talked to Jed, she might or might not know that I recognized her. I might add to her perplexities by speaking to her. but might obtain an insight into mat ters which would enable me to act discreetly and usefully. If I remained ignorant of motives prevailing in the house, I might at any time blunder into q serious mistake. It seemed best to speak to Mrs. Sidney.
 could see when I spoke to her, she had been greatly disturbed, but she was Roman.
 Tt was nothing serious or important, doctor" she said "Tll not say that it was pleasant or that I liked it, but it had no significance Jed is faithful and invaluable servant. He has vice for which he is not responsible. He was q perfectly sober man when lse came to us, and if he isn't now, it is our own fault. My husband corrupted him without intending to do so. My husband, when he was well and strong loved to drink wine He drank 1t in great quantities and without any dis turbance of his sobriety or good na- ture It mellowed and at the time in- tensified life for him. He cannot use it now. on account of his health, but he enjoys seeing the use of it, and Jed has been made the victim of Mir Sidney's vicarious enjoyment. Jed is not always considerate of his position when he is not sober but he never Is dangerous, not even when, like last night, he is exceedingly annoying"
 I admired the lady's resolution and fortitude, but did not think she was telling the truth-not all of it.
 "That was the first time anything of the kind ever occurred" she said. 'I am sorry it disturbed you. l met Jed in the hall. He was not sober. ald he had preposterous request to make. When he has spent such an evening with AIr. Sidney, he resents being servant in the family. He wants to be accepted as a member of the fam ily."
 "T have had something to do with that" I suggested
 "No douDt it has inflameL his ego tism to have you enter the family The situation with him is difficult His pride was hurting him last night. He had lost all sense of proportion. He was like child. He demonstrated with me: he was too important as Mir Sid
 
 It was only q drunken mood, but he forgot himself and grasped me by the wrist. I had been trying to control him and restore his common sense Then 1 became indignant, and you heard my voice. l am afraid it was shril. but was not alarmed. I was merely indignant"
 ''You speak of Jed, Mrs Sidney" I said. "as if he were merely an annoy ing alcoholic tolerated when he is an- noying, because of his general useful ness but that does not explain why he tries to lock me In my room while he Is sober and before these disturbances begin. That shows design and Intent to have a free hand when he makes the disturbance. l do not like being locked ia my room.''
 "It is outrageous" said the lady ner- veusly. Il did not know that 1t was done. shall see that 1t Is not re- peated."
 T sm not xs sure you can" said, "and wish you would not try. have protected myself against 1t, and I'd rather Jed did not give me any more thought than he thinks Is necessary now"
 "I Rm sure. doctor" said Mrs. Sid ney. that you will understand Jed and the situation better when you have been here longer. It may be annoying to you now. bat we all here live for the pleasure and comfort of Mr. Sid ney, who is worthy of all we can do for him. He did everything he could