The spectator., 1920-07-13


 Kirkland. We're all not quite our selves !''
 Some are much less so than others," added her husband. "A few are not themselves at all. By the way. Mir. Clinton-to change the subject-I am interested in small psychological ex- pertinent. It Is to have one state, without pausing to think, the ideas suggested to him by a given word. Would you have any objections to my testing you?'
 None whatever" Mrs. Kirkland and Ellen exchanged swift glances.
 The physician smiled blandly. Then | if you'll answer quickly the ideas sug- gested by-bonds."
 As he spoke the word he eyed his | guest with intense keenness. The | ladies involutarily leaned forward to catch the answer. Clinton smiled and responded without a trace of hesi- tancy: 'Bonds-cash. bank accounts, trip to California-'
 Enough, thank you" interrupted the physician, his eyes twinkling with | complacent self-satisfaction. If there is any other word you wish to try I shall be pleased to answer" said the guest.
 "No. that was the only one. My real purpose in using it was to fish in your subconsciousness." "And vo,, cauybt-n Merely confirmation of certain optical impressions"
 May I ask why you spoke of bonds?"
 Mrs. Kirkland interposed. "1 fear that you would hardly be interested in the matter"
 "Why. mamma" said Ellen, "how could he be other than interested?"
 Perhaps. perhaps" qualified her fa- ther. He looked at the guest with a shrewd glance. Tt is rather private matter. MT. Clinton" "Then of course Pardon my curi- osity."
 We can trust you not to repeat what tell you. Shortly before Will Mir Lowris-accepted my advice to go to the sanitarium he was sent to Pueblo to negotiate for an issue of bonds. The parties whom he repre- ssnted were allotted one hundred thousand dollars of the issue, and the bonds in that amount were delivered over to him. Soon afterward Charlie Bemm, who had run down 10 Pueblo in his touring car, came upon VIII sit ting in the station grounds. He had missed his train. Charlie took him in, suitcase and all. and brought him to Denver. Late that evening he came home with his suitcase but without the bonds. He ha6 not turned them in at the bank, and he could not re member what he had done with them. Except for a vague recollection of riding with Charlie and of wandering through City park, he could remember nothing since early that morning. The bonds have not yet been found"
 Has he never recalled what he did with them?"
 Not to our knowledge Worry over their loss induced such alarming psy- chological conditions that the great specialist in charge of the sanitarium prescribed an absolute change. He has been temporarily cut off from ev- erything related to his life here The last report received by me was that he had ben sent abroad in the care of one of the staff. Since then we have heard nothing"
 There is the saying. No news Is good news" remarked Clinton.
 If only we could believe that" sighed Mrs. Kirkland. Do you won der that I was delighted when l saw you there at the depot, looking so strong and well?'
 "Mistaking me for this unfortunate Mir. Lowrie" sympathetically replied Clinton.
 The physician had drawn out his watch. "l must rethrn to the sanita- rum. If you can keep Mir. Clinton entertained shall be back soon seventhirty or eight"
 He was up and away with his usual briskness.
 A few minutes later they left the table and went In to what Mrs. Kirk land aptly termed the living room. With a matter-of-course bearing Ellen at once seated herself at the plano and began to search in her music cab inet. Mrs. Kirkland excused herself 10 Clinton and went out a side door way. Owing to the twisted corner of a rug the door did not close fast. A draft swung 1t ajar as Clinton drew back farther from the girl and seated himself on the chair at the far side of the doorway.
 He leaned back at ease and quietly took in the tasteful unpretentiousness of his surroundings. Ellen continued her search through the thick piles of music in the cabinet. She had made three or four selections and was look Ing for others when the mufiled, bro- ken murmur of woman's voice came to Clinton through the narrow opening of the door. He was ncs In position ,a sap throuph the eyock hut tbara