The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-06-08

his case to the Governor of the state
of Washington. 1t came about, from
the same cause, that a noted alienist,
FORREST, of Seattle. visited Ben Darby
| in his cell; and finally that the pris
oner himself was taken to the capital
at Olympia.
The brief inquisition that followed,
changing the entire current of Ben
Darbys life. occurred in the private
office of Mcnamara. the Governor. The
alienist from Seattle conducted the ex-
animation.
"You don't remember this MANI"
Forest asked him quietly, indicating
Ezra Melville.
/ Again Bens eyes studied the droll.
gray face. with the vaguest kind
of memory. I know I've seen him be-
fore-often. I can't tell anything
else"
He's a good friend of your family.
I should say he was very good friend
in your behalf"
Ben nodded. The explanation was
beyond him.
Forest leaned forward. You re-
lmember the Saskatchewan River?'
! Ben Strengthened. but the dim
images in his mind were not clear
enough for him to answer in the af-
| frmative I'm afraid not"
| Melville leaned forward in his chair.
Ask him If he remembers winning
the canoe race at Lodge Pole-or the
time he shot the Athabraska Rapids"
Ben turned brightly to him, but
slowly shook his head. ''I can't re-
member ever hearing Of them before"
Il think you would. IN time Fer
Test remarked They must have been
| interesting experiences. Now what DO
| these mean to you7-Thunder Like
Abner Darby-Edith Oarby-Mao-
Leans College"
| Abner Darby! II was curious what
a flood of tenderness swept through
Ben as, whispering he repeated the
name. Since HIS own was Darby. Alb
| ner Darby was. in all probability, his
| father but his reasoning intelli gence,
rather than his memory. told him so
| The name Of Edith Darby conjured
up in his mind a childhood playmate
a girl with towZled yellow curls and
chubby. confding little hands
| But these dim memory pictures went
no further; there were no later visions
| of Edith as a young woman. blossom
ing with virgin beauty. The third
name Of the three, MacLeans College,
| called up no memories whatever.
They'll strengthen in time, I'm
sure" Forest told him. Put them
out Of your mind. for now. Let 1t
be blank" The auenist again leaned
| toward him. HIS eyes searching. There
ensued an instant's pause. possess
ing certain quality Of suspense
Then Forest spoke quickly, sharply.
wolf Darby"
In response a curious tremor passed
over Ben's frame. giving in some de-
gree the effect Of a violent start
Wolf Darby" he repeated hesitant-
~. why do you call me that?'
THE very fact that you know the
name refers TO you. not some one
else, shows that that blunted mem
DRY Of yours has begun to function
I in some degree. Now think What
do you know about Wolf Darby?"
Ben tried in vain TO find an answer
A whole world Of meaning fingered
just beyond the reach of his gropig
mind; but always 1t eluded him. Forest
| suddenly spoke to old Ezra Melville:
and the latter put small, cardboard
box into his hands.
II want you to see what l have
| here" Forest told Ben. They were
your own possessions once-you sent
them yourself to Abner Darby, your
late father-and I want you TO see
if you remember them"
Evidently this was the climax in
the examination. Forest opened the
box, taking therefrom a roll of white
cotton. This he slowly unrolled, re
veaing two small. ribboned orna-
ments of gold or bronze.
Ben's starting eyes fastened on
them. No doubt he recognized them.
The Victoria Cross, of course" he
said slowly. brokenly. 1T wor it,
didn't 1.-The day-that day at Ypres
the day my men were trapped"
His words faltered then. The wheels
q: his memory, starting into motion.
were stilled once more. Again the
great darkness dropped over him. Yet
to Forest the experiment was an IN
qualified success.
There's no doubt of it," he ex-
claimed. He turned to Mcnamara,
the Governor. His brain is Just az
sound as yours or mine. With the
right environment, the right treat
ment. he'd be on the straight road
TO recovery
/