The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-03-18

RANDY HEARS TALES
 CHAPTER xxx

Kings Row, too, was beginning to bear highly favorable things about Dr. Mitchell, but the more they beard, th eless they saw of him. Someone said that he was a fine pianist. Everyone had heard more br less about his devotion to the un- Fortunate Drake McHugh. It was Thought very fine of pr. Mitchell to maintain a loyal friendship for Q eoyhood acquaintance.
 Just lately there had been Q Dit of gossip about Louise Gordon eSings Row knew that Louise had Rad Q very bad nervous break down. Dr. Mitchell frequently walked in the late afternoon with Louise, and it was noticeable that Louise had "come out" amazingly.
 One startling piece of informa- tion emerged from Louise's chat ter. It concerned the Towers. It puzzled Paris little that Louise should be able to recall so much of what her mother had said years ago of other people. He brought Himself quickly to attention at the first mention of Dr. Tower and Cassie. Then gradually he pieced together the casual fragments. He was unable to recall precisely the words of Dr. Towers diary at this point, but he was certain now that the mysterious person or persons who had blocked his purpose of working at the asylum had been the Gordons.
 In the fall Louise had an attack of bronchitis, and pr. Saunders, one of Kings Rows older doctors, was called, Dr. Saunders happily ended Paris worries about Louise, He advised Mrs. Gordon to take Louise to Florida for the winter, and when his own advices were added, Mrs. Gordon agreed.
 Paris did not realize how tired he was until pr. Nolan ordered a reor- gani2ation of his schedule. There were times when he felt too much outside of the life Drake and Randy shared in the little white house, They were happy; their business was successful.
 Paris and Randy walked out toward the old Cemetery one afternoon. Randy was troubled, but he waited for her to speak, They crossed the stone stile and came presently to small square enclosed with evergreen that re- minded Paris of the thickets where he used to play with Renee. Severe granite slabs in the square mad only names and dates: ALEX I.ANDER e. TOWER and CAS- aSANDFA TOWER.
 PaSris was surprised that the plot was so carefully tended. with some sort of shiny-leafed vine covering the ground,
 He looked at Randy. She colored and looked 0 little em- barraSSed.
 I've -been taking care of these graves, Paris. Drake told me that Cassie and her father meant a lot to you"
 Thay went back through the little green alley and across the cemetery to the slope where the sunshine was warmest. Well, Randys
 T don't know how to begin, Parts. I've been hearing some stories that don't understand - so I thought I'd better let you know"
 Paris felt a curious chill of apprehension.
 Well, 90 ahead"
 Tt seems that talk sort of runs around and around and takes on first one meaning, then another When first heard Louise's name mentioned, they said you were going with Louise"
 Paris nodded. He remembered his talk with Dr. Nolan.
 Then came the old stories again
 Just = what were the old stories, Randy?".
 Tt was said that Louise said her father performed unnecessary operations just well, just because he liked to, and that he did too many of them without chloro- form"
 "Um." Paris nodded again.
 People began to remember. You ought to hear the long lists of operations br. Gordon did with out an anesthetic! It's always the same story. The patients heart was weak"
 "EtrangeW
 But Paris have you ever counted up the number Of terribly dihgured apeople he left behind him?"
 She had gone deathly pale.
 "Drakel" she whispered. "Dyakel"
 Paris held perfectly still. Ram dy shook his arm violently.
 "Parrisp
 'Yes, Randy?'
 You've got to tell mel"
 He shook his head.
 Then the stories are true?"
 Listen, Randy: there are strange cases in medical history = like this. But 1t doesn't follow that every operation pr. Gordon performed was or could have been unnecessary. Do you know any of the details of Drake's injury2" -.