Part 6 (2/2)

The junior partner shook his head, kindly but resolutely.

”No, no; not yet awhile. So long as your mind remains clear, just keep composed; and then, when you feel any decided change, I'll hold nothing back from you, and we can get the rest of the family round the bedside.

You'll agree that's the best thing.”

The orthodoxy of this programme ought, one would think, to have soothed the W.S. But it is strange what fancies sick men take.

”I don't agree at all,” said Mr. Walkingshaw warmly. ”In fact, I may tell you Cyrus warned me there might be kind of temporary complications.”

He looked at his son for a moment and then added, with sudden decision--

”Andrew, I'd like to see Cyrus.”

A grim smile dilated Andrew's cheeks.

”You'll have to catch him first. He's off.”

”Off?”

”Bolted this morning as soon as he heard he'd done for you. I hear he owes a couple of hundred pounds in the town, one way and another. That's your Professor for you!”

Mr. Walkingshaw groaned. His son thought it well to improve the occasion, since he did not expect to have many more.

”Him and his radio-electricity! What was it he was going to do--renew the cells of the body?”

”Well, why shouldn't cells be renewed?” protested the invalid weakly.

”There will be,” said his son facetiously. ”He'll find himself in one again or I'm mistaken.”

Mr. Walkingshaw lay silent for a few minutes. Then suddenly he groaned.

”Another of them coming on!” he muttered, and twisted his face away.

It was a few minutes more before he spoke again.

”I trust they'll catch the rascal! Andrew, my boy, can you not do anything to a.s.sist the police?”

It was impressive to see how adequately the junior partner handled each fresh development of the situation. At these last words he looked exceedingly grave.

”Had your thoughts not better be turning to other things?” he suggested.

The invalid's head started forward from the pillow.

”Will you have the kindness to mind your own--” he began; and then, in judgment, another spasm a.s.sailed him.

Andrew closed his eyes, drew down the corners of his mouth, and his lips moved silently but evidently piously. It was impossible to remain callous to such an elevating influence.

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