The Argosy, December 1905 — page 119: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE OUTCAST. the accident which had caused the pa- tient’s stupor, and to every detail of the efforts the younger physician had put forth in his behalf. A careful examina- tion of the bruise upon the crown fol- lowed, after which the scientist sat some time, seemingly digesting what he had seen and what had been told him. “ You, Dr. Burress,” he said at last, “are blessed with keen observation. I noticed that while you were under my eye. And I believe your diagnosis of this case from the moment the victim aroused from his stupor has _ been nearly, if not altogether, correct. It is an extraordinary condition of mind from which he suffers. Only one such case has ever come under my knowl- edge—that is, where the patient was as helpless as this man. “T believe you are correct in saying that your friend is a mere babe in point of educated intelligence. He must be in a continual state of alarm at every- thing he sees and hears, and as for human speech, that of the inhabitants of Jupiter—if it has inhabitants— would be quite as intelligible to him. “ All external things must merely form, to his vision, a great picture like a painted canvas, and he possesses no sense of their especial relation. He has no conception of the flow of time, or of the difference between those whom he sees moving about him—although our movements are evidently what really fastens his gaze and holds his infantile attention. “You have here, sir, an exceedingly interesting and instructive case.” “| have here a very sick man, pro- fessor, whom you and Dr. Munhall must aid me in curing,” Burress said gravely. “Ah, the cure!” repeated Ogle- thorpe, shaking his head. “ That is an- other matter. This is not a thing that will yield to drugs. If the man ever re- turns to his original identity “ Leslie had come into the room un- observed, and now glided forward with clasped hands. eCUDilgs. “Oat, cried. The scientist looked at her keenly, and smiled. “Now that I a 7 he will recover?” she see there is one so 97 greatly interested in him, I have more courage to say he may recover. Medi- cine can do little for him, my dear young lady. Patience and careful nursing and love can do vastly more. “He must have the attention and care which an infant needs. He must be watched and taught from the begin- ning. If his friends are faithful, he may yet greet them in his former iden- tity—how soon I cannot say.” “ Oh, I will do anything—anything! ” murmured the girl, wringing her hands. Burress, seeing her emotion, led her from the room. In the hall she clutched h-m by the lapels and looked searching- ly into his face. “Ramon,” she said, “ that man does not inspire me with confidence. Yes, yes! I know he will aid you all he ean, and so will the old doctor—bless his dear old heart! But you, Ramon—it is in you I trust. , “You love him; think of it! You two boys have always been friends, and you have both been so—so kind to me.” She looked at him steadily, al- though her eyes overflowed. “T am going to take every advan- tage of your past kindness, Ramon. I— I know you think well of me.” Her ex- pression was an open declaration of deeper knowledge than her words indi- cated, and Burress winced. “ By our friendship—yes, by the ten- derest thought yow have ever had in your heart regarding me—lI adjure you to be faithful to poor Seymour. You are the only person who has the least control over him. See how he shrinks from even me! You must stay with him; you must watch over him. Iam convinced, dear friend, that you alone can work a cure in his case.” The girl’s passion forced her ruth- lessly to tear away the curtain which masked her very soul. But this was no time for false modesty, and her love made her selfish in her demands. “Promise me you will not leave him, Ramon,” she cried. “ You must, you must promise. Ill not let you go awa ss “Who says [I am going away?” ex- claimed Burress hoarsely. “ Betty. COMmiICMOOokKks Your trunks remain un-. (C@