"Nothing, except the race is at a finish, and I am caught as I always
am," replied Doctor Gordon.

"The race--" repeated James vaguely.

"Yes, the race with myself. Myself has caught up with me, God help me,
and I am in its clutches. The time may come when you will try to race
with self, my boy. Let me tell you, you will never win. You will tire
yourself out, and make a damned idiot of yourself for nothing. I shall
race again to-morrow. I never learn the lesson, but perhaps you can, you
are young. Well, come along. Please be as quiet as you can when you go
into the house. My sister may be asleep. She is perfectly well, but she
is a little nervous. I need not repeat my request that you do not
mention your adventure with Clemency this afternoon to her."

"Certainly not," said James. He walked on beside the doctor, and entered
the house, more and more mystified. James was not sure, but he thought
he heard the faintest little moan from upstairs. He glanced at Doctor
Gordon's face, and it was again the face of the man whom he had seen
before going to Georgie K.'s.




CHAPTER III


The next morning after breakfast, at which Mrs. Ewing did not appear,
Doctor Gordon observed that she always took her rolls and coffee in bed.
James followed Doctor Gordon into his office. Clemency, who had presided