Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/158

 "No," replied Mr. Genung in some surprise.

"Has he ever married?"

"No."

"He was born and reared in Nevada, I believe. Where educated?"

"San Francisco."

"And probably, like too many young men of that age, Chinatown had its attractions."

Mr. Genung's face became purple with indignation, but his questioner did not flinch, only a look of divine pity came into his face as the question was repeated.

"Pardon me, Dr. Herschel," Mr. Genung replied, rising and preparing to leave, "I fail to see the application of that question to my dear nephew's present condition."

"Very well," came the deliberate reply, "you are not legally obliged to answer, neither is your nephew; but as the latter's medical adviser and would-be friend, I have a moral right to be enlightened on everything pertaining to his good. True, the question asked, though a leading one, is not necessary, for his symptoms are sufficient to expel all doubt;