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204, as she shook him by the hand. "You said you would do what you could for us, and now I wish you to do me a favor."

"Anything I can do, I'll do willingly," was Gilbert's prompt reply. "But how is your husband?"

At once the smile that had come into Mrs. Bartlett's face for a moment faded away. "He is not doing so well," she said lowly. "He does not seem to be able to get back to his right mind. And the fire has set him back, too."

"What does the doctor say?"

"He says it is a peculiar case, and that my husband must have rest as much as medicine. But how can he have rest here?" And the woman wrung her hands.

Jennie Bartlett now appeared, and also shook hands. She said her father had heard Gilbert's voice, and wished the young officer to come to him.

"Be careful of what you say to him," whispered Mrs. Bartlett. "He is easily excited, and excitement is the worst possible thing for him."

"I will be careful," answered Gilbert, and followed her into the sick-chamber. He found Amos