"You had a severe fall and hurt yourself last night and was brought to
the hospital. You are doing finely. Can you remember anything about the
incident?"

Lester looked up vacantly into the dark-gray eyes. "I--I was in a hurry
to close my books at the office; that is all I recollect," he murmured.

From documents found in his pockets, it was learned that he had some
connection with the great dry goods house of Marsh & Co., and the senior
member of the firm was notified. Within an hour Mr. Marsh responded in
person. He was greatly distressed over the occurrence and took it deeply
to heart.

"I think as much of that young man as if he were my own son. Do
everything in human power for him. Let no pains be spared. I will stand
every expense," he said, and then and there he also confided a startling
secret to the surgeon.

"I am a lone man in this world, without one kindred tie on earth. Some
little time since I made my will. I left every dollar I possessed on
earth to my young cashier, Lester Armstrong, though he never even
dreamed of such an existing state of affairs. I never intended that he
should know that I had made him my heir for perhaps years to come yet."

"Lester Armstrong!" exclaimed the surgeon. "Why, that is not the name he
is entered here under, Mr. Marsh. The friend who was with him did not
call him that."

"Then the friend who was with him evidently did not know him. I identify
him as my cashier, Lester Armstrong."

The surgeon bowed courteously.

"I would also suggest no mention whatever of this affair be given to the
newspapers," continued the gentleman. "They would make a sensational
story out of it, and I detest notoriety."

"Your wishes shall be respected, sir," replied the surgeon, who had a
great reverence for men of wealth.

His prediction proved quite correct. When Lester Armstrong arose from
that bed of sickness ten days later, his mind, although as bright and
keen as ever on some subjects, on others was hopelessly clouded. Even
the slightest recollection of beautiful Faynie Fairfax, the little
sweetheart whom he had loved better than his own life, was completely
obliterated from his mind. He did not even remember such a being had
ever existed.

Another event had transpired on the eventful night of his injury. The
humble boarding house where he had made his home so many years, had been
destroyed by fire, and the people had gone none knew whither. This was
indeed a trying blow to Le