f an idiot, so I called him back and took it away
from him.

This steward of mine discovered my mental unbalance the first day out,
but considers me harmless and treats me accordingly.

I have decided to bring this diary up to date, retain possession of it
pending certain developments, and then incinerate it with appropriate
ceremonies. So I will begin at the beginning, which is the ending of the
last entry with its immortal declaration, "I am."

I have forgotten what I intended to write when I started that sentence,
and what it was cuts no figure. I only know that just at that instant
Chilvers, Marshall, and Carter appeared, dragged me from my chair and
insisted that I join them in a foursome. There was no escape, so I got
ready and in a few minutes was with them at the first tee.

On my way there I met Miss Harding, Miss Ross and Miss Dangerfield. I
chatted with them for a moment and went on. I remember--oh, do I not
remember!--that I called Miss Harding aside and reminded her that we
were to take a moonlight spin in my new automobile. She smilingly
replied that she had not forgotten it, and with a look into each
other's eyes which thrilled my very being I turned to join those
golfers.

How can I write this? It is like pouring a burning acid into a wound!

I have forgotten who won the game. I know I played vilely for I was not
thinking of golf. I was counting the minutes which must elapse before I
could be by her side and tell her that I loved her.

I was rehearsing the words I should whisper to her as we paused on the
smooth crest of "Old Baldy." I was picturing the fairy landscape
shimmering in the moonlight, its rays falling on her fair face as I took
her hand in mine. I saw it all as plain as I see this page in front of
me. I felt it vividly as I feel the heaving of this great ship and the
vibrations of its engines.

How could I play a decent game of golf under such circumstances?

On returning to the club house one of the attendants handed me a
telegram which had just been received. I opened it carelessly and read:

Albuquerque, New Mexico.
To JOHN HENRY SMITH, Woodvale:

If you wish to see your Uncle Henry alive come at once.

DR. L.L. CLARK.

I had an hour in which to get ready to catch the last train to the city
and make the proper connections. I called my man and gave him the
necessary instructions.

Then I began a search for Miss Harding. I suddenly resolved to declare
my love t