rs' bowstrings, clockmakers' cords, and thongs for whips and laces
for boots."

"What are the best kinds of strings for musical instruments?"

"Those obtained from Milan, Italy, are considered the best, on account
of their transparency and exceeding strength. Most frequently each
string is made up of two or three separate strands, twisted together
with the utmost care. But there is another use of the greatest value,
and that is as a thread for sewing up wounds in internal surgery,
because, being of animal matter, the thread will, in course of time, be
absorbed into the system, and thus remove itself, without requiring a
second operation to remove it from the wound."

"How is it prepared to make it suitable for our purpose!"

"The ones here I thoroughly cleaned at the time, as I knew they would
come in handy for particular purposes, but I had no idea of this kind in
view at the time. We must soak them and remove the inner and outer
lining. Potash, in solution, is best for the purpose. We must then draw
them through small holes, to give them uniformity, and keep them in a
receptacle which is filled with sulphur fumes. That is for the purpose
of fumigating them. They are then ready for the instrument. I think the
different sizes will give you a variety."

The directions were carried out, and during the following week the
violin was prepared for its initial test. The Professor was pleased with
the knowledge that the instrument was ready. It was plain that he
expected important results from that source with John. It is well known
that music possesses a wonderful power in the treatment of demented
people, and he was very anxious to try it in the case of one who had
lost all memory.

On the evening appointed the violin was brought in, and the boys had
arranged a program. Harry had a fine baritone voice, while George could
take a high note and sustain it as well as most sopranos. When all the
preliminaries had been arranged, the instrument was produced, and after
a little preliminary tuning, George played "America."

At the first strains of the violin, Angel, who was in the loft, came
down. He didn't stop to notice anyone but George. This was something so
unheard of that he appeared to be hypnotized, as he shuffled over to
George, and looked up at the instrument. He appeared to be entranced,
and when the music stopped he laid his hand on George's knee, and looked
up appealingly. There was not a single motion in his featu