xpression with which
he had first beheld the ruins his calamitous gesture laid before the
eyes of Bibbs. "Look at 'at lamidal statue!"

Gazing down the hall, Bibbs saw heroic wreckage, seemingly
Byzantine--painted colossal fragments of the shattered torso,
appallingly human; and gilded and silvered heaps of magnificence strewn
among ruinous palms like the spoil of a barbarians' battle. There had
been a massacre in the oasis--the Moor had been hurled headlong from his
pedestal.

"He hit 'at ole lamidal statue," said George. "POW!"

"My father?"

"YESsuh! POW! he hit 'er! An' you' ma run tell me git doctuh quick 's
I kin telefoam--she sho' you' pa goin' bus' a blood-vessel. He ain't
takin' on 'tall NOW. He ain't nothin' 'tall to what he was 'while ago.
You done miss' it, Mist' Bibbs. Doctuh got him all quiet' down, to what
he was. POW! he hit'er! Yessuh!" He took Bibbs's coat and proffered a
crumpled telegraph form. "Here what come," he said. "I pick 'er up when
he done stompin' on 'er. You read 'er, Mist' Bibbs--you' ma tell me tuhn
'er ovuh to you soon's you come in."

Bibbs read the telegram quickly. It was from New York and addressed to
Mrs. Sheridan.

Sure you will all approve step have taken as was so wretched my
health would probably suffered severely Robert and I were married
this afternoon thought best have quiet wedding absolutely sure
you will understand wisdom of step when you know Robert better am
happiest woman in world are leaving for Florida will wire address
when settled will remain till spring love to all father will like
him too when knows him like I do he is just ideal.
Edith Lamhorn.

CHAPTER XXVI

George departed, and Bibbs was left gazing upon chaos and listening to
thunder. He could not reach the stairway without passing the open doors
of the library, and he was convinced that the mere glimpse of him, just
then, would prove nothing less than insufferable for his father. For
that reason he was about to make his escape into the gold-and-brocade
room, intending to keep out of sight, when he heard Sheridan
vociferously demanding his presence.

"Tell him to come in here! He's out there. I heard George just let him
in. Now you'll SEE!" And tear-stained Mrs. Sheridan, looking out into
the hall, beckoned to her son.

Bibbs went as far as the doorway. Gurney sat winding a strip of white
cotton, his black bag open upo