g all of my reasoning
faculties to their fullest extent. Some day I shall explain many strange
things to you, of which you know nothing. But now I must devote all of
my thoughts and forces toward regaining my former physical strength, and
likewise increase my moral and mental vigor for a future great work."

Arletta said no more at that time, but to my great surprise, the next
day I was transferred from the charity ward to a paid private room in
another part of the hospital. The furnishings of this room were of the
most luxurious description, and the nurse informed me that it was the
very best and highest priced apartment in the building. I afterwards
learned that the cost of renting this room, including attendance, was
one hundred dollars per week. Arletta had secured it for me. It was
really remarkable how quickly the value of my life increased in the eyes
of those hospital attendants, by the expenditure of a little money. From
a worthless proletariat I was suddenly transformed into a man of great
importance. There were two private nurses to wait on me, and they moved
with the celerity of antelopes in response to my slightest bidding. They
appeared to be bubbling over with kindness and attention, and seemed to
anticipate my every want. The orderlies treated me as if I were the
crowned ruler of the universe, while the doctors displayed an unnatural
politeness that was almost amusing. I found out later that Arletta was
to fee them all handsomely in case of my early recovery. My new nurses
were always ready to answer questions and give me any information I
wanted.

Upon arriving at my new and sumptuous quarters, one of the nurses
informed me that I was to receive a personal visit from the great Doctor
Know-all that day. She further informed me that he was considered to be
the leading physician of America and that he never made a professional
call for less than one thousand dollars. As if by appointment Arletta
and this doctor arrived at almost the same moment. Several of the house
physicians also followed him into the room anxious to learn what
diagnosis this celebrated practitioner would make of a case which had so
baffled them. He lost no time in unnecessary talk but got down to work
immediately, first looking over the charts which recorded my condition
since my entrance to the hospital. Then he examined me carefully, with
various instruments, from the tip of my head to the sole of my foot,
meanwhile asking me many qu