asier, and Cleary was able to have a little talk with
him before he left. Sam had been told by the doctor that his condition
was serious, and he had no desire to get well.

"You must brace up, old man," said Cleary cheerily. "I'll come back in
a few days and we'll lay out our plans for the future. You're the
finest soldier that ever lived, and I haven't done with you yet."

"Don't say that, don't say that!" cried Sam. "I'm no soldier at all. I
wanted to be a perfect soldier, and I can't. It's that that's breaking
my heart. I don't mind the nomination for President nor anything else
in comparison. My poor wife! Why did I let her marry a coward like me?
I can't tell you now, but if I'm alive when you come here again I'll
tell you all."

"Nonsense, old man," said Cleary. "You've got the fever on you again.
It's in your blood. When it gets out, you'll be all right."

It was with tears in his eyes that Cleary bade his friend good-by, for
he could see that he was a very sick man. It was impossible, however,
for him to remain longer, and as Sam's wife and cousin were there to
nurse him, and his father and mother had been telegraphed for, he felt
that there was no necessity for him to remain.

After the lapse of three weeks Cleary received the sad news that Sam
had shown unmistakable signs of insanity and had been removed to an
insane asylum. His father wrote that while his insanity was of a mild
form, the doctors thought it best for him to be placed in an
institution where he could receive the most scientific treatment. Six
months later Cleary, who was now one of the editors of the _Lyre_,
went on a sad pilgrimage to see his friend. The asylum was several
hours away from the metropolis beyond East Point, and was none other
than the great building which they had described to the chief of the
Moritos. Cleary took a carriage at the station and drove to his
destination, and at last arrived at the huge edifice in the midst of
its wide domain. He went into the reception-room and explained his
errand. After a while a young doctor came to him, and told him that he
could have an interview with Captain Jinks at once, and offered to act
as his guide. It was a long walk through corridors and passages and up
winding stairs to Sam's apartment, and Cleary questioned the doctor as
they went.

"Captain Jinks is a dear fellow," said the doctor in response to his
inquiries. "We are all fond of him. At f