“I should not be at all surprised,” returned the physician. “He may be the heir to some large property, and jealousy has brought him to this pass. Everything about him, save his idiocy, betrays that he came of a refined parentage. His physical condition is sound, although he is not fully developed as he should be, but that is owing undoubtedly, to his mental incapacity. He is evidently about fifteen years of age.” All this was the result of but a superficial examination. A more critical one confirmed one of the doctor’s theories: there proved to be a depression of the skull which must have been caused by some accident to or violent blow upon the head. “It was done a number of years ago,” the learned man affirmed, “and that produced a paralysis of the brain and also of the nerves that control his organs of speech.” “Is there any help for him—can he be restored?” Mr. Huntress inquired, eagerly. “Possibly, by an operation; but it would be attended with considerable risk.” “Would the risk be so great, that were the boy your own son, you would hesitate to attempt it?” “No; I should have it done at once. Still, the trouble is of such long standing that I could not answer for the success of the operation in restoring the boy to his normal condition, even should he survive the shock to his system; and yet——” “Well?” almost impatiently questioned Mr. Huntress. He was becoming greatly excited over the matter. Somehow a conviction had taken possession of his heart that such an operation would result favorably, and he longed to have his hopes confirmed. “It would be a great triumph of science if the trial could be made, and he should have his reasoning powers restored,” returned the physician, gravely. “Would he be able to talk? Would his power of speech be regained?” “Yes, I believe so. I suspect that a portion of the skull, which was broken at the time of his injury, is pressing upon his brain, causing not only loss of memory, but also a partial paralysis of the hypoglossal nerve. If this pressure can be relieved, and the piece of skull lifted to its place, or removed altogether, and the aperture trepanned, I see no reason why he should not recover the full use of all his faculties,” the doctor explained. “I wish it might be done. Doctor, I wonder if it would be right for me to assume the responsibility of ordering this operation to be performed,” said Mr. Huntress, reflectively. “It would be a great blessing to the boy.” “Yes; provided all went well.” “And an otherwise inexplicable mystery might thus be solved; he would doubtless be able to tell who he is, and thus you could restore him to his friends.” “Dr. Scherz, will you share the responsibility—simply that—of this matter with me?” Mr. Huntress gravely asked, after thinking deeply for several moments.