On a Torn-Away World | Page 6

land that does not have its quota of such patients under treatment--patients who, in
many cases, have completely forgotten who and what they are and have assumed a totally
different identity from that they began life with."
"We know that, in some cases, hypnotism has benefited the aphasia and amnesia victim.
His condition is not like that of the mentally feeble; he has merely lost his memory of
what and who he previously was. Believing that all disease, of whatsoever nature, can be
safely treated only through the blood, this ill to which human flesh is heir particularly
must be treated in that way, for we know that a stagnant state of the blood in one spot, at
least, is the cause of the patient's malady. Therefore I have been experimenting
botanically to discover a remedium for the state in question--something that will act
swiftly upon the blood, and directly dissipate such a clot as is spoken of above."
"My dear Professor! I can announce with joy that this remedium is discovered. I obtained
a specimen of a very rare plant brought back from Alaska by a miner who wandered into
the fastnesses of the Endicott Range, far beyond the usual route of gold miners and in a
district which, I understand, is scarcely ever crossed by whites and which is, indeed,
almost impassable, even in the summer months. With the aid of this
herb--Chrysothele-Byzantium (it was known to the ancients, but very rare)--I have
brewed a remedium which, in one case at lest, instantly cleared the blood vessels of the
patient and brought him back to a knowledge of his real self."
"But my supply of the herb is gone. It reached me in its dry state, or I should have first
tried to propagate it. It seeds but once in seven years and therefore is rare and hard to
grow. But I must have a supply of the Chrysothele-Byzantium seeds, plants, and all. I

look to you, my dear Professor Henderson, for help. To you space and the flight of time
are merely words. You can overcome both if you try. I need somebody to go to the
northern part of Alaska--that is, beyond the Endicott Range--to obtain this rare plant for
me. You have already flown over the North Pole and a trip which carries one only three
or four degrees beyond the Arctic Circle is a mere bagatelle to you."
"Yes! it is in you I place my hope, Professor. The hopes of many, many afflicted people
may be placed in you, too. I ask you to fly to this distant place and obtain for me the herb
that will do humanity such great good. Under another enclosure I send you drawings of
the plant in its several states and a full and complete description of how it was found.
You can make no mistake in the Chrysothele-Byzantium. You know that I am a cripple,
or I would offer to join with you in this search. But at least I am prepared to pay for any
expense you may be under. Draw upon me for ten thousand dollars to-morrow if you so
desire, and more if you need before the start. The Massachusetts Bay Trust Company, of
Boston, will honor the draft. Make up the expedition as you see fit. Take as many men
with you as you think necessary. Make all preparations which seem to you fit and needful.
I limit you in nothing--only bring back the herb."
"Remember I shall impatiently await your return and look for your success--I expect
nothing but unqualified success from your attempt. You who have achieved so much in
the past surely cannot fail me in this event. I await your agreement to attempt this voyage
with confidence. I must have the herb and you are the only person who can obtain it for
me."
"Your friend and co-worker for the betterment of humanity, ARTEMUS TODD, M.D.,
Ph.D."
Professor Henderson read this strange letter aloud in the evening as he and his friends
were sitting before the small, clear fire of hickory logs in the big living room of the
bungalow in the woods, built beside the great workshops and laboratory. With the
scientist and the two boys was Andy Sudds, the old hunter, who sat cleaning his rifle, and
Washington White was busy in and out of the room as he cleared away the supper and set
the place in order.
"Well! what do you know about that!" exclaimed Jack Darrow, always ready with a
comment upon any subject. "Dr. Todd is certainly some in earnest; isn't he?" "But what a
cheek he has to ask you to go on such a journey!" cried Mark. "He talks as though he
expected you to start immediately for the Arctic Circle."