A Simpleton  by Charles Reade
page 331 of 528 (62%)
page 331 of 528 (62%)
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			I will only say that they landed him at Cape Town, out of bodily danger, 
			but weak, and his mind, to all appearance, a hopeless blank. They buried the skeleton,--read the service of the English Church over a Malabar heathen. Dodd took Staines to the hospital, and left twenty pounds with the governor of it to cure him. But he deposited Staines's money and jewels with a friendly banker, and begged that the principal cashier might see the man, and be able to recognize him, should he apply for his own. The cashier came and examined him, and also the ruby ring on his finger--a parting gift from Rosa--and remarked this was a new way of doing business. "Why, it is the only one, sir," said Dodd. "How can we give you his signature? He is not in his right mind." "Nor never will be." "Don't say that, sir. Let us hope for the best, poor fellow." Having made these provisions, the worthy captain weighed anchor, with a warm heart and a good conscience. Yet the image of the man he had saved pursued him, and he resolved to look after him next time he should coal at Cape Town, homeward bound. Staines recovered his strength in about two months; but his mind returned in fragments, and very slowly. For a long, long time he remembered nothing that had preceded his great calamity. His mind  | 
		
			
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