Fort Worth weekly gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1890-08-28

Ned and the younger lady were crying help
lessiy by the door, when they heard the old
physician step in the hall. They tried to keep
him back little and to give the older lady
warning of his approach, put there was no need.
At the sound of the opening door she arose,
controlling herself by a strong effort. Bowling
with dignffied recognition of the physician s
entrance, she awaited his verdict with sad and
hopeless eyes.
man, with a sombre countenance. suggestive of
undertakes and funerals. There had never
been much sympathy between him and DR..
John. Too many patients whom the old doctor
had given over TO die had been saved by the
younger man.
Dr. Thompson was an old fogy, it is true, but
even old fogies do not relish being superseded
by younger men with better schooling and more
progressive ideas. Therefore it was with q par
donsble feeling Of triumph that the old doctor
had answered the call to his young colleagues
bedside. He had taken pains to inform every
body he met that DR.. John was worse and haG
He drew back with start at the bedside.
What this?
Instead of the petulant sufferer he had eI-
pected 10 see, chatting under his enforced con-
iinement, here was a man already marked by
death, silently passing into the great unknown;
were no longer matter OF moment.
How long has he been so2''
The old physician was startled out OF his Gus
tomary composure. He put the question to
Ned.
Since O'Clock this morning, sir. I sent inn
mediately for you.''
DR.. Johns chest, laying his finger on his pulse.
Then he drew from his pocket slender rubber
case. and took from it a small glass tube, which
he slipped within the parted lips.
This thermometer was DR.. Tbompson's one
concession to modern science. He used il all
occasions, and, it is said, diagnosed disease by
means of il. This time he took II out and looked
at 1t, and then around at the others with an air
OF owlish importance.
'Will he liVe?" asked Ned, and the ladies'
eyes repeated the question.
Now, DR.. Thompson knew enough OF the signs
of approaching dissolution to be sure there was
no mortal hope for DR.. John. But he had his
own professional dignity to maintain, and knew
that il would never answer to come so many
miles to declare his inability to be of use.
''Hml'' he said, Strengthening himself and
fastening his thumbs in the buttonholes of his
coat. HIM! bad case, a serious case,
madam. If had been called in sooner. But,
They awaited his next words in breathless
silence,
There is Just one thing that may possibly
save him. said the old doc tor in q deep voice.
''He must have an emulsion
DR.. Thompson's emulsions were the terror OF
once been known TO say that more people had
died from DR.. Thompson's emulsions than he
had ever saved. The old doctor had heard of
this speech. and there had been bad blood be-
tween the two physicians ever since.
Now, whether they are right or wrong, the
people Of the valley always have it that DIR.
Johns professional spirit was stronger than
death itself. Be this as IT may, what patient
care and tender nursing had failed to effect
what love itself had been powerless to accom-
piish, was brought about by this projected out
rage upon his own code OF practice.
For the sick mans hand, which an instant be-
fore had lain white and nerveless on his breast
tTembled, moved then lifted, with a slight re-
pellant gesture. waved and fell back.
The little group was startled. Even the old
doctor. accustomed as he was to dying men, was
shocked at this unexpected manifestation; but
he repeated his decision in an cular tone:
''He must have an emulsion. -
THIS time the pallio lips quiYered. the head
moved slightly; and a faint whisper broke the
silence:
''Iill die first
Be it dead or dying man who spoke the asser-
ton direct challenge of the old gentle
mans medical skill. He took il up instantly,
with a snort OF indignation.
''You II die without it, SIR
DR.. John was weak that he could not lift
his head from the pillow, lat his eyes, wide