Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1895-01-19
Ten Minutes TO TWOIV0.
By II. G. M'CLELLAND.

holder too, sometimes, the patient re-
sponded, weak enough to feel the relief
of divided responsibility. I've Il lone
some sort OF conviction that my pasty
will turn out a soddeu failure without
pretty vigorous stirring from an outside
spoon. The fact Is, I'm in an uncom-
monty deep hole. and shall be thankful
for friendly hand to pull me out. You
must not let me interfere with your own
plans. however. 1t seems I've got to rest
temporarily or else eternally; but that's
no reason you should he inconven-
fenced.
That's all right Royal declared.
Don't veX your mind on my score. I'm
holiday making and my time is at my
own disposal. There's nothing to pre-
vent my stopping over q week if | want
to- Then l don't mind telling You that
I'm interested III your case-would like
to watch it bit, III short. Force of
habit, you see; there's nothing like it,
eli, doctor? You know how it is your
self"
He talked cheerily, kind words over
lying a kind intention, and both carry
ing soothing to the sick man, as he
meant that they should. The rules of
the order enjoined assistance in cases
like the present, and he was, moreover,
in mood for being helpful, or, as he
might have dubbed it, Oificious. Since
the partial examination to which he had
subjected the patient his interest and
sympathy had deepened. The outlook
was more serious than he had supposed
was 50 serious, in fact, that all thought
of continuation of the journey must be
put aside. AS he talked, DR.. Royal
turned over in his 1.'ind the ACCESSIBILITY
of summon1ng the sick mans friends
without loss Of time, and only awaited
an opening to request the necessary in
formation concerning them casually, as
it were.
A clear coal fire burned in the CRATE
night was drawing in, and outside it was
cold and dark The flames danced up
and down, violet where the fuel was
only half ignited and pale yellow down
in the hollows where the heat was great
est; shadows played on the walls and
the sick mans bed for there was no
light in the room save that given by the
fire. The face on the pillow was well
nigh invisible, save when the flames
flared up. when it would start out, dis
tinct and prominent, the eyes wide open
and watchful.
Doctor, will you make II light"
Royal started. He had thought the
patient asleep. AS he complied with
the request he remarked, quite care
lessly:
by the way, friend, won't your peo-
pie be expecting you? 1t may bother
them, not understanding about the de
Law, you know. Women always put
themselves in Il fret. If you'll give me
the address before you go to sleep Ill
wire for you"
The answer was irrelevant
"What time is it,"
DR.. Royal gave the desired infOrma-
ton.
Half past g." the sick man repeated.
"And the train leaves at 80 a. IN. Near
ly eight hours to rest and pull myself to-
gether. No; it won't be worth while to
telegraph, thank you. They couldn't
get it in time to make new arrange
ments. There's no telegraph Office at
their station, and message would go
past and have to be sent back by mail
1t would reach them too late to do any
good. I'll just rest bit and go ON by
that 4:30 train. It's the only way"
He spoke slowly, as one who figures
out situation.
Royal faced round to the bed.
Are you aware CT your condition."
he demanded gravely.
"Perfectly," the other replied. I've
watched the case from the beginning"
1t seemed hideous, this turning of ones
science upon ones self; but neither man
appeared to find it so. The one doctor
made the statement and the other re-
ceived it quite as matter of course.
you know, them" Royal proceeded,
speaking plainly because Of the urgency
of the case, ''just what your chance is
worth, even with all the help you can
get from rest and quiet. To continue
this journey will be suicide"
The eyes on the pillow met his reso-
iutely, and the jaw squared itself
Il know that I'm to be married before
~ o'clock tomorrow, and that I've got
to be on hand, dead or alive"
Here was an unlocked for complica-
ton. Royals brows swept together in
perplexity. 1t was an awkward situa-
ton, he was willing to admit; but with
him the professional instinct was doml-
nant.
1T can't be done," he announced de-
cidedlyo "Your life won't be worth ar
instant's purchase if you quit that bed
It's an ugly tangle, but it won't help
matters to invite death in to unite it,