Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1895-02-20
A PAYING PATIENT.

DR.. Struthers wanted patients. He
could not get them because, firstly, the
ink on his medical diploma was not yet
dry, and secondly, because he could not
raise beard. He was sitting idle in
his Office chair endeavoring to conjure
up some means of increasing his income.
He thought Of starting medical insti-
tute and Of inventing patent medicine,
but he had no capital. To remove to
smaller town was retrograding, and he
dismissed 1t angrily from his mind.
Two patients were the extent Of his
practice. One Of them would die soon,
and the other was nearly well. The in
come from them was hardly sufficient to
pay his rent. The last two letters from
his father, inclosing much needed checks,
had been very curt. One Of them had
said, ut seems You are old enough now
to have an income Of your own"
In fact, young DR.. Struthers was at
his wits end. He was not the man to
worry over anything, however. There
would be way out, he was sure Of that
He lighted cigar, puffed at it time,
walked over to the mirror and looked at
himself
Pm not bad looking. I'm dressed
well enough. But Pm so deuced young
they won't put any confidence in me. /
have half mind to go to my friend
Soutley of the Academy company-have
him make me up-put some lines in my
face, so | would look about 49,. Then
I'd require brass buttoned negro lackey
to receive the patients. II could only
capture one millionaire dyspeptic, one
overworked capitalist and one aged dow
ager with the heart disease-um-um--
I'd risk the rest.
well, there's nothing to do but to
walt Cor Them" he said, sitting down
again. n sometimes feel Like hiring a
canvasser 70 solicit patients. "A hand
some, capable young doctor; careful at
tention given to govt and dyspepsia,
mild medicines used. That doesn't
sound badly. Humphl Medical digni-
ty prevents 1t, though | must cit horo
patiently and trust to that little nickel
plated sign to do the rest"
At that moment carriage drove up
in front of the house. The footman
alighted and opened the door for hand
some young woman to step down upon
the stones She gave the footman a sig
nal. he climbed upon the box, and the
carriage wheeled about and drove away.
She rang the bell and called for DR..
Struthers. The doctor heard her call,
and it gave him time to make pass at
his hair with brush, to tidy up his
clothes a bit and to mutter:
Here's patient at last hope"
Are you DR.. Struthers?" she asked,
standing in the doorway, picture Of
loneliness and stylish clothes.
Eyes, am. VIII you come in and be
seated"
She sat down istlessly in the chair
provided for her, uttering despairing
little cry as she did 80.
DIR. Struthers mustered all Of his dig
nifty. self possession and wisdom. As
he looked at her for moment before
she spoke he wondered If she could be
Ill at all, she was apparently so rosy
checked and healthy.
"You see. DOCTOR" she said, heart
disease is hereditary in the Tyler fam
lily. and-and I've got it," This with
another despairing little sigh.
Heart disease? Fortunes had been
made out Of heart disease. The doctor
took hope.
YES" he said slowly, waiting for her
TO go on.
"You see, Skuyler said it was all my
imagination" she continued between
gasps for breath.
They said thought had it when
hadn't it." There was the suggestion Of
pout on her pretty lips.
Every presuming of them. am sure"
interposed Struthers.
She liked him for his sympathy. and
she became more confidential.
Il know have it. Why, when go
up stairs it beats so fast, and can't get
my breath, just the way poor, dear
mamma said her own did," She reach
ed for her handkerchief and wiped away
two small tears with it. Papa beg
your pardon for not telling you before
papa is Mr.. Cortland Tyler-papa says
it's all nonsense just because DR.. Skuyl-
or says 90. II DR.. Skuyler told papa he
was going to die tomorrow, papa would
believe 1t, he's such goose" She
stopped and blushed, astonished at her
self. "Ohl didn't mean to say that,
but I'm sure I've got the heart disease,
20 came to new doctor who would
know that l had it."
IL You win please let me examine,
hall b able to tell you in moment"
he young physician said sagely. He
moved his chair over to her side and
'ent his head down SO that his ear would
70 directly over the heart of his beauti-
nj patient. A little thrill passed through
fim Tyler's heart and madeit beat fast
: e. abe felt his head touch her coat
nd looked down upon his handsome
COX Of Light hair. Ayoung doctor was
uoh nicer than an old one, she thought