Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1896-10-01
CHAPTER XVII.
Another Rejection

uSul. lie sight Vi the DlaSS SMllSb
in the doctors hand was in a way
startling, but the professor had been
measurably prepared for it. He for
got how it was the emblem of the doc.
tors hold upon him, and saw in it
simply the proof of his own correct
reasoning. He wrenched himself free
and seized the doctor by both wrists.
In the very brief struggle the piece of
brass fell to the ground.
The doctor felt it drop, but he cared
not. The emblem might go; the fatal
facts remained and word from him
could cause a minute examination to
be made of every inch of Fairview.
Professor Drummond's grip was like
steel. Strong as he was the doctor was
helpless. The very mastery he quick
~ attained over the physician served
to bring the professor partly to his
senses
Il could kill you where you stand!
he muttered between his clinched
teeth.
BAH retorted the doctor, and the
more completely to express his con-
tempt he spat in the professors face.
This worse than blow sent the pro-
fessor staggering back. 1t demonstrate
ed all too clearly the utter futility of
his physical superiority Amazed and
bewldered, he let go the doctors
wrists.
Quick to take advantage Of his re-
lease, DR.. Williams turned about, took
Amelia in his arms and bore her rap
idly through the wood toward the
house 1t seemed for moment as if
the professor would remain where he
was, but his mind, alive to his situa-
ton, recovered it's poise and he fol-
lowed hurriedly.
Let me help you, doctor" he cried
as they approached the ledge door,
where Mrs. Williams and Louise anX-
iously awaited them.
Don't dare to so much as touch her
dress" returned the doctor in a low
threatening voice.
He carried Amelia into the house
and down the stairs to her chamber
bidding his mother to follow, while the
herently to Louise about the harm that
had come to dear" Amelia.
For some time all the doctors atten-
ton was concentrated upon Amelia.
He had his mother put her to bed
while he wrote prescription and took
it to the professor, whom he found as
usual in the dining room. Louise was
with him.
Take this to the village and have
it filed" he said shortly, handing over
the slip of paper.
Professor Drummond took the paper
with a vacant stare.
Let me CO. papa" said Louise; you
home, or let Betsey and Mrs. Appleton
60"
She turned appealingly to the doc
tor
Il think Professor Drummond had
better go himself" he responded, but
I'm Indifferent so long as the medicine
is obtained quickly"
"Ill CO. exclaimed the professor,
while a flush mounted to his brow
The doctor followed him to the door
Il think you know better" he said
than to tamper with that prescrip-
ton"
Professor Drummond glared angrily
at the doctor, but went out without re-
plying,
rs Amelia very i'll, DOCTOR" asked
Louise as he started up stairs.
yes" he answered, she is in a very
serious condition"
The invalid was unconscious until the
medicines to the chamber DR.. Will
liams examined the labels carefully
and observed that each parcel had
been sealed and stamped by the drug
gist. None of the seals were broken.
rs she in danger Mason?" asked
his mother after a time.
She is in very bad way, mother
he responded thoughtfully. Il shall
remain here tonight. I think you'd
better go home now"
Now. Mason! Why? II ever |
were needed here it seems to me that
this is the time"
ut is very natural that you should
think so, mother, but l assure you
that you ought to go home"
What will Professor Drummond
and his daughter think If leave them
oow?"
1T doesn't matter what either Of
them thinks. Please don't plead with
me, mother. shall tell the professor
that want you to 60"
Mrs. Williams still hesitated
If | could only help you, Mason, ="
she urged
Mo- he exclaimed, almost angrily
1 have done wrong in permitting you
TO be here at all. 1t is no place for you
or any other good woman You must
CO.,
Mrs. Williams was greatly startled
by her sons words and manner.
Il feel afraid to have you stay here
Mason, she whispered, trembling.
The doctor took her face in his hands
and carreFSnd IL tendarIv