The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-01-02
ev COUNT LEO ToLsToI.

The great doctor" had been called to
the country seat of the sick millionaire,
and, arriving just as the crisis had set in,
was able to tell the family few hours
later that he had saved his patients life.
Scarcely could wife aud children do
enough TO express their gratitude. They
praised the great doctor as IL he had
been deity. Would not he accept their
hospitality for a short timer Ii would
make them UNNECESSARILY happy and
proud. No, the great doctor was IN
hurry. for on the morrow there began In
Moscow medical congress which he
must not miss, as the health and happi-
ness of great many people In all parts
of the world depended on the exploitation
OF certain discoveries which he was going
to announce.
So the best sleigh was taken out OF
the shed. The blooded horses which the
proprietor reserved for his own personal
use were none too good for him, and. COW
cred with precious furs, hamper with
delicacies under the seat, his exceliency
started out into the night. As he drove
from the castle yard the steward ran
after him. "A brace of pistols, worship
full sir! One never knows what may hap
pen. The coachman also Is well armed.
The sleigh had proceeded only a few
yersts when suddenly the horses stopped,
reared and plunged Whip and words
fQiled to make the brutes go step far
Their. Then man stepped from the shad-
ow of a tree and, uncovering lantern,
approached.
brother" he said, raising his hat,
"can you spare me seat? l am bound
for the village, where poor patient OK
mine Is In the throes Of death"
The doctor recognized the young physl-
cfan whom he had met in the castle, but
who had seemed to vanish into thin air
after the authority from the capital had
made his much heralded appearance.
"Step in," he said. with all the condo
scension at his command, but he could
have kicked the fellow for asking him.
The young doctor seated himself by the
professors left and the horses resumed
their furious pace. al would deem 1t n
great favor, brother, IL you would stop a
moment when we arrive in the village
and take a look at the old woman. Maybe
you could prolong her life," he laid after
! awhile.
The great doctor did not care to hide
his annoyance. II haven't a minute to
| spare" he grumbled. Not minute.
Don't ask me-" And he drew his hood
closer around his ears.
But you will pass her hut. Please
consider
| In tone more angry than before the
great doctor inquired, Whats the mat
ter with your old wench, anyhow
"The old lady Is suffering from con-
sumption"
| "Consumption"' roared the great doc
tor with sneer. And for such a COM
mon disease you bespeak the presence Of
q specialist like me?"
you think then. that there Is no hope
Is this your expert opinion, brotherT' the
country physician asked.
The great doctor drew himself away
from his colleague. Looking him full in
the face, he said in a voice trembling
with suppressed rage, Young man,
think that the time and abilities l devote
TO the highest scientific tasks and prob
lens should not be wasted by running In
competition with n cupper saw bones
such as you."-
| But your excellency just comes from
an errand of that kind. You succeeded
| the cupper at the millionaire's bed, but
of course expect to be well ps'd for low
ering yourself. Every man has his price
| Hold your tongue, sir!' cried the
great doctor. "You are forgetting who
I am"
"a brother colleague" insisted the
| stranger. you can't forget that. We
| are in the same business, though our
methods differ. l am employed by poor
people because l never prescribe costly
medicines. The rich employ me. too
4 ~ x,.tfpasea1 chat "a
the castle. Still your last success. like MI
previous achievements Of yours, depended
upon my good will. Fool that you are tc
think that you saved Michael Nicolala
witch from death. 1t was Death that re-
jeeted him for this one time"
With these words, carelessly spoken
the stranger fixed his impressive eyes on
bis companion. who began to tremble
ats cold night-a mighty cold night.
continued the stranger: ''or is ii perhaps
fear that makes you shake soy
Nonsense" said the great doctor. but
he would have given a thousand ruble;
for the privilege OF throwing the stranger
out. And as he looked him over to weigh
his chances In a possible conflict his com
panion seemed to grow and expand. HI
was becoming more formidable every sec
iond; more awe inspiring and more famil
lar too.
"Stopw cried the professor. "Driver
stopv But the horses doubled their pace
The sleigh collided with trees, overhang
ing branches brushed against its cover.
nstop, driver. Stop. II you want to re
tain your position" There was a crash
the ground seemed to rise. The old coach
man tumbled from the box, the rein
dragged In the snow. the horses ran as !
the forest were atre.
snow must play coschman." said tn
country doctor. He leaned forward
matched up the ribbons and laughed
"We will have a merry rider take m
/ -arI for tf -