Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-07-15
CHATTER XXI

dark as it might have been at that hour
in March, instead CT the beginning of
May. But | went on toward the farm
gate, which | had broken open at noon,
with my head Down and the collar of
the porter's coat pulled Up to! my ears.
had got through the gate and a quar-
ter of a mile further on, perhaps, when
suddenly / came into violent collision
with some one walking rapidly in the
opposite direction.
Halo! WY can't you look what
you're about? Surely there's room enough
| in this road for twop' exclaimed an an
CRY voice.
| | apologized, and found myself talking
to man not much more than my own
age, perhaps, but almost featureless, veil
ed in heavy black beard. A soft black
hat, streaming vita rain, was pulled well
over his eyes, ard q macintosh was
tightly buttoned round his throat. In
one hand was rather professional look
ing bag, and, in spite of my surprise that
he should be walking, ! began eagerly
! to wonder if this shoIt-tempered gentle
man could be the Market Peyton doctor
on his belated way toward the Spider
Farm.
Il beg your pardon" cried, civilly;
"but are you on your way 10 see Mr..
Jonas Heckleberry, of Spider FARM"
He had gone just past me. a step or
two in his hurry. but wheeled round hur-
riedly at my words.
Il beg your pardon he echoed, with
look of being startled, 'but l should
like to ask what may that be to your
1T is his to me-" l answered, that
wish to know whether you are the doctor
who was sent for early this: afternoon
from Market Peyton.
I'm Mr.. Nobody of Nowhere" he re-
turned, with a peculiar laugh. But,
though haven't got an NJ. u. after my
name, I'm a pretty good doctor for all
that, and I'm. the lest Mr.. Jonas Heckle
berry is likely 10 get tonight But,
again. I'd be glad to inquire what affair
it is of yours? You don't come from the
Spider Farm-that | know"
There you're mistaken" l said coolly,
"for l do come from there, and I'm go
ing back again with you, if you are
doctor, as you seem inclined te hint"
1.-The deuce you areF' he exclaimed
shortly, and l caught a glean of dark
eyes under the SLOUGH hat
| could not help laughing. Let us
drop this badinage." | said, and come
to some sort of understanding" / then
went ON to explain what | thought nee
essary, and at last repeated my question.
Had l met the doctor?
You have, and you haven't" he re-
turned. Il don't live in Market Pey
ten. But had business there to-day.
heard about the accident Ard the fact
is, know the Heelleberrys; lived once
in the part of the country from which
they came, and Ina one of thu few peo-
pie it wouldn't fret Jonas unnecessarily
to see about him. Though. as | said,
I'm only Mr.. Nobody of Nowhere, and
so it's my within TO remain. | took fS.h-
cy when / heard the news to rein out and
doctor Jonas myself. ! was able 10 sat
iSfy the medical chap who was coming
OF my capabilities and the advsn tageS
of my presence on the scene. auI as he
was busy over case which b didn't
care 10 leave, why--I was welcome TO
have my way. And row good night to
you; must be hurIying on"
He was off as he spoke like a shot:
but l was considerably taller and longer
cf limb than he. and l caught up with
him again in a moment
please" said. I'm going back with
you 10 the hospitable shelter 1T the Spi-
der Farm. I think l mentionee my inten-
ton once before"
Il don't recollect it., he returned surl-
~, NOR is there the slightest need ON
earth for you To DO So"
Il haven't asked either yolr permits
sion or your opinion. retorsed. losing
fsFr1f, h.fs l.aaaf-
4 only To see thaS sou are doctor. as
you pretend TO be-"
"Fooir' ! heard him utter below his
breath. then, hastily opening the bag he
carried, and shielding the contents from
the downPcur Of rain with the cape Of his
macintosh, he calculated irilpatiently:
There, if you deuht aay word. look AT
that. Here lie my CREDENTIALS
The bag was stored with neat rows Of
bottles and some surgical Instruments,
several large ones wrapped IL channels
skin.
Il SEE l commented. ~Stil prefer
10 60 back
Then allow me 10 inform you. sir.
that you'll be simply intrudsng where
sop're not wasted. There Is no good
accommodation for strangers AZ the farm.
and Mrs. Heekleberry isn't exactly an
ideal hostess. She got q tan downstairs
once, aud hit her head on the stone hoor
Of cellar. and she's been mad IS
halter ever since. p0or v'emaay'
We'll" | said. ''sinee you assure me
that you can DO sn that is wanted ont
there, perhaps l shah reccnsSGer my de-
cssion. Let me know how hs gets on.
viii your And / fabricated name
and London address en- the slot. VITA a
qgicknesS and FEASIBILITY Of which
would NOT previously have believed ny
self capable.
You're a mar Of sesises ms compan-
ion exclaimed ~F'sr the secoad time.
wish yeu good night"
Good night. / echsaed. AMI turning
AZ once. / commenced walking hriskly
away through the rain a the direction of
Market Peyton.
tTo be eontinuAn