Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1903-02-19
CHAPTER XIII.

Christmas was drawing near. The
earth was covered with snow and the
weather was severe. At the Methodist
church great revival was In progress
Nightly the resident minister and a
sensational evangelist held forth to i'm
mense congregations. Many professed
conversion and united with the church.
But the cold weather had driven the
workers in the oil fields to the village;
and that rough element held high car
nival. Feasting and fighting, guzzling
and gaming, was the order of the day
and night-with them.
Marlowe saw little of Morris Nc
Dewitt. When he did meet the young
merchant, he noted that the latter bore
upon his countenance the unmistakable
stamp Of dissipation and prof1igacy.
Ralph shrewdly guessed that the ad-
vent of the FOSTERING oil men had been
no advantage to the vacillating young
Irish-American, and that he was drink
ing and gambling heavily. To a GER
tainty, the young physician knew that
Morris did not now call at the Bar
wood residence and that he and Julia
were seldom seen together.
Ralph's waking hours were well oc-
cupied La Grippe was prevalent; and
the demands upon his time were many.
For DR.. Barwood-although able TO
limp down to the drugstore and help In
looking after the trade during the
hours of daylight--was not able to do
outside work or to be out after night
fall Nevertheless the junior member
of the verbal firm managed to find
time TO accompany Julia and Dolly to
church, occasionally, or to go to
private hop with the younger sister
What other leisure hours he could
steal from sleep or his pressing duties,
he spent in his rooms, reading, or
chatting with Clark, Chandler. and 9TH
er acquaintances. Morris McDeyitt sell
dom Joined them; and when he did, he
appeared Ill at ease and did not long
remain in their company.
On several occasion Ralph sought
private talk with the young Catholic,
meaning TO caution and advise him
anew, against the course he was pur-
suing: but McDevitt adroitly avoided
the interview
one morning, weel before the holt
days, DR.. Barwood hustled into the
drugstore-he was fast recovering from
his lameness-frowning angrily and
humping the floor with his heavy cane
Good morning, doctor" Ralph said
pleasantly.
Good morning" returned the doctor
in tone twixt grunt and growl.
Then suddenly:
Ralph. Jep informs me you have
been treating members OF the Gridley
and Bentley families for the grip. Is 1t
true?''
Quite true, doctor. Looking his
companion squarely in the face.
well, Whit an angry snort
am greatly displeased."
Il am sorry to displease YOU Mar
lowe replied In a tone of sincerity.
Then will you give up the cases ?" .
II will not" Ralph answered sturdi-
". They applied to me for aid; /
took charge of them will not re-
linauish them TO satisfy your whim.'
"Whim?" gurgled DR.. Barwood al
most choking with rage.
MarIowe nodded, his eyes flashing
warningly.
you are impudent!" shouted the old
man bringing his cane down upon the
little people looked sad and drsappoint-
and good nature. Yet few of the
eoor with a resounding thnmp.
Il am light, at any rate, Ralph said,
unmoyed
The older physician stood and glared
AZ the Younger in speeches. rage: At
least he said gutterally;
Il cautioned you against becoI.ing
;rtiuate with those people. You nave
UNDECIDED my injunction. Perhaps
ought not TO ask you TO give up cases