The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1903-11-19
The Repdration
Of Eustis Carter
BY NELLIE CRAVEY GILMoRE

WHEN DR.. Henderson entered the
w reception room adjoining his of.
ice at ten O'Clock, the usual crowd
was there waiting for him.
During the six years that had
elapsed since his graduation the young
specialist had made marvellous pro-
gress in his work, so that, at the
present day, not one of his contem-
poraries stood so far to the front of
the professional ranks as himself.
Several patients were interviewed in
their turn before Eustis Carter found
himself ushered into the Doctors pri-
vate office
Not that l really think you can do
me any good" he began, with a sort
OF hopeless defiance; "but"-he paused
and a paroxysm of coughing ensued-
but I've heard wonderful things of
your skill and, well it's a drowning
mans last chance, that's all" He
leaned back YEARLY, almost exhaust
edly, shading his eyes with his palm.
After awhile he sighed, and looked up,
faint CLEAN of eagerness in his
glance.
DR.. Henderson regarded him with
quiet scrutiny for several minutes. IF
l were quite sure that you want to
get well" he ventured Il could
think l could treat you successfully.
At the very least, l could promise you
a better lease on life than you appear
to possess now"
Carter sat suddenly forward in his
chair, quick light transforming his
pale features into momentary Joy.
What do you mean by that?" he de-
manded; that you can-that you can
really cure me?"
1T is just possible"
Carter was silent a little after that,
lost in thought; his whole expression
was changed, lightened. Then, pres
emily, slow frown drew his brows to-
gether, as his eyes searched the spe-
cialists face narrowly.
But" he protested, you have not
even examined me; you don't know
the condition of my lungs. Why, this
things been going on for over a
year," He spoke eXcitedly, and with
brutal elf-discouragement, which,
nevertheless, bore an unconscious
prayer for refutation
Was there consumption anywhere
back in your parents families?"
Il think not; in fact I'm sure of it.
What makes you think | don't want to
get well?" he concluded, irrelevantly.
DR.. Henderson shook his head and
smiled. Il must have been mistaken
he said, although l confess you
seemed Indifferent enough at first"
Il was hopeless; that's all When
tell you that l have spent six months
in hospital, and paid out a small
fortune to try to get on my feet-with
the result you see"
The doctor interposed a nod of COM
prehensiOn. Naturally" he assented,
but l must give you to understand in
the beginning that you will have to
yield yourself entirely to my charge
for at least that much longer-per-
haps twice as long. An examination
must determine that"
Carter looked blank for an instant.
but quickly recovered himself Five
times over" he broke out earnestly.
IF you can make a man of me. The
fact is he went on with a faint flush,
Il have been out there in the Philip
pines for four years, living like
well, like we soldiers do live there.
/ deserted my wife AMI child to enlist;
God knows how they have managed
since, though l cant help thinking
sometimes that they have been bet
ter off with me gone" His voice
broke and sudden dimness came into
his eyes.
The doctor looked at him kindly and
laid gentle hand on his arm. Never
mind about the past" he said; eve
are going to have you in shape now
in a little while, and you can make
it all up to them then"
Carter stared at him DULY. 81 could
never do that" he declared, mot if |
lived a thousand years. She was an
angel and well, l was everything in
the catalogue of bad from a drunken
dog to blackguard However, l mean
to go back, if she will let me, and
start all over again, clean-handed and
whole. but not till I'm that"