The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-05-06
THE EVENING STOR Y
Duncan, p. @.


comforting. But the little oblong OF
cardboard bore in addition to the
name the initials p. c. Perhaps IL
meant "penitent culprit." Duncan
was always doing odd things. Inc
magic letters might be his expression
of regret.
But when he came briskly into the
room there was no penirential sorrow
in his countenance, only the same
merry twinkle of the eyes, the old hit
ing of the corners of the mouth.
''They tell me that Tad is no bet
ter" he said as he took Marion's hand.
'tAs you will perceive from my card
am physician to children"
Marion'S face darkened. This, then,
was the meaning of the card He was
worried about her brother. For
moment she was minded to renew the
old quarrel, but she needed help and
sympathy, and so she laid her head on
his shoulder and sobbed out her trou-
bles
Her father had been obliged to go
to Europe on business and had taken
left in charge of her nine-year-old
brother, and almost before the ship
had passed Sandy Hook Tad had come
down with typhoid.
His robust constitution had thrown
or the disease, but the battle had left
him weak and listless, and even the
gray-bearded physician was worried.
There is no actual danger" he ex-
planned to Marion, "but he must be
reused from this lethargy or he will go
into a decline"
He had confided the same fear to
Henry Duncan when he met the latter
on the street and the younger man had
asked after his little chum. Then, de-
spite the misunderstanding between
Marion and himself, he could hold out
no longer, and his call was the result.
IF he should die before mother
comes back what should I do?" walled
Marion.
"Send a cable" advised Duncan
promptly, "but there is not going to
be any more worry now that the physi-
clan to children has stepped in. May
I see my patient 81
Marion led him to the boys room.
Tad's face lighted as he saw Duncan.
and his fingers twined confdingly
about the mans firm hand. Duncan
was shocked at the thinness of the
fingers, but he gave no sign.
Whats the matter, old chap" he
demanded with a voice now wonder
fully gentle. "They tell me you don't
find tho world any good any more
I'm tired said Tad plaintively.
''I'n bet you'd not be too tired to go
to a circus" said Duncan.
Tad shook his head.
There amt any, he said. ct was
asking DR.. Stanton. He says it's too
early for them.''
"Circuses are no good if they are
picked before they are ripe" admitted
Henry, "but If you don't want too big
a circus think I can get one for you"
planned the boy. 1--WE got some play
circuses Ones in a book and the
others in the cupboard
I'VE got him toy circus and cir
Gus book" whispered Marion. HE
has somehow set his mind on a circus.
1t will be a long time before one
comes"
"There are no more circuses," reiter-
ated Tad sadly They've all gone
"Rats!" laughed Duncan. "That
shows all you know about circuses.
VIII a little circus do, real circus,
'ReaI horses. real everything % de-I
manded the boy.
Everything except the tent and the
red lemonade. You see in winter they
keep circuses in houses so the elephant
won't get his ears frost-bitten. l bet
if you had ears as big as an elephants
you wouldn't like to get your ears
FROST bitten ?"
The boy laughed in delight at the
fancy and beat the counterpart with
his fragile hand.
Then there's the giraffe" went on
Duncan. ''Why, when he starts to
cough, it's full minute before it wrig-
giles up his throat. So they keep cir
cuses in lighthouses just like plants"
"And there really is circuses?''
You get rested up and we're going to
one tomorrow" assured Henry.
Really and truly?"
put out his hand. Now you get better |
quick, so DR.. Stanton won't say that
you can't come. I'll be here at eleven"
With a pat on the curly head he rose |
and left the room. Marion followed him !
down the hall.
HE will be awfully disappointed to- |
she said doubtfully.
Don't believe it," laughed Duncan. |
you leave it to me and that boy will |
be champion scrapper of the block in |
another month. I have Stanton's per- !
mission to assume the case. He admits /
MS inability to meet the situation. My |
Zee is very large. though" he warned. |
TT is nothing less than wife by the |
name of Marion"
ct don't think you will be kept wait
ng for the fee,'' she replied, blushing.
I'm sorry 1 was so mean"
$50 am l." he agreed absently. THAT |
s." quickly, II mean I am sorry was
mean I'll be around in the morning."
She watched him stride up the street.
With his springy step. and turned back
nto the house, greatly comforted. Some
low Henry Duncan always brought
comfort where he came. She had been
10 foolish to allow a petty misunder-
standing to come between them.
Tad was sitting up. really dressed,
When Henry drove up to the door the
lext morning. Already the queer medi-
inc had commenced to act, for he was
ar more like his old self, and slight
lush of excitement tinged the cheek
hat had threatened to fade into the
vaxen pallor of death.
Duncan wrapped the boy up warmly,
md with a flourish of the whip. they
Irove off. Away out past the town they
vent into the country. not yet freed |
rom the thraldom of Jack Frost,
hough there was promise of spring in
he soft air.
It was to a place very unlike circus
hat Duncan drove, a collection of long,
ow barns and one large, square build
ng. but when they entered the latter,
,ehold there was a real circus ring with
. band in one corner. laboriously going
Ii L.,