Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-09-05
HIS RIVAL
BY JACK CAWTON.

Young Doctor Willard WAS severe
man. Tut while his patients stood in
awe of him. still he enjoyed their con-
tdencr. This may have been particu-
larry due I" the fact the mantle of the
father had fallen Upon his sons snouI-
derS.
Old Doctor Willard had long been a
power In the township. But whatever
hope old Doctor Millard's friends had
of continuing their friendship with his
SON. the hope WAS shattered by Doctor
Hnrr.s alOOfneSs as he took up the
work which his father was forced to
lay aside.
The towns one millionaire n Crucf
factory owner. had succumbed to his
reputation for skill. John Storm need
ed II doctor. and he called Harry Mil
lard; but It was case of steel meet
Ing steel; in no phase OF treatment
could physician and patient agree.
Doctor Willard knowing that to OPP
crate would be the only sure way. de-
cid"dly ordered an operation-which
John Storm rs detcrlninedly refused.
The ambition OF Doctor Willard was
hmitlesS. and he ycarned for more than
an Inherited name In his profession.
The old doctor had not been known
as surgeon. and while Harry's
dreams led him VIGOROUSLY onward.
farmer halted him.
"How do. Doc" he called. "g0in' to
have help In the village hear"
"Help?' Harry qucried.
The man nodded.
Don't mean to say you amt heered
OF the new doctor that's taken the
Pilkin's place? l, cnrted the office fur
niture out yesterday: all sorts Of cleo
trio fixin's too, seems pretty sure Of
making n go here. Reckon they's room
for two Of you though"
He frowningly continued his way.
when girl signnlled to him farther
down the dusty road. Harry bowed
with his usual dignity. when something
strangely appealing in the wide violet
eye. and appraised face. caused his firm
mouth to curve In reassuring smile.
"iOu beckoned me?" he asked.
"Yes. thank YOU" the girl replied.
her tone also had diiiidcnt musical
quality.
II am stranger. and ! wonder If it
would he asking n great deal"
"IeS?" he encouraged.
ITO ask YOU" the girl repeated.
ito let me ride With you up the hill?
Instantly Doctor Harry alightcd. as
sisting her in unaccustomed chivalry
to the seat beside him.
II nm on my way to John Storms
residence" she explained. "pcrhaps
you may he able to direct me-"
II will take you there" the doctor
quickly agreed across his mind flashed
the thought that here might be n val
liable ally.
"Nou are going to visit the Storms?"
"For the night only" the girl re-
piled. 81 have to go to the city in
the morning"
"You have doubtless heard" the doc
tor continued. "of Mr.. Storms critical
condition. I am his physician"
81 have heard" the girl answered
quietly. "also that his physician de-
mands an operation which Mr.. Storm
refused"
"He capt refuse 1t much longer"
said DR.. Willard
"As serious as that?" the girl ques.
toned sympathetically.
He nodded.
John Storm Is obstinate wllled Is
he not?" she asked. "when compulsion
failed. did YOU try-persuasion?"
"Tm not adept mt that sort of thing"
the doctor grimly admitted
Suddenly the girl smiled Mt him. She
stood before the entrance of the great
house. and looked back and smiled
again.
~ am" she said briefly. and passed
inside the door.
tn" doctor was strangely haunted by
that cltish smile. by the memory OF
soft violet eyes.
AN unusual girl" he muttcred-"a
really wonderful girl :"
Certain annoying events which fol-
lowed failed to cbliteratc her pleasing
memory. He was awakened to the fact
ihnt this new doctor was stealing his
desirable patients.
9Th" children are not afraid Of Doe
TOR tiImnrr.' parents excused. Then
came the crushing blow. John Storm
had agreed 10 the very operation which
he himself had ordcrcd--but at the
suggestion OF the new invinciblc Doc
tor Gilmore.
When Doctor Harry sat bitterly
viewing the wreCkHEc Of his promising
career girls ti@urc appeared In his
Office dOorway--'hr figure Of the girl
Of his haunting dreams.
you remember NEE" she began
softly.
mo, thank you. I can't sit down:
am in a hurry and shnll need yo,,--