Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1919-06-11
HIS RIVAL
BY JACK LAYTON.

Young Doctor Willard was severe
man. But while his patients stood in
awe Of him, still he enjoyed their con-
fdence. This may have been particu-
1arIy due TO the fact the mantle Of the
father had fallen upon his sons Shout
ders.
Old Doctor Willard had long been a
power in the township. But whatever
hope old Doctor MilIard's friends had
of continuing their friendship with his
son, the hope was shattered by Doctor
Harry's aloofness as he took up the
work which his father was forced to
lay aside.
The towns one millionaire, q gruf
factory owner, had succumbed to his
reputation for skill John Storm need
ed a doctor and he called Harry MIL
lard but 1t was a case Of steel meet
ing steel; in no phase Of treatment
could physician and patient agree.
Doctor A1illard knowing that to OPP
crate would be the only sure way, de-
cidedly ordered an operation-which
John Storm as determinedly refused.
The ambition Of Doctor Willard was
hmitless, and he yearned for more than
an inherited name In his profession.
The old doctor had not been known
as a surgeon, and while Harry's
dreams led him VIGOROUSLY onward.
a farmer halted him.
'How do, Doc" he called, "goin' TO
have help in the village I hear"
"Help?" Harry queried.
The man nodded.
Don't mean to say you ain't heered
of the new doctor that's taken the
Pilkin's place? I carted the Office fur
niture out yesterday; all sorts of cleo
trio fixfn's too, seems pretty sure OF
making a go here. Reckon theyss room
for two of you though"
He frowningly continued his way,
when a girl signalled 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 a reassuring smile.
Lou DcChO1tu INT liz dShCd-
Eyes, thank you" the girl replied,
her tone also had a diffident, musical
quality.
81 am a stranger, and l wonder Ii 1t
would be asking great deal"
Eyes," he encouraged.
"To ask you" the girl repeated,
"to let me ride with you up the hill?"
Instantly Doctor Harry alighted, as
sisting her in unaccustomed chivalry
to the seat beside him.
81 am on my way to John Storms
residence" she explained, perhaps
you may be able to direct me-"
81 will take you there" the doctor
quickly agreed; across his mind flashed
the thought that here might be val
uable ally.
you 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. l am his physician"
81 have heard" the girl answered
quietly, "also that his physician de-
mands an operation which Mr.. Storm
refused"
"He can't refuse 1t much longer"
said DR.. Willard.
GAS serious as that?" the girl ques
toned sympathetically.
He nodded.
"John Storm is obstinate willed IS
he not?" she asked, "when compulsion
failed, did you try-persuasion?
I'm not adept at that sort Of thing"
the doctor grimly admitted.
Suddenly the girl smiled at him. She
stood before the entrance of the great
house, and looked back and smiled
again.
81 am" she said briefly, and passed
inside the door.
The doctor was strangely haunted by
that elfsh smile, By the memoir of
soft violet eyes.
can unusual girl" he muttered-"a
really wonderful girl !"
Certain annoying events which fol-
lowed failed to obliterate her pleasing
memory. He was awakened to the fact
that this new doctor was stealing his
desirable patients.
1.-THE children are not afraid of Doc
tor Gilmore" parents excused. Then
came the crushing blow. John Storm
had agreed to the very operation which
he himself had ordered-but at the
suggestion of the new inyincible Doc
tor Gilmore.
When Doctor Harry sat bitterly
viewing the wreckage of his promising
career, a girls figure appeared in his
Office doerway-the figure of the girl
of his haunting dreams.
"You remember meT she began
softly
@No, thank you, I can't sit down; !
am in a hurry and shall need YOU