The Ordway new era., 1920-07-23
CHAPTER v.-continued.


1t was perhaps FIVE minutes before
that door was reopened. and during
the interval. billiard had an Oppor-
tuuity to wonder II the doctor had re-
vIsed his office hours; otherwise. he
should now he down In the Physicians
building. receiving patients. 1t oc-
CURED spontaneously to Hilliard that
both Carol and her father were con-
ceivabiy harassed by contritlon, but
as he estimated the extent to which
their sorrow might go judging
by Carols distress OF last night, and
the potential truancy OF the doctor to-
day-he was possessed OF gripping
e,notlous. Had they cared so deeply
Gor him. then7 Angela and Carol had
said so: but he had doubted what he
m0st wanted to believe. Was this ad-
dltional proof? Had the doctor cared
so deeply that In order 20 hold con-
verse with Dick Morgan's sole eDecu-
tor. he would interrupt the sacred
routine OF his practice? Too latei Too
late to care. too late to sympathiZe.
only the winter garment of repent
ance was left for them! Hiillnrd
couldn't comprehend why. when he
had risen this morning so refreshed In
mind and body. he should now be so
unutternbiy wearied In both.
Carol returned. followed by gen
tIetnan Of sixty: and as the doctor en-
tered the room was suddenly per-
tneated by an atmosphere of cain. and
kindly peace. He was n large man.
large OF feature. and large of instinct:
his forehead was that of an intel
Iectuaiist: his eyes were those of
dreamer: his chin denoted rugged
capabilities. and the stubbornness Of
answering ethics.
"Mr. Hl,liardf' His voice was
stitched low. but Its resonance was
striking. Thirty years ago the doc or
ftad been famous baritone; and there
was still one church In town which
dated Its musical supremacy from the
choir he had organized and directed.
"Doctor Durant!'' The two men
cIssped hands firmly. Hillinrd. ex-
perIencIng the dreaded sinking sensa-
tlon which came upon him as often as
ne exposed himself to yet another old
acquaintance. hardened as he per-
ceived no recognition In the doctors
ewes. The inevitable reaction left him
mo,nentarily weak.
at was good of you to take this
trouble. Mr.. Hliliard. I appreciate It,"
billiards denial was highly cour-
teous: 1t was harder to hate the doc
tor than he had planned.
mo. doctor-it would only have
been biamable II hadn't"
~ Insist that it's good OF you. 6.
You knew Dick intimately. under
stand"
Hlliiard nodded.
Very Intimately. sir, considering
the length OF time" He perceived that
Carol was holding the letter lightly
folded In her hands; she intercepted
his glance. and colored proudly.
1T 1t did belong to me-"
SHE said. subdued. "And can
Siever thank you enough never
r.
My daughter" said the doctor.
ereseatiy. has told me the one great
fact" lie paused. then went on
graveiy 81 accept 1t. and II needs
very little comment. What most con-
Germs me now Is To know the lesser
facts have some hope Mr.. Hlllinrd.
that you can make the lesser seem the
greater; and the greater. the less.
want you to clear up the one cloud
that stu dims our knowledge. hope
you can tell us. something about Dick s
reasons for doing this thlng-for GO
lag abroad at all, and for enlIsting
AID Tor"
HIIllard WINGED the doctors autop
sy on his character was considerably >
more disconcerting that Mr.. Cullen's
. had been.
"Doctor Durant. I can't think ~,
fair TO put Dicks motives under tht
microscope like that. Why not for
get everything bnt- the attending cir
cuiustances to the one great fact
He" rs
'"rm NOT unfair" said the docto
slowly .'rye never been unfair II
could help II. and certainly not to thi'
man. above ail others. Here Is cast
IN which man who left us most un
I,eroicarly comes back 70 us. In spiri
s.s IaSt IS nprp The DarticuIal