The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1920-06-14
DAvID'S HOUR
BY JACK LAYTON.

NSopyrlght' 19"o' western Newspaper Union)
David sat before the fireplace in the
coy room and looked earnestly at his
old friend. The room was lined with
books; and desk stood in the center;
half curtains were at the window,
where ruffled curtains had been, and
a doctors sign with gilt lettering hung
above: David had done his best to
turn his mothers sitting room into a
doctors consulting office. The old
friend looked back at David, and SYM
pathy was in his gaze.
IT'S tough" he said, "after all the
years you've planned for this, boy, to
have 1t fall through. Your mother
and me used to sit and talk Of the
time when you'd come back from COL
lege and have the whole town calling
you for their sick. You'd a made a
good doctor, too; there's no question
about it. Better'n the big one that's
come out of the city. He's had none
of the struggles you've had to find
his place.
Ills dad is one of the big specialists
in the city. Thought it would be
good thing to start his son on his own
feet, so he bought him the Callum
place and got him established. We
sure did need doctor. Old Doc Wells
dropping off sudden, this new one
fell soft into his place, the place that
should have been waiting for you,
David. Everyone seemed to take to
Doc Brereton right off. Maybe it was
his fine car that impressed 'em, or the
housekeeper in cap and tucker that
opens the door at his house. Anyway,
I'm sure there's nothing for you here
now, son, an you'd better hunt an
other stand. Rent this house and
start out for another town. Well
miss you, but I'm telling you just how
things are"
David nodded gravely, Thanks"
he replied, "but l guess I'll stick:
Doctor Brereton may take all the reg
ular patients. I can see how our fami-
lies would welcome a city practitioner.
But there must be others who could
use me; the lower town folks per.
haps, or those across the bridge"
Land alive boy!'' the old man ex-
claimed. "how'd you expect to make
living off those folks? Most of ems
on charity now"
II always have managed to live some
way" David said slowly.
You have, David" Dan warmly
agreed, land against all odds you've
reached your chosen goal"
The old man paused. "Helen Carson
rides out good deal with Doc Bre-
reton," he said brusquely, "some folks
think It's going to be match. Sure
would suit her father down to the
ground; you know how Carson is-no
one round here ever was good enough
for his daughter"
mo one, you mean," David correct
ed, had money enough, in his opinion.
10 be eligible as a husband for his
daughter"
That's it," Dan said, sand the girl
cares so much for her fool father that
she'd never cross him. Well. gold
night David. I'm sorry you haven't
a better welcome"
David decided to stick and do what
ne could. He met Nell next day. She
was driving with the capable and conf
dent Brereton, and after her little eager
cry, Nell had in a whispered word
asked to be allowed to speak to him.
He was fortunate in meeting the
girl after that, down by the bridge
now white with the SHOWS of winter or
In the wood road perhaps with ever
green's ON either side. And Nell con-
fessed to him that Hal Brereton want
ed her for his wife, and that her father
wanted 1t too.
And you care for him, NellT he
managed to ask.
The girl regarded him quietly.
Certainly not. David" she said:
Il shall never marry Hal Brereton."
Davfd's heart sang as he walked
home alone.
From despairing, waiting hours of
idleness, the telephone called him. He
was wanted at Hillcrest
"1'll come at once" he responded
and started unbelievingly.
Hillcrest was the new doctors as
sured province. The phone called
again as David drew on his coat
then still again! He was to be verv
busy, he told himself jubilantly. Then
came the explanation. Old Dan gave
1t over the wire.
The epidemic has caught Doctor
Brereton," he said. "He's sick man.
and his patients are all scared to
death because there isn't another doc
tor within two miles. and not one
would venture out on these roads in
this blizzard and weather. Go to It.
Davy; cure 'em all up. and make your
reputation"
And that is exactly what David did.
Fearlessly he attended every sick
bed. thankful for the experience which
had been given him In this dreaded
disease. His skill was soon recognized
David had arrived. Carson, the i'm
portant, was the latest to succumb.
And he was obliged to call David.
There was no other way. Doctor
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