The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1922-07-20
Doctor Smiths
Pardon
Observation-Disclosures
---~~~~~~-~
By MYRA C. LANE

AFTER SIX years In the state penl-
tentiary, Doctor Smith found Il strange
TO be riding In a motor.car beside the
warden. II was still stranger to feel
white collar about ones neck, and
stin cuffs on ones wrists, and TO be
wenrtng new suit OF clothes. But
what was strnngest of all wns the
knowledge that one was not free.
Not free That wns the unbelievable
thing ON the morrow the eternal
monotony Of the penitentiary life was
to begin again. And six years Of II
had not made Doctor Smith grow used
To the horror OF L.
Six years before Doctor Smith had
enjoyed practice among the fashion
able folk Of the capital. He had been
q rich man, honored, respected-lt was
fortunate he had neither WIFE mother
nor sweetheart when the crash came
For some time past. though he had
not been aware OF II, dubious rumors
concerning himself had been In cir
culatIon. They were true enough. why
notf Doctor SRlth was only doing
what was commonly done by all
fashionable physicians. He did not
do II for money he did II because his
patients begged him. And the sight az
a society woman upon her knees. with
clasped hands. In ones waiting room
is powerful lnducement.
He had done II first because wom-
an had threatened that unless he did
she would lay charge against him
He had been blackmailed into crime.
II was odd that a doctor who per-
formed those practices could gain an
enormous clientele. while discovery
meant ruin. ostraclsm-prlson.
In his six years out OF sentence OF
hftecn-for the patient had died
Doctor Smith had come face TO face
with his own soul quite clearly. with
out particular change OF heart. he had
realized that he had broken his med-
cal vows. He had resolved that II he
left the penltentlary before he was too
old TO set up practice again he
would run straight. He had told the
governor so, every year. And every
year his application had been refused.
His latest appeal for pardon. made
three weeks before. had not been
answered. Now he was on his way to
the governors house.
Governor Jay. In his library, re-
celved the warden and his companion
He bowed to Doctor Smith.
"You know why ! have sent for
your" he asked. Doctor Smith nodded
"You are the only man west of
Philadelphia who can perform the
operation that Will save my sons life.
II In matter OF an hour. VIII you do
itr'
Let me see him." said Doctor
Smith.
The governor led the way to the
boys bedside. The child lay. flushed.
moaning. unconscious. Doctor Smith
turned down tie bedclothes and ex-
amined the little body.
my physician has left all the appll.
ances," said the governor. "He-er--
was called away"
Doctor Smith smiled bitterly. No
selfrespecting physician would be as
sociated with hlm-now.
"Nurse Deyer will give the anes.
thetic." said the governor. indicating
the woman beside the bed.
"Will you do ltf'
-Upon condition." said Doctor Smith.
"You know what that condition is,
Governor JAY"
"hiy answer Is no." responded the
governor sternly II cannot be black
mailed. You will perform the opera
tIon-for any fee you choose-uncon-
ditionally."
NO" said Doctor Smith. I'm In
your power, but you are In mine. I
have had six years of hell for doing
what half my compeers do-and go
free for doing It's my turn TO make
n bargain now. You told me-" he
went on. flushing with angry rece;lec-
tion, that II you set free q pest to
society such as myself you would be
taking risks that you ought not to
take. My answer was that | had
vowed never again TO commit that Of
fense. You dlsbelleved me. Well
take your sons life for the life
took, That's my condition"
Take this man back" SAID the gov
ernor TO the warden sternly.
Doctor Smith looked him closely in
the eyes.
I'm do it-uncondltionally, he said.
II was a pity that no selfrespectlng
doctor could have been present. for II
was a miracle OF technique. For near
~ two hours Doctor Smith forgot he
, was No. 2T9 In the penitentIary.
, At last all was over Smith looked
at the boy in his bed. stirring with
the first revivlng OF consciousness
after the ether
He called the governor. Hell he
all right now. lid like to call again
and see how he's getting on" he said
"Csil as often es you like" answered
The governor. He grlpped Doctor
Smiths hands in his Il can thank
you now" he said brokenly, "and give
You this--thls pardon. II was signed
Ave days ago before my boy WAS taken