The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-12-17
Victor Rousseau
Copyright by W. c. Chapman

about building up the institution-him
that wrecked It,"
We'll, that girl knows nothing, any.
way"
Il tell you she means to help the
doctor In his crazy plan of notoriety
She means to undo all our work in
his own interests" cried Myers vehe-
mently.
Joan walked away. She had over
heard unwillingly, and enough to con-
vince her Tat there was a mystery,
with Myers at the bottom of ii, and
she had rightly sensed an enemy in
him, and he in her. Now her mind
was resolute to remain and fight for
Lancaster. II was as If her decision,
suddenly crystallized, had suddenly
grown crystal-clear.
But she had not passed the en-
trance when the matron's door swung
open violently and Myers came out.
He stood confronting Joan with his
Insulting leer.
Miss Wentworth" he began, "when
you and l had our talk this morning
you hadn't seen the doctor. You
didn't know how things were situated,
and 1 don't blame you. Now you've
seen that the doctor needs a guardian.
Well. I'm his guardian"
Il do not think that Doctor Lancas-
ter needs guardian, Mr.. Myers" an
swered Joan, facing him steadily.
'See here, now, Miss Wentworth"
said Myers, swallowing hard. you
don't get the drift of things, just as
/ thought. You think I'm trying to
stand In the way of your work, when
I'm only trying to reach a sort of
working agreement to keep things in
running order. That's my aim. Am
l right?"
81 don't know whether you are
right. l think you are extremely IN
civil. Take Off your hiatt" flashed
Joan.
Myers removed the hard hat from
his head and stared at her in aston
lshment. He could not understand
her sudden initiation of hostiIities.
well, 1 reckon that's my nature,
and I'm sorry" he said. He was try
ing to be conciliatory now. I'm sorry
if 1 get on your nerves, Miss Went
worth" he persisted. "but 1 wasn't
brought up to be ladies' man. How
ever, know my job. and reckon you
know yours. If you think I'm trying
TO stand between the doctor and you.
come and see him right now"
Il have no complaint TO make, and
l have made none" said Joan.
Come and see him." persisted Ny
ers. You're the nurse, and l guess
it's up to you"
She looked at him, dismayed by his
expression. rs Doctor Lancaster
worse?" she asked.
"Well. nothing that 1 didn't expect. |
but he might be better" said Myers,
He walked toward the door of Lam
room and opened II. Through |
he aperture Joan saw Lancaster
stretched out in a large chair, his
head bent forward on his breast, his
limbs immobile. She hurried into the
-oom.
But Myers preceded her to Lancas-
er's side. He raised the limp arm
md turned up the sleeve. Joan saw
hat the skin was densely SCARED with
my punctures. Lancaster was breath
ng heavily. and beside him. upon a
title table. was a syringe. and near
hat little bottle containing a few
!rops of a pale fluid. Joan drew in
Ter breath quickly. 1t was what she
lad feared.
Morphine" said Myers "He al
rays does this when he comes home.
Tow you understand what was try
ng to get at this morning. Miss Went
forth. I'm responsible for him. It's
ny job to keep him straight II ca,.
When I can't. try. Now you see.
erhaps. why he's lost his will power.
nd why have to keep after him like
dog following his master. And
uess you won't think I'm trying to
ct him against you"
The bully in the man was coming
, the surface again. He thrust out
is head toward Joan.
Because If you do. | may as well
~. Miss Wentworth. I'm the boss
ere. Understand that:" he continued.
ith a clustering air. THE doctor
Tres all sorts of people when he's like +
lis. and it doesn't mean nothing. He II
int pay out no salaries unless my II
KS on the vouchers. We want a II
1rse and if YOU like to STAY on Won III
In. But if you stay you help me so
r as the doctors concerned. and you
, what | tell you. That's straight
il clear or isn't it?' =
Joan looked at him indifferently.
Help me put Doctor Lancaster on the
d." she said. "and then run and
t me a hot-water bottle" :.
He scowled furiously. but he oheyed p
r. And all the while Joan sat at o,