The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1924-11-14

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fore the bully, this man who had. In
turn, made others cringe before him.
Miss Wentworth" said Lancaster
in low tone. believe me, have no
intention of deceiving you. On the
contrary, 1t is my wish to confide In
you. Will you come out on the porch
and permit me to smoker
She bowed, and they went out to-
gether.5 They took their seats upon
two chairs at}the end of the verandah,
Joan purposely seating herself be-
tween her companion and the door
She knew why he kept glancing
toward it.
Miss Wentworth" Lancaster began.
I'VE spoke Of loyalty the other night.
If you saw human being in trouble
of his own making. would it be your
impulse to help him. or to leave him
to fight his battle alone?'
II should help him IL could" said
Joan.
Then help me-" said Lancaster. ut
was myself of whom l spoke to you.
Will you help me with loyalty and
sympathy. and refuse to be discour-
aged?"
The girl softened toward him; he
was obviously sincere, and obviously
distressed. GLADLY, Doctor Lancas-
ter" she answered.
II thought that could trust you
when saw your face, and was sure
of it when you talked Of your voca-
ton. And cannot trust anyone else.
l have no opportunity" he broke off
irresolutely and then went on, IT have
had no opportunity Of taking up that
matter with the board yet" he con-
tinued.
Joan knew that he was not speaking
frankly now; but his next words were
In the same tone Of sincerity.
Miss Wentworth. that matter and
this is all bound up together. You
must help me before I can help you.
as said to you when you came into
the consulting room. cannot explain
any more now. want help in the big
gest fight of my life, and, II / fail,
want a witness that have fought.
saw you and thought you would give
me your help. For Gods sake don't
refuse met"
In spite of his sincerity the idea
flashed through Joan's mind that his
troubles might be the fancies Of sick
man.
IF discharge you before the month
is over. don't go. Refuse to go. No
body can make you go. am at the
head Of the institute. Ignore me.
Stayr'
It'll stay said Joan, and then, look
ing at his white face and trembling
hands, she thought she knew what
was the matter with him.
Listen. Doctor Lancaster" she be-
gan, laying her fingers on his arm.
But then she saw that he was not look
ing at her. He was looking past her
toward Myers, who was coming across
the pasture toward the entrance. His
expression was transformed. ~
Miss Wentworth" he said, with q
sudden change Of tone. what was
saying to you? am not myself at all
today. have been greatly over
worked. and talking nonsense. Don't
remember 1t. l meant nothing at all.
OF course You must remain your
month. in case any patients come, and
then well see what we can do about
the position"
And, as Myers came up to them, the
same hopeless, cringing expression
came into his eyes.
The secretary ignored Joan COM
pletely. "Well, DOCTOR" he said, II
have the quarterly statement ready
for you. Won't you come and look
over it? 1 must have your signature.
and you know how hard 1t is to fasten
you down."
Eyes. I'll come, certainly, Myers"
said Lancaster, rising.
The two men went into the house
together. Joan heard the door close
behind them. She was left to ponder
over that interview.
She was conscious of two conflicting
impulses: to leave. and to remain for
Lancaster's sake. There was some
thing about the mans pitiable condi-
ton that aroused all her sympathies.
But there was something about the
whole place repulsive in the extreme.
She must get allies in this blind
fight against the secretary if she re-
manned. Whom? Mrs. Fraser? That
was impossible as yet.
At that moment she saw Doctor Jen-
kins driving up the path, and went to
meet him.
The boy sprang to the ground and
raised his hat. "Good morning, Miss
Wentworth. How is the doctor to-
day." he asked.
Doctor Lancaster looks very ILL.,"
she answered. "And Doctor Jenkins,
| want to ask you"
Pardon me, Miss Wentworth. Can
see him?"
HE Is with Mr.. Myers"
Jenkins face assumed an aspect of
profound Encouragement. Then I'll