The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1924-12-10

turn, maze others grunge De1Ore Dlfns
Miss Wentworth" said Lancaster
in a low tone, believe me, have no
intention Of deceiying you. On the
| contrary 1t is my wish to confide In
you. VIII you come out on the porch
and permit me to smoker"
She bowed, and they went out to-
| gether. 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 gancing
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 aIone?
81 should help him If could" said
Joan.
'Then help me-" said Lancaster. ut
was myself Of whom spoke to you.
VIII 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.
81 thought that l could trust you
when l saw your face, and was sure
of it when you talked of your voca-
ton. And l cannot trust anyone else.
have no opportunity" he b. oke of
irresolutely and then went on. " 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 l can help you,
as I said to you when you came into
the consulting room. l cannot explain
any more now. want help in the big
gest fight of my life, and, if l fail, l
want a witness that l have fought
saw you and thought you would give
me your help. For Gods sake don't
refuse me!'
In spite of his sincerity the idea
flashed through Joan's mind that his
troubles might be the fancies of a sick
man.
eff discharge you before the month
is over, don't go. Refuse to go. No
body can make you go. 1 am at the
head of the institute. Ignore me-
Stayl"
'Tll 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
sudden change of tone. what was
saying to you? l am not myself at all
today. 1 have been greatly over
worked, and talking nonsense. Don't
remember it. I meant nothing at all.
OF course you must remain your
month. in case any patients come and
then We'll 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. "NVell, DOCTOR he said, "a
have the quarterly statement ready
for you. Won't you come and look
over it? l must have your signature,
and you know how hard it is to fasten
you down"
"Yes, 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 pitiabe 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? Thai
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 III
,ome back this afternoon" he said,
to enter the buggy again.
But he found Joan intercepting fis
passage. She had noted the look IN I