The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1925-02-11

we,
c ~cdiHe OVer JJHn. And
again, as If sensing her mood, he re-
iterated:
II am going back to fight and win,
my dear"
But when the institute came into
sight at last the long, gaunt building
cast its chill over the girls heart. In
contrast with the mountain village
Lancaster was depressing and lonely.
And Joan was conscious of one grip
ping fear. Suppose that Myers had
returnedI
She understood now how Lancaster
had felt the evening before when he
said he would never go back. 1t was
like plunging out Of the sunlight into
a dark mountain pool
The matron came forward as the
buggy stopped. Joan looked at her
In terror. But her face was placid
enough, and she was able to read in it
the secretary's continued absence.
"Dr. Lancaster. there was tele-
phone message for you a few minutes
ago from Avonmouth," she said.
Lancaster leaped from the buggy
and helped Joan down. "Pll be with
you in few moments" he said,
throwing the -reins over the hitching
post.
He went into the house His step
was firm, his demeanor unruffled; the
matron. who followed him, seemed I'M
disturbed. But already everything was
changed. The black shadow of Myers
seemed to loom up until it overspread
the institute again. Joan paced the
porch in fear which gathered strength
each moment that Lancaster failed to
return. When at last she saw him
coming her suspense was unbearable.
She looked at him in mute fear as
he laid his hand careessly upon her
shoulder.
Il have to go to AyonmOuth at
once" he said. II have no choice in
the matter. 1t is patient who must
undergo an operation-my operation
within twelve hours. 1t is fortunate
that we have the buggy. because
shall just have time to catch the aft
at midnight"
Then he looked at her white face
and read the fear in it. "If you tell
me to stay. I'll say" he said.
"And the patient?" whispered Joan.
'Will die No, of course shall go.
Nothing could keep me from going,
not even you, my dear. But you would
not have me stay"
you are right Yes. of course you
must go. But am afraid" said Joan.
II am afraid Of Myers"
He started, as if he, too. had been
thinking Of the secretary. But the
man can't harm me, DEAR" he said.
1.-The message came from him"
cried Joan in fear.
Lancaster looked away. But. when
she repeated the question he an
swered, mo"
HE is at Avonmouth Is he not |
there2" she asked.
well, Joan, think he is" said |
Lancaster reluctantly 'But he may
not be. l only know that the message
was not from him."
1T was not from the hospital? Not |
from Macpherson?
ut was from man connected with
the hospital" said Lancaster. But
1t was not from MACPHERSON and not
from Myers, and 1t did not mention
Myers name. Why, my dear, you
mustn't give way to nerves now that
am losing mine. II is a simple request
for me to operate tomorrow"
She pulled herself together. "Of
course you must go, john" she said
ngain. She put her arms about his
neck. Dear II you should see that
man, you will not fall into any trap
that he may set for your" she asked
you are so strong. you will not let
lim trample on you? You are yourself
again, and you will remain so for my
;ake2"
"Never fear!' he answered cneer- :
July. 81 am not going TO take NOR
)hine again. Why. ! shall have none {
With me, my dear Joan. and I should
rave no opportunity to buy any, even
( ! wanted TO. | shall operate per-
laps as soon as l reach the hospital,
md return on the morning train. !
nay moi even go to my house at all" .