The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1926-08-06
manner, why you're worried about

manner, why you're worried about
yourself?'
'I'll tell you" Cotton cleared his
throat. "a serious thing-a mighty
serious thing for a man in my posi-
ton. doctor, happened to me last
month. applied for hundred thou
sand life insurance and got turned
down fiat. Now you know what it
means to get black-listed by life in
surance companies; it means you're
finished, If you ever want insurance
again. You can't get it; and it looks
bad-awfully bad for man in my
position. Now, doctor, you're not only
a doctor but you're in with big, influ-
entail business men who just about run
insurance companies. They'll do a
thing for you, as a friend, that they
won't do for an outsider"
mot a good insurance company"
Bertram denied
Quite mechanically Bertram brought
out stethoscope and went through
the routine of listening to Colton's
heart and lungs.
He was lifting his head from Col
toms chest when he became aware
that the mans attention was not upon
this examination of himself: he ap-
peared to be listening. Curious, Ber-
tram himself listened. telephone
bell rang somewhere below it ceased
and voice. which Bertram thought
was that of the negro houseman,
called: mir. Severson! Telephone,
Mr.. Seyerson -
Coming, Fred; thanks!' acknowl-
edged the gay voice of Billy Severson,
and door down the hall banged
Billy Severson came in n hurry.
whisting; Bertram heard him run to
the top of the stairs; then heard:
THAT damn rug! Oh-Ah-Godw A
thump, a tumble, a crash, fall; ard
the gay voice was still.
Bertram felt himself seized and
held "The boys fallen" said Cotton
hoarsely.
Bertram said: HE may have hurt
himself"
Cotton strobe out of the room, Ber-
tram following, and across the dark
hall to the 'head of the stairs. He
leaned over the banister "Billy!" he
called. ooh, Billyr'
Doctor Darand found himself gazing
down the polished steps to pattern
Of light at the bottom where a young
man in gray clothes lay sprawled on
the floor. He hurried down and or
dered the lad placed on a couch.
Hastily Bertram knelt and began
his examination He heard Cotton
he supposed it was Cotton, but did
not look up-coming down the stairs.
BILLY" gasped Cotton when he was
down. "Billy" And to Bertram he
appealed hoarsely: Doctor. he amt
dead Tell me he amt dead!'
Hes not dead" said Bertram and
himself breathed freer for it.
xviii he die?'
II don't know"
'Why don't Won know?"
II don't" replied Bertram patiently.
Hes fractured his skull OF
course he's unconscious you see; but
ne s living. W mere the lPtelAnOne!
"relqphone2" repeated Cotton.
II want an ambulance at once"
Bertram explained I'VE must take
HIM 10 a hospital rs soon as possible
Cotton seemed to arouse ut the
word "Hospita?' he repeated
hoarsely. II guess not. Hospitals a
,lace whore people die want that
hoy to gel well. He stays here doc
tor
His only chance said Bertram,
lis a hospital and the best brain man
i mean a surgeon who specializes
on the brain--we can get"
you mean. YOU don't dare do 1t
here doctor?" Cotton challen@ d.
Something rang false in this: what
it was Rertram did not know Ger
tainly not here Mr. Cotton" he an
sM cred Nor at n hospital. II could
get a better man. Now, I'll use the
telephone, please"
"No, you won't"
"What does this meanr'