The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-03
CHAPTER VIII

| kIl1G0lOk VO tAlC COAhRdAAy OAAkSC0 and Sir Basil Crawford in behalf of the hospital, Dr. Luke wanted to see and study modern hospital methods at Curzon street where his brother was one of the staff physicians.
 So, as soon as formalities were disposed of they set out. Dr. John told the story of the diphtheria epidemic in detail and stressed Tony's part in conquering 1t.
 "You needn't worry about Tony, Paul." he concluded. He worked hard all during the epidemic and he's a good boy. I shouldn't won- der if he'd make name fir him. self some day"
 Dr. Paul had some reason to be skeptical of his sons seriousness toward the future. There had been escapades, and a general unwilling ness to buckle down." "Name for himself as what2" he asked skep- tically. Physician? Flyer? Pian- ist2 Pugilist?"
 "Is he-a-pugilist, them" asked Dr. John, surprised.
 Paul answered dryly, "Well, my barber tells me he's known in local boxing circles as" and he winced slightly-"The Murderous Medico." Dr. John chuckled. Better change the nane," he said. Might be bad for business"
 "Well, anyway" pursued Paul, If he is settling down any, we'll certainly owe 1t all to you. Whats this about his thinking of a coun- try practice, anyway"
 Perhaps I'm not the only influ- ence there," twinkled Dr. John.
 "Girl, eh?" suggested Dr. Paul.
 "Yep. and a 2i-jeweled stem-wind- er," returned his brother.
 Good enough" conceded Dr. Paul. T don't mind if it's a girl. Down here 1t was always girls"
 Dr. Paul's limousine drew near the hospital. The country doctors eyes glistened as he surveyed the magnificent building. There was a Wistfulness in his voice as he said, "Goshl I wish you could lend us just one foor!"
 The blue eyes behind his specta- cles sparkled as the gleaming won- ders of the hospital unrolled be- fore them. Splendid, luxurious rooms and equipment, with what seemed to pr. John whole squads of nurses, internes, physicians and surgeons for tonsil operations and simple adjustments which he had often himself performed in kitch- ems by the yellow light of kero- sene lamps. A degree of surgical sterility unthinkable without hos- pital conditions. Cabinets of beau- tiful forceps, and complex steel in- struments. Plenty of all kinds of supplies and antiseptics. x-ray rooms and mechanical therapy de- vices of which he had only long, ingly read.
 But when they came to the ma ternity ward, the doctor fairly beamed. The footprint identifica- tion cards, the incubators regulat- ing heat, humidity, oxygen, the i'm proved obstetrical forceps and par tial anesthesia devices, kept Dr. John in 8 delightful wonderland for more than an hour. And when Dr. Paul pressed on him new type set of forceps for use in multi pie births, he was more delighted than any child with new toys at Christmas.
 But the business remained. He had come, not for pleasure, or even to post up his medical knowledge, but to get a hospital for the Moose town district.
 The next day found him cooling his heels at the company" ofices, waiting to see Sir Basil Crawford.
 For an endless time he waited, to be told finally by secretary that Sir Basil was forced to leave for the day, and would see him briefly on leaving. Dr. John Luke was not accustomed to being so treated in Moosetown, where his word took on something of the ai- thority of law. But there was noth- ing to do but wait and grow more irritated and discouraged every passing minute.
 Finally Sir Basil appeared. with hat. coat and stick. pr. Luke rose to greet him with This is most kind of you. sir"
 "Er. eh about the hospital ct Moosetown, wasn't 1t, Dr. Luke?" fumbled Sir Basil. we must pro- ceed with caution. Can't afford to set any expensive precedent for other districts, you know. Takes time, uhp
 "But epidemics like our diphthe- ria this winter :" began Dr. Luke.
 "UnquesLlonabIy always such . danger on the frontier posts," said Sir Basil. "Must guard against t. of course. but . hospital" Tn this particular ease .' began DF. Luke desperately. "f believe all the circumstances are ell set forth in form a9 which you have been good enough to illl cut" broke in Sir Basil sfiffiy. "Il wgll be brought to my attention in due time and nov, you must excuse me. I have . luncheon en- gngement with the aoyeFnoF~9ep' erai. and one doesn't keep the gov. eFn0F~neneFai waiting. Perhaps allaIl have the pleasure of neelnf lyeu ag the medical naGoelation ain'