The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-03-03

Then Dr. John Luke forgot himself babies of Moosetown. 'T ( ner tonight at the Royal George. am to address the association. Goodby, doctor"
 He was gone. Humiliation, dis- appointment, utter despair surged up in Dr. Luke. Was his lifelong dream to be lost, thus, in a maze of forms, letters, and official ir- difference?
 Even in the midst of his despair, @ plan was forming in pr. Luke's mind, last, desperate means of getting his case at least Q hearing. Dr. Paul was happy to get him an invitation to the medical as- sociation dinner. Honestly proud of the country doctor who was his brother, Dr. Paul contrived to have him seated at Q small table near the speakers table at one side of the great banquet-hall of the Royal George Hotel, where the medical elite of the Dominion were gath cred. pr. John Luke, in his "best" suit, was only slightly conspicuous among the immaculate black and white of evening dress that filled the hall.
 Sir Basil Crawford spoke as promised, long, rambling set Of generalities and promposities. He preened himself, hemming and having, as he sat down amid the usual applause. Then the little plot of the country doctor began to work itself out. AS in @ dream. he heard the toastmaster rambling on.
 ". I now have the pleasure of presenting a member of our pro- fession who has rendered great services to mankind and to sci- ence-Dr. Luke"
 Startled by his own name, pr. John Luke half-rose, though he knew the introduction was intend- ed for his more famous brother, Paul. But Paul picked up the cue smoothly, without Interruption. Rising instantly, he began.
 T venture to interrupt here sim- uly to add Q word to our toast- masters introduction of my broth- er."
 Dr. John swallowed uncomfort- ably, and heard Paul's voice con- tinuing, He is a country doctor. know of no more valiant calling. His strength and courage in the face of a grave diphtheria epidemic in the north country this past win- ter were a lesson for every physi- clan in Canada!"
 Paul beamed at the country doc tors table. Gentlemen" he went on. "I am proud indeed to intro duce my brother, Dr. John Luke"
 Paul sat down with Q gesture to his brother to rise and bow. Paul was happy at being able to get him this recognition.
 But Dr. John was not merely lowing. He was walking along the speakers table to position direct | ly in front of Sir Basil. Paul grew comprehensive. What was his broth- CT going to do? Sir Basil himself, recognizing his caller of the after noon, leaned forward negligently. III at ease at first, the country doctor began with pleasantries about small-town practice, and drew good d-humored laughter and applause from the tolerantly-supe- rior audience, As he groped his way, Dr. John gained self-confi- dence. He went on.
 Another comforting thing about being a country doctor, is that HE GETS PAID" Here there was ap- preciative laughter from the fash ionable audience. "Of course I was little long on eggs this past year. confess I had to eat good many more omelets than I like - every one from proud fathers to tooth- ache-sufferers paid me in eggs. Of course get other pay, cord Of wood, a horse -collar, two hogs, a fine Plymouth Rock chicken. also collected nearly $l87 in cash dur ing the year"
 The laughter which greeted these sallies was suddenly stilied when the doctor switched to serious vein.
 "But I do envy you city doctors one thing, gentlemen-a hospitaiF
 Then Dr. John Luke forgot him- self, forgot the audience before him, forgot everything but the ba- bies Of Mooset0wn, and Sir Basil. Turning toward that embarrassed individual, he continued passion. ately:
 T want . hospital more than anything else in the world. That's why I came Co MonEreaI-lhat's why I came here tonight - to ape peal to the one man who can give lt to GO. But he's been busy-too busy Co hear about ltl"
 Tine country doctor was ablaze now with the earnsstness of his plea. The t0asitnaster made ell- baFfaased ciuekinGa. endeaVoFiEle to interrupt the torrent. EiF Basil cleared hls throat and liushed.
 z can't help it, eentlemsnI" the doctor hurried on, I've got to finish. ft Isn't faiF fo my people up there Co be operated on nfl kllehs er lablee. It l8D't fair that hablea IhnVa 70 he put ln flAe Kitchen oven