"Keep you hand in that sling," said Gurney, sharply.

Sheridan turned upon him, uttering a sound like a howl. "For God's
sake, sing another tune!" he cried. "You said you 'came as a doctor
but stay as a friend,' and in that capacity you undertake to sit up
and criticize ME--"

"Oh, talk sense," said the doctor, and yawned intentionally. "What
do you want Bibbs to say?"

"You were sittin' up there tellin' me I got 'hysterical'--
'hysterical,' oh Lord! You sat up there and told me I got
'hysterical' over nothin'! You sat up there tellin' me I didn't
have as heavy burdens as many another man you knew. I just want you
to hear THIS. Now listen!" He swung toward the quiet figure waiting
in the doorway. "Bibbs, will you come down-town with me Monday morning
and let me start you with two vice-presidencies, a directorship, stock,
and salaries? I ask you."

"No, father," said Bibbs, gently.

Sheridan looked at Gurney and then faced his son once more.

"Bibbs, you want to stay in the shop, do you, at nine dollars a week,
instead of takin' up my offer?"

"Yes, sir."

"And I'd like the doctor to hear: What'll you do if I decide you're