"Dr. Hansen?"

"Yes, sir."

"A message, sir."

The doctor made a gesture of impatience.

"Bother!" he spoke. "Bother! A message. Nothing in the world would
stop me! I cannot leave."

Nevertheless he stepped back into the light.

"Just a minute, gentlemen."

He tore open the envelope. Then he looked up at the messenger and
then at us. His face was startled--almost frightened.

"Gentlemen," he said, "I am sorry. Not a thing in the world would
detain me but this. I would go with you, but I may not. My duty as
a physician. I had hopes." He came over to me and spoke softly. "I
am going to send you one of the greatest specialists in the city
in my stead. This young man should have attention. Have you the
address?"

"288 Chatterton Place," I answered.

"Very well. I am sorry, very much disappointed. However, it is my
daughter, and I cannot do otherwise. Continue the brandy for a