Baggert hurrying toward the building.

"I wonder what's the matter?" he said aloud, for there was a look of
worriment on the lady's face. Tom threw open the door. "What is it, Mrs.
Baggert?" he called. "Some one up at the house who wants to see me?"

"No, it's your father!" panted the housekeeper, for she was quite stout.
"He is very ill again, and I can't seem to get Dr. Gladby on the
telephone. Central says he doesn't answer."

"My father worse!" cried Tom in alarm, dropping his tools and hurrying
from the shop. "Where's Eradicate? Send him for the doctor. Perhaps the
wires are broken. If he can't locate Dr. Gladby, get Dr. Kurtz. We must
have some one. Here, Rad! Where are you?" he called, raising his voice.

"Heah I be!" answered the colored man, coming from the direction of the
garden, which he had been weeding.

"Get cut your mule, and go for Dr. Gladby. If he isn't home, get Dr.
Kurtz. Hurry, Rad!"

"I's mighty sorry, Massa Tom," answered the colored man, "but I cain't
hurry, nohow."

"Why not?"

"Because Boomerang done gone lame, an' he won't run. I'll go mahse'f,
but I cain't take dat air mule."

"Never mind. I'll go in the Butterfly," decided Tom quickly. "I'll run