7

seizure, and for the first time realizes that the old man who has given
his life to the alleviation of other peoples ' troubles has

colossal ones of his own. He knovts now why Dr. Carpenter
us: refused to marry the woman he loved, and pretending indifference to
her induced her to marry a. rival. The doctor for a great many

years has had a slow but terrible organic disease.

When he is himself again, the little doctor tries to smile
up at his friend, who has anxiously knelt beside him and tried to help
him and then he tells Holt that he has sent for him because he had
has a "case" for him.

Holt angrily draws back. The doctor knows he is through
with all that;*. Yes, but the doctor says, this is different.
Its a family affair. His old doctor friend is in a pickle. He
needs legal advice"

Holt says surlily that nothing will induce him to go into

Court again; however he is willing to give what advice he can.

when the doctor tells him its a. case of breach of promise the man rises

disgustedly and declares he wou1d'nt touch a thing like that with

a yard pole. The doctor asks him to hear the circumstances in the case.
and impatiently at first, but presently with his face shaded by his hand
Holt hears him through.
"You see" says the doctor, "its a personal obsession.

My little girl needs not so much legal advice as medical treatment;

_y_u__t_ in order to give her the treatment I am obliged to resort to the
seeming help of the law. And so Halt, I want you to take her case, advis
advise her, help her—-if necessary even press the suit and bring it

to its climax. In Laura's case, dynamite is needed, and I'm V
counting on your to apply the match". A

Laura then comes in, a. tall, pale girl, with the stamp