The Price He Paid — page 141: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

132 ‘DR. BRUNNO W,.JR., TO BE CONVERTED. me notice that he should use his power unsparingly. He has lost no time in keeping his word.” “You believe that this transfer originated with your chief?” asked the young doctor, who was as grave as his friend by this time. “Tt is his work, there can be no doubt of that. He is influential enough to get me pushed into one of the vacancies there, particularly if itis done un- der color of helping forward a striving young official whom he wishes to befriend. I know there has never been any question of my removal hitherto. In a cool business-like manner, he this morning announced tome my new appoint- ment. He even added afew flattering words re- specting a report drawn up by me which had been sent in to headquarters, and which, no doubt, afforded him a pretext to bring the thing about. It is looked on as a special distinction, and my colleagues are congratulating me on the brilliant prospects opening out before me in the capital.” “They are right there,” remarked Max, who, now that the first surprise was over, began, as usual, to take a practical view of the matter. “Your chief may have had personal motives for acting as he has done, but he has not rendered you such a bad ser- vice in getting you introduced to the ministry. That is the stage whereon he made his own debut. What should hinder you from emulating his bril- _lant career?” “What good will it do me?” cried George, vehe- mently. springing to his feet. “What good will it do me to struggle and fight and work my way up yonder, while here 1 am being robbed of all that gives me hope in the future and makes life dear? I know that I shall lose Gabrielle if she remains here for years exposed to ali the hostile influences which are arrayed against us. A nature such as hers can- not hold out long under circumstances so cruelly adverse; and to lose her is more than I can bear.” The young doctor had tranquilly taken péssession of the sofa-corner, and was contemplating his friend with wonderment, This agitation in one usually Eomichooks co