The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 2 — page 79: what you’re looking at

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

A TWO-PART STORY—PART ONE. CHAPTER I. THE VERDICT, © HE only thing that can save you is a long stay at Hot Springs, 7 Arkansas.”’ The words fell in distinct tones in the quiet room. The speaker pronounced them with the unhesitating courage of a person who has the strength of his convictions. He looked directly into the eyes of one of the two men facing him. What a contrast between them! One was of average height, robustly built, with a square jaw betokening de- termination, a pair of quick, discerning eyes, and a general air of knowing what he was about. The other was tall, of slender figure, with a pale complexion and delicate fea- tures. His face narrowed down to a small chin, and his chest seemed lost between his bent shoulders. “But, doctor—” began the tall young man. “There can be no ‘ buts’ in this case,” interrupted Dr, Fleming with emphasis. Evidently the young man addressed possessed nerve, for to dare question the opinion of so famous a physician as Fleming was unheard of. There was one thing in particular upon which Fleming prided himself, and that was the fact that his patients accepted his verdicts without a murmur no matter what the cost. Cost in this instance was in itself of little concern to Harvey Bowyer, club- man and several times millionaire. The doctor couldn’t understand why he in- terposed that “ but.” _ “But, doctor,” continued Bowyer per- sistently, “ the whole thing is impossible.” The speaker fingered a monogramed handkerchief of finest linen in nervous anxiety. Dr. Fleming eyed him coldly, profes- sionally. ‘“ May I ask, then, why you have taken up my time and seriously interfered with my day’s routine by sending for me to come here when I should be attending to patients who really need my services?” The doctor spoke with an angry gleam in his eye. ‘““T—I had no idea you would tell me a6rz ECOMMICLOO® (C@)