The Argosy for May — page 59: what you’re looking at

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

246 seriousness of the accident. “It may have punctured the lung, although I am not certain.” ‘And his - earnestly. “Can't tell yet whether his skull is fractured or not.” “This is a very serious matter, doc- tor,” Jacobi ventured after some hesita- tion; “and I feel doubly responsible for Mr. Bickel’s condition. In the first place, his getting what was intended for me may have saved my life, and, in the second place, his broken ribs were caused by my machine passing over him. I owe him a debt I can never -repay, and as you seem to be a friend of his, I im- plore you to give hinr every attention in your power. I am responsible for the bill, and, if necessary, do not-leave his side for an instant. Here is a hundred dollars on account.” He handed the other some bills which ' he had taken from his pocket. ‘“T will do all in my power,” the doc- tor declared with emphasis,. “and thank you for your confidence in me, and for these.” He nodded toward the bills, which he slipped into a wallet. ‘‘ Bickel and I are the best of friends, and I tell you this’ll be a blow to him.” “Tt would be a blow to’ any one,” Jacobi returned. ~ “But particularly to him,” the doc- tor said, ‘‘He has been out of work for some time, and was promised a po- sition for next Monday. I fear it will be a great many Mondays before he can think of going to business.”’ The restaurant-owner drew the physi- cian ‘to the far side of the room, where they held a brief whispered conversa- tion, at the conclusion of which the two men approached the bed again. “Mr. Bickel,” Jacobi began, ‘“ perhaps you do not realize just what you have done for me to- -night. Had it not been for you, I might be in the same condition as yourself—or, more likely, in a much worse one. And as the doctor has just informed me, you will be unable, just that is head ? ’” Jacobi queried now, to accept the position offered to. you, I wish to make you a present—” #. The man’ on the bed raised his hand in silent protest. THE ARGOSY. “But I insist upon it,” Jacobi con- tinued. “I have already assured Dr. Zabriskie that all his charges will be paid by me, and I have advanced him one hundred dollars on account. But now, for yourself.” He drew out his check-book and, hastily filling one out, handed it to the injured man. “ This is a slight token of my gratitude to you,” he added. Bickel took it in a dazed sort of way, and glanced at the slip of paper quickly. “I can’t accept this,” he said slowly, and let it flutter to the floor. The physician drew the restaurant owner from the bedside again. “I will attend to it, Mr. Jacobi,” he said, ‘and it will be a godsend to him. Knowing him as I do, I am fully aware of his financial condition ; and a few dol- lars will tide him over for the present, or at least until he is able to be around again. Landladies are like the tide,’’ he added smilingly, “they wait for no man.” He stepped to the side of the bed and picked up the check. “Five thousand dollars!” he ex- claimed, as his eyes fastened upon the bit of paper. ‘“‘ Why, it’s a small for- tune to him.” “ And he deserves it,” Jacobi declared. “T will leave the patient in your care. It is late—why, it’s nearly two o’clock— so I must go. Spare no expense or trouble to effect a speedy recovery. I will drop in to-morrow, to inquire re- garding his progress.” With a parting ‘ Good night,” Jacobi hurried from the room, and down the stairs to the street, where Harris, having realized some time before that his pres- ence was not needed in the sick-room, was waiting. ‘It’s pretty tough on the poor fel- low,” Jacobi murmured, as the car again proceeded on its way to Haledon. ‘But he’ll recover, won’t he?” chauffeur inquired. “J think so—or, at, least, I hope so,”’ was the reply. ‘“‘ He seemed quite him- self again, although suffering acute pain. Let us hope for the best, anyway; but I think, Harris, that you and I had a the “pretty close call.” The chauffeur made no reply, and ECO DOOKS (C@ ~