Larry read every line that was published about the eminent physician and the operation, for he felt that his sister’s case might be similar to that of the millionaire’s daughter. He said nothing at home of the hope he had that Lucy might be made well and strong, for he did not want to raise expectations that might later be dispelled. When he heard from Dr. Carrolton he thought that would be time enough to tell his mother, and to prepare Lucy for the operation and ordeal which she must go through. There were anxious days of waiting for Larry. As he performed his work at the _Leader_ office he kept track, by means of the various papers, of Dr. Carrolton’s progress. The physician was traveling over the country, making cures that were almost marvelous. Larry began to fear the doctor had forgotten his promise, and was almost beginning to despair when, one day, there came a letter addressed to “Mr. Larry Dexter,” with his street number and all on it. Up in one corner was the eminent doctor’s name. Larry’s fingers trembled so much he could scarcely open the envelope, but he managed to take out the single sheet of paper it contained and read this message: “My Dear Boy: I have not forgotten you, your sister, or the promise I made. If nothing happens to prevent I shall call at your house a week from to-day and see the little girl. I hope I may be able to cure her.” Then Larry decided to tell his mother. At first Mrs. Dexter was too surprised to know what to say. Then, as the full realization of what the doctor’s visit might mean,--the cure of her daughter,--she could not help weeping, but the tears were those of joy. “Oh, Larry, Larry!” she exclaimed softly. “It is too good to be true!” “We must break the news gently to Lucy,” said the boy. “We don’t want to get her excited, for it might have a bad effect on her nerves.” Poor Lucy was frightened and pleased by turns when they told her. She had long before given up hope of ever being able to walk like other girls, and had resigned herself to her fate. Now that there seemed to be a ray of hope she hardly dared indulge in the pleasant thoughts that came to her. “Oh, if I ever could walk right again!” she exclaimed, and her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Dr. Carrolton can cure you,” said Larry with confidence in his tone. “I’ve read all about the cases in the papers, and most of them are lots worse than yours is.” “Oh, if I could only walk again, like other girls, and run and play, and--and go to work,” sighed Lucy, “I would be the happiest girl in all the world.” “You will,” said Larry, and he prayed that what he hoped would come to pass. That week was full of excitement. In the first place, all unexpectedly, a trained nurse came to the house one day, and said she had been sent by Dr. Carrolton to prepare Lucy for the operation. “Will I have to go to the hospital?” asked Lucy, with fright in her tone.