“Most, if not all, cancer is preventable by correcting the minor difficulty from which it develops. “With recognition of, and prompt action upon early symptoms, the death rate can be cut down at least a half; probably more. “The fatalism which says: ‘If it’s cancer, I might as well give up,’ is foolish, cowardly, and suicidal. “And, finally, here is some simple advice, intelligible to any thinking human being, which has been indorsed in printed form by the Congress of Surgeons of North America:— “‘Be careful of persistent sores or irritations, external or internal. “‘Be careful of yourself, without undue worry. At the first suspicious symptom go to some good physician and demand the truth. Don’t wait for pain to develop. “‘If the doctor suspects cancer insist that he confirm or disprove his suspicions. “‘Don’t be a hopeless fatalist. If it’s cancer face it bravely. With courage and prompt action the chances of recovery are all in your favor. “‘Don’t defer an advised operation even for a day; and don’t shrink from the merciful knife, when the alternative is the merciless anguish of slow death.’ “For the woman who fears the knife, Dr. Charles H. Mayo, one of the greatest of living surgeons, has spoken the final words: ‘The risk is not in surgery, but in _delayed surgery_.’ “I have said my say, ladies, and there are five minutes left. Has any one any further questions?” There was none. But as he stepped down, Mrs. Sharpless whispered to him: “I watched them while you talked, and half of those women are thinking, and thinking _hard_.” Six months thereafter, Mrs. Clyde came into the Health Master’s office one day. “I’ve just come from a sort of experience meeting of the Mothers’ Club,” she said. “What was the topic this time?” asked Dr. Strong. “Aftermath.” “Of what?” “Your cancer talk.” “Anything definite?” “Definite, indeed! Between fifteen and twenty of the members went away from that meeting where you talked, suspecting themselves of cancer.” “That’s too many.” “Yes. Ten of them had their fears set at rest right away.” “I’m sorry to have frightened them; but one has to do a little harm in aiming at almost any good.” “This was worth it. Half a dozen others had minor operations.” “Perhaps saving major ones later.” “Very likely. And four of them actually had cancer. Three out of the four are going to be well women. The fourth has an even chance. Dr. Strong, I don’t think you’ve done so good a day’s work since you brought health into this house.” “I thank you,” said the doctor simply; “I think you are right. And you’ve given me the most profound and about the rarest satisfaction with which the physician is ever rewarded.” “And that is?” she asked. “The practical certainty of having definitely saved human life,” said the Health Master. IX. THE GOOD GRAY DOCTOR