"But how can I get word to you? They have no 'phone or that man wouldn't have come after you." "Well, I have promised Hanson and I'll have to go there. If he 'phones before I get back tell him he'll have to come down to Stetson's after me. Or, you might wake one of the boys and send him over." "I'd rather try to wake Rip Van Winkle," said Mary, in a tone that settled it. In about an hour the doctor was back and snuggling down under the covers. "They've got a fine boy over to Stetson's," he announced to his sleepy wife. "They have!" she exclaimed, almost getting awake. Again they slept. Ting-a-ling-ling-ling. Ting-a-ling-ling-ling. Ting-a-ling-ling-ling. "That's Hanson," exclaimed the doctor springing up and groping his way to the 'phone. "Yes." "Out where?" "Smith's on Parks avenue?.... _Not_ Smith's?.... I understand--a little house farther down that street..... Yes, I'll come..... O, as soon as I can dress and get there." Mary heard, but when he had gone, was soon in a deep sleep. By and by she found herself flinging off the covers and hurrying guiltily toward the summoning tyrant, her subconscious self telling her that this was the third peal. "Hello." "Is the doctor there, Mrs. Blank?" "No, he is over at Stetson's. He said if you 'phoned to tell you you would have to come there as they have no 'phone." "Wait a minute, Mrs. Blank," said the voice of central, "some one is trying to speak--" "What have I said!" thought Mary suddenly, thoroughly awake. "He got back from Stetson's and went to another place. But I don't know what place nor where it is." The kindly voice of central went on: "It's the doctor who is talking, Mrs. Blank. I understand now. He says if that message comes you are to 'phone him at James Smith's on Parks avenue." Mary looked at the clock. "So he's been there all this time. That stork is a little too busy tonight," she thought as she went shivering back to bed. Toward daylight she was roused by the return of her husband, who announced a new daughter in the world and then they went to sleep. The next morning she said, "John, I've just thought of something. Why didn't you have central 'phone you at Smith's if Hanson called and save me all that bother?" "I guess it's because I'm so used to bothering you Mary, that I didn't think of it." * * * * * Mary was upstairs cleaning house most vigorously when the ring came. She stopped and listened. It came again--three. She set the dust pan down and went. "I'll have to be out for an hour or more, Mary," said the doctor. "I heard that sigh," he laughed, "but it won't be very hard to sort of keep an ear on the 'phone, will it? Johnson may get in soon and then it won't be necessary." "Very well, then, John," and she went upstairs, leaving the doors open behind her. She had just reached the top when she had to turn about and retrace her steps. "Hello." No answer. "Is someone calling Dr. Blank's house or office?"