"Well, I have. Do you remember that drive we took a week or two ago up north?" "That long drive?" "Yes. When I went in the man who was a stranger to me, said, 'I'll tell you why I sent for you. I've had two or three doctors out here, recommended as _good_ doctors, and they haven't done me a darned bit of good. Yesterday I heard you was the meanest doctor in this county and I said to myself, "He's the man I want."'" "I heard you laughing and wondered what it was about. The man's wife came out to the buggy and talked to me. She said they were strangers and didn't know anything about the doctors around here--they had thought of sending down to this town for a doctor but she had spoken to a woman--a neighbor--and she had said there wasn't _any_ of 'em any account down there. But her husband kept getting worse so they finally sent for Dr. Blank and she hoped he'd cure 'im. Are you doing it? I hope so for I assured her that the physicians of this town are recognized throughout the State as being men of exceptional ability, and she went in, comforted." "Yes, he got better as soon as he struck the road to health," laughed John. He took out his watch. "Jove! I haven't any time to spare if I catch that train." For several days he had been taking the train to a little station some miles out of town, where he would get off and walk a mile to the home of his patient, make his visit and walk back in time to catch the train for home. Just after the doctor left the house the telephone rang twice. His wife answered it, knowing he had not yet reached the office. "Is the doctor there?" "He left the house just a minute ago." "Well, he's coming down today isn't he?" "Is this Mrs. Shortridge?" "Yes." "Yes, he just said he must make that train." "He'll go to the office first won't he?" "Yes, to get his case, I think." "Will you please telephone him there to bring a roast with him?" "To bring what?" "A roast." Mary was nonplussed. Her husband had the reputation of "roasting" his patients and their attendants on occasion. Had an occasion arisen now? "Why, ye-es," she began, uncertainly, when the voice spoke again. "I mean a roast of beef, Mrs. Blank. I thought as the doctor was coming he wouldn't mind stopping at the butcher's and bringing me a roast--tell him a good-sized one." The receiver clicked. Mary still held hers. Then she rang the office. "What _is_ it?" Great haste spoke in the voice. "John, Mrs. Shortridge wants you to bring her a roast of beef when you go down." "The devil she does!" "The market is right on your way. Hurry. Don't miss the train!" She put up the receiver, then she snatched it and rang again violently. "_Now_ what!" thundered John's voice. "She said to get a good-sized one." Standing with the receiver in her hand and shaking with laughter she heard the office-door shut with a bang and knew that he was off.