Dale, watching him with curious scrutiny, read all this in his speaking countenance, yet was morally certain he would not enter the major's doors that night--duty would erect a more impassable barrier than the fiercest war of the elements. "Doc," he said with rueful look, as he perceived that his friend was nearly ready to sally forth upon his eagerly desired errand, "I hate most confoundedly to have you disappointed, but the truth is--" "What! Godfrey, you surely said they were all well? Has--has anything--" "No, no, you needn't turn pale, or be in the least alarmed. It's only that you're called another way. Fact is Flora Barbour's lying at death's door; Buell's given her up, and Barbour's been round here several times to-day, knowing that I'd got a letter and you were expected, and made me promise over and over again to get you there as soon as possible in case you came. You see they have the greatest confidence in your skill, and can't give up the hope that you can save her yet." Without a word, but scarcely able to suppress a heavy sigh, Kenneth at once began preparations to obey the unexpected call. "I declare it's a shame!" cried Dale, "I wouldn't be a doctor, to come and go at everybody's beck and call, for a mint of money." "It's a noble profession, Godfrey, spite of some serious drawbacks," returned Clendenin, constrained to smile at his friend's vehemence, albeit his disappointment was really very great. Protecting himself as well as might be from the deluge of rain that as yet knew no abatement, he hurried on his way. The Barbours had, like most of their neighbors, exchanged their log cabin for a comfortable two story dwelling, and from an upper window the light of a candle gleamed out upon the darkness of the street. Kenneth glanced up at it with the thought that there the sick girl was lying. Mr. Barbour met him at the door. "Thank God you have come; though I'm afraid it's too late," he said in a hoarse whisper, wringing Kenneth's hand. "Don't despair, while there's life, there's hope," Kenneth answered feelingly. "Shall I go to her at once?" "Yes; but maybe you'd like to see Buell first. He's in here," opening an inner door. Dr. Buell, who was seated at a table measuring out medicines, rose and came forward to meet Dr. Clendenin. The two shook hands cordially, Buell saying, "I am very glad to see you, sir! You are the family physician, and I trust will now take charge of the case." "I should like to consult with you, doctor," Kenneth said. "What is the disease?" In answer Dr. Buell gave a full report of the symptoms and the treatment thus far; the two consulted for a few moments, then went together to the sick room.