Lindsay smiled broadly this time. "Coincident with the strike, let us say." "I don't believe I can leave Chicago just now," the young doctor replied finally. Lindsay stared at him as if he were demented. "I've a case or two I am interested in," Sommers explained nonchalantly. "Nothing much, but I don't care to leave. Besides, I don't think Porter would be an agreeable companion." "Very well," Lindsay replied indifferently. "French will go--a jolly, companionable, chatty fellow." The young doctor felt that Lindsay was enumerating pointedly the qualities he lacked. "Porter's connection will be worth thousands to the man he takes to. He's in a dozen different corporations where they pay good salaries to physicians. Of course, if you've started a practice already--" "I don't suppose my cases are good for ten dollars." Lindsay's handsome, gray-whiskered face expressed a polite disgust. "There's another matter I'd like to speak about--" "The patient Ducharme?" Sommers asked quickly. "I don't know her name,--the woman Miss Clark says you admitted against my rules. You know there are the free dispensaries for those who can't pay, and, indeed, I give my own services. I cannot afford to maintain this plant without fees. In short, I am surprised at such a breach of professional etiquette." Sommers got up from his seat nervously and then sat down again. Lindsay undoubtedly had the right to do exactly what he pleased on his own premises. "Very well," he replied shortly. "It shan't occur again. I have told the Ducharme woman to call at my rooms for treatment, and I will give Miss Clark her ten dollars. She was an exceptionally interesting and instructive case." Lindsay elevated his eyebrows politely. "Yes, yes, but you know we specialists are so liable to be imposed upon. Every one tries to escape his fee; no one would employ Carson, for example, unless he had the means to pay his fee, would he?" "The cases are not exactly parallel." "All cases of employment are parallel," Lindsay replied with emphasis. "Every man is entitled to what he can get, from the roustabout on the wharf to our friend Porter, and no more." "I have often thought," Sommers protested rather vaguely, "that clergymen and doctors should be employed by the state to do what they can; it isn't much!" "There are the hospitals." Lindsay got up from his chair at the sound of an electric bell. "And our very best professional men practise there, give their time and money and strength. You will have to excuse me, as Mr. Carson has an appointment, and I have already kept him waiting. Will you see Mrs. Winter and young Long at eleven thirty and eleven forty-five?" As Sommers was leaving, Lindsay called out over his shoulder, "And can you take the clinic, Saturday? I must go to St. Louis in consultation. General R. P. Atkinson, president of the Omaha and Gulf, an old friend--" "Shall be delighted," the young doctor replied with a smile.