Dr. Lavendar's People

e shuffled over to a safe in the corner of his library and pulled out a japanned tin box. Dr. Lavendar watched him fumble with the combinat

se. He's a sickly fellow, and he hasn't much gumption. But if

od in him," the oth

about it; for the time Algernon

ent in hand to meet his obligation. And that was why Dr. Lavendar heard of him again. Would the doctor-this on perfumed paper, ruled, and with gilt edges-would the doctor "ask him if he would extend?" Algernon could pay the interest now; but that was all he could do. He wasn't in very good shape, he said. He'd been in the hospital for a month, and had had to hire a salesman. "I guess he cheated me; he was a kind of fancy talker, and got me to let him buy

n Gordon's lip curled. "I never expected to hear from him or his note

al, had come into their human birthright of worry. "It's this note that takes the spunk out of me," he said. "If I could only get it paid! Then I'd hire a house and have the shop in front. I've thought some I'd get married, too. It's hard on your digestion living in one of these here cheap hotels. But I can't get over thinking of Mary. I don't seem to relish other ladies. I s

does," said

aid, sheepishly, "that it was pretty

n three times," Dr. Lavendar declare

eagerly. "You know how

oo much," Dr. Lavendar said, gently; "if

Lavendar. Then he gave Algy some advice about the window display, and suggested a little gas-jet on the counter where gentlemen might light their cigars; and he told Algy what brand he smoked himself, and recommended it,

not. You maybe wouldn't want to use it yourself; gentlemen don't, often. But give it to one of your

ed Algy warmly; then he said that the picture on t

. "She's a beauty. She

et on the base of a rusty, melon-shaped iron stove; Algy was leaning back against the counter, his elbows on t

ith it, quic

king about the

id Dr. L

ore all the world-standing up, rows and rows and rows of 'em. Can't see the en

that way." He hesitated a little. After all, it is a risk to take a

at the toe of his b

kind of publicity? Good people wouldn't like it; it would pain them. You s

uldn't," Al

enjoy it," Dr. Lave

r to the wicked?" Al

ugh to just have your Saviour tell you your sins when you're sitting all alone-or, maybe, lying awak

Maybe you're right

rocess. But when he went away Dr.

e was able to carry back, not only the note and the interest to John Gordon, but a payment of $24. W

and locked it up in the japanned box-"I don't know that it was your intention, bu

rally work that wa

h the wrath of man to praise

to me. I'm d

think it do,'" said Dr. Lavendar, chuc

ent, if that's what you

ents. To my shame I say it. But I was blind as a bat; the Lord had sent him a great experience-Mary's death. Well, it was like a clap of thunder on a dark night; the lightning showed up a whole landscape I didn't know. There was honesty; and there was perseverance; and there was love, mind you, most of all. Love! I tell

ded still again, although again Algy was ready not on