"I thought it wouldn't injure your conscience to wait for me while Imade a couple of professional visits,Jewel,eh?"he asked,as he jumped out and fastened Hector to the ring in the hand of a bronze boy."I won't be any longer than I can help,and don't you go to hoodooing me,now,while I'm upstairs."The doctor returned to the buggy and took the black case,frowning warningly at the child."Ihave troubles enough here without that.This old lady used to trot me on her knee,and she wants to spend half an hour every morning proving that doctors don't know anything before she'll let me get to business.""It must be hard for doctors,"returned Jewel,"going to sorry people all the time,and nothing to give them except something on their tongues."Dr.Ballard gave his small companion a quick glance.If he secretly considered her beliefs as too richly absurd to excite aught but amusement,she evidently as honestly compassionated the poverty of ideas in his learned profession.
"Well,I'll hurry,"he said,and vanished within the house.Time would not have dragged for Jewel had he stayed all the morning.To sit in the shining buggy in close proximity to the dappled gray Hector,and with Anna Belle for a sympathizer,caused the minutes to be winged.
When the doctor returned,a radiant face welcomed him.
"I thought I should never get away,"he sighed,"but you don't look bored."He untied the horse,jumped into the buggy,and they were off again,Hector striding along as if to make up for lost time."Now only one more call,Jewel,and then we'll get back out of the dust again,"said the doctor cheerily.