Page:Old ninety-nine's cave.djvu/151

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is sleepin' hard now. The po'ful strong toddy might do that, but I 'clare, Massa, I jes' feel he's dreffel sick."

"What do you think is the matter?"

"I jes' dun know."

"Then we will have a physician settle the question," replied Mr. De Vere, stepping to the telephone.

"Dr. Brinton is not well," the answer came. "Is the call imperative?"

One glance at Reuben's face and Mr. De Vere answered, "I am sorry to learn that the doctor is sick, but fear we must have medical advice at once. Will he kindly send some one?"

After a long pause, Dr. Brinton himself answered. Hernando's symptoms under Reuben's dictation were given, and through the 'phone, Dr. Brinton's laugh followed by a fit of coughing could be distinctly heard. Then he said his assistant would be up immediately after breakfast.

"Now Reuben, my good man, don't worry any more about it. You know he has malaria*