Page:Jackson Gregory--joyous trouble maker.djvu/258

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242
THE JOYOUS TROUBLE MAKER

rarer, bracing and flawlessly clean air of the Sierra was the thing now for Rose and Eddie and others of his big and ever growing "family."

"You heard him mention his hospital? He came along with us and Mrs. Hurley, planning a good deal less on a much needed vacation for himself than upon selecting a site here for an extension of his treatment. Told me all about it on the way up. He will put up first a big hospital building, then, close by yet sufficiently removed to give privacy and a certain air of homelike independence, a number of cottages. Here, in the spring and summer months, he will personally oversee his work. He is tremendously enthusiastic over it; especially since he got up into the mountains. Says that the very ruggedness of the outlook itself will do a lot psychologically."

"Good business," agreed Steele heartily. "I wish him luck with it."

"As a matter of fact," smiled Carruthers, "his enthusiasm over it all is so great that he begrudges the time necessary for purchase of site and erection of buildings before he can get under way, matters that will hold him up until next summer, while he'd like to roll his sleeves up tomorrow. … By Jove, Billy, this is some coffee, eh? First time I've had three cups since …"

"Since the Twins were born? How's Sylvia?"

From the lunch counter, each carrying his share of hot coffee and bacon and bread and butter and whatever else the cook could suggest or they could see in his larder, they returned to the cabin. Steele was still