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 imbibed some hope. "Listen," he said, "you are a just man and a good one. I will not bore you with technical names, nor narrate systems. On my honor as a gentleman, on my reputation as a physician, backed up by the proof of microscopical examinations and the expressed concurrence with me of two of the most eminent dermatologists in the world, I pronounce Hernando Genung cured."

Mr. De Vere grew dizzy and the doctor drew his chair near to wait until he felt able to hear the rest. "Two of my friends—the gentlemen mentioned—are snow-bound at Shushan. The road from there to Lock Hill is broken by oxen and from there I came down on a hand-car. If you say so, I will return in the same manner and come down with Hernando and the two physicians, who wish to get back to the city as soon as possible."

"Are the trains running?"

"Not yet, but they probably will be some time to-day." At that moment, the warning whistle of a north-bound train sounded and Dr. Herschel rushed out of the house.