Page:The Death-Doctor.djvu/153

Rh anything else you like, that the child is well in a week."

He looked at me, with no friendly glance, and I took his challenge.

"I can't help thinking you're wrong," I replied, having waited for this opportunity; "but, of course, I can't say much; I haven't examined him. I only go by his appearance."

"Yes, and that's a darned poor one," interrupted the boy's father. "What about a consultation, Elleston?"

At this the senior practitioner of the district flared up.

"Oh, if you're not satisfied, Colonel, do as you like; it's quite immaterial to me. Perhaps d'Escombe would like to take the case over."

This was war to the knife.

"Not at all," I said very quietly; "there is no reason to be offended. Dr. Elleston. The Colonel is naturally very anxious."

"Anxious!" the other almost shouted. "Anxious! over an overfed youngster whose digestion and stomach have been upset by improper feeding! There's nothing to be anxious about."

"Don't get out of temper about it, my dear chap," said the Colonel apologetically.