y," said the Doctor, "want to do something for
me?" He pushed a dollar at Billy over the counter.

"Name it, Doc, without further insult," replied Billy, shoving the
dollar back with a lordly scorn.

"All right, Billy, you're a white little soul. Now listen. I want your
ladies' parlor aired."

"Aired?" gasped Billy.

"Yes, open the windows. Put on a fire. I have a lady coming--I
have--that is--Sergeant Cameron's sister is coming--"

"Say no more," said Billy with a wink. "I get you, Doc. But what about
the open window, Doc? It's rather cold."

"Open it up and put on a fire. Those Old Country people are mad about
fresh air."

"All right, Doc," replied Billy with another knowing wink. "The best is
none too good for her, eh?"

"Look here, now, Billy--" the doctor's tone grew severe--"let's have no
nonsense. This is Sergeant Cameron's sister. He is knocked out, unable
to meet her. I am taking his place. Do you get me? Now be quick. If you
have any think juice in that block of yours turn it on."

Billy twisted one ear as if turning a cock, and tapped his forehead with
his knuckles.

"Doc," he said solemnly, "she's workin' like a watch, full jewel, patent
lever."

"All right. Now get on to this. Sitting-room aired, good fire going,
windows open and a cup of coffee."

"Coffee? Say, Doc, there ain't time. What about tea?"

"You know well enough, Billy, you haven't got any but that infernal
green stuff fit to tan the stomach of a brass monkey."

"There's another can, Doc. I know where it is. Leave it to me."

"All right, Billy, I trust you. They are death on tea in the Old
Country. And toast, Billy. What about toast?"

"Toast? Toast, eh? Well, all right, Doc. Toast it is. Trust yours truly.
You keep her out a-viewin' the scenery for half an hour."

"And Billy, a big pitcher of hot water. They can't live without hot
water in the morning, those Old Country people."

"Sure thing, Doc. A tub if you like."

"No, a pitcher will do."

At this point a long drawn whistle sounded through the still morning
air.

"There she goes, Doc. She has struck the grade. Say, Doc--"

But his words fell upon empty space. The doctor had already disappeared.

"Say, he's a sprinter," said Billy to himself. "He ain't takin' no
chances on bein' late. Shouldn't be surprised if the Doc got there all
right."

He darted upstairs and looked around the ladies' parlor. The air was
heavy with mingled odors of the bar and the kitchen.