am aware of the fact," was Doctor Raymond's reply. "How did you hear
of it, Doctor Black?"

"Why, Raymond, is that you? What in the world brought you here? I tacked
up a sign today to keep idiots out. It did not have the desired effect,
it seems."

Beatrice felt her face flush at the words, but there was a laugh in her
father's voice as he responded:

"I have a daughter in there, doctor, who may take exception to that
remark."

"Your daughter? What is she doing there? Didn't you know any better
than to let her go to such a place? I have been busy all day vaccinating
people, and taking means to prevent the disease from spreading. It is
just such things that undo a physician's precautions. Why did you permit
it?"

"I was not consulted in the matter," was the response. "My daughter came
down with food for Rachel, and finding her alone remained to be of
service."

"Good gracious, what could she do? Tillie left as soon as she found what
was the matter. Nobody knows where the old woman contracted the disease.
I brought Hannah here with me to nurse her. She has had it and therefore
is not afraid of it. I must say, though, that I hadn't bargained for
this complication. Has Beatrice had it?"

"I think not, doctor."

"Then she must be gotten out of there. Come, Hannah! We will go in now."

"I fear that you will find some difficulty in doing so, doctor. Beatrice
has locked the door to keep me out."

"Thunderation!" exclaimed the doctor. "I can't be delayed by any such
nonsense. Open this door," he commanded pounding upon it with his
fists.

The door rattled violently under his vigorous shaking. Bee knew that she
must open it, but she resolved to win the doctor to her side if
possible.

"Doctor Black," she called.

"Well? Are you going to keep me out here all night, young lady?" he
demanded bluntly. "I've had a busy day, and I want to get home. Quit
your fooling, and unlock this door."

"Yes, doctor; but do you think it wise for father to come in? Promise to
keep him out and I'll open it. Otherwise,--" The pause was so
significant that the physician chuckled.

"He shan't come in, child. If he does I'll vaccinate him in four
places," he declared energetically. "You hear, Raymond?"

"I hear, doctor, and accept the condition. If I did not that 'otherwise'
means that Beatrice will fight it out on the stand she has taken if it
takes all night."

"Your father will stay out, Miss Beatrice. Now open the door."

B