The Faith Healer Part 42

LITTLEFIELD.

Done for. I said I was worth a million of you in a case like this, but I didn't realize how far things had gone. The next time, call me in a little sooner.

_He writes on his note pad, tears out a leaf, and lays it on the table._

Mrs. Beeler will continue the old prescription, alternating with this.

_He puts the note pad in his pocket, and turns to Rhoda. He speaks in a tone which implies command, under the veil of request._

Will you walk a ways with me, Miss Williams?

RHODA.

_Pale and trembling._

No.

LITTLEFIELD.

Pardon! I must have a short talk. It is important.

RHODA.

I cannot go with you.

LITTLEFIELD.

I think you had better reconsider.

MICHAELIS.

_Astonished at his tone._

You have heard that she does not wish to go.

LITTLEFIELD.

_Ignoring Michaelis._

I have no time to waste, and I shall not stop to mince my words. You are coming with me, and you are coming now.

MICHAELIS.

_To Rhoda._

Who is this man?

LITTLEFIELD.

_Wheeling upon him angrily._

'Pon my honor! "Who is this man?" "Remove the worm!" Decidedly tart, from a miracle-monger in a state of bankruptcy.

MICHAELIS.

_To Rhoda._

Is this the man you told me of?

RHODA.

_Steadily._

Yes.

LITTLEFIELD.

_To Rhoda, as he eyes Michaelis with dislike._

So you have called in a father confessor, eh?

_To Michaelis._

Well, since the lady can't keep her secrets to herself, this _is_ the man. Very painful, no doubt, but these little things will happen.

_To Rhoda._

I should have chosen a more secluded nook to say this in, but you're skittish, as I have learned to my cost, and likely to bolt. What I want to say is, _don't_ bolt. It won't do you any good.--I've found you once, and I'll find you again, no matter what rabbit's hole you dodge into.

_To Michaelis._

This ain't George Littlefield, M.D., talking now. It's the caveman of Borneo. He's got arms as long as rakes, and teeth that are a caution.--Look out for him!

MICHAELIS.

_Holding himself in stern restraint._

Your arms and teeth are long enough, and eager enough to do damage, but they will not avail you here. This girl is in other keeping, and I dare to say, better.

LITTLEFIELD.

In other keeping, eh? Yours, I suppose.

MICHAELIS.

Yes, mine.

LITTLEFIELD.