Doctor Jones' Picnic

by S. E. Chapman

  CHAPTER XIV.

  Doctor Jones Commits Treason.

  As they met at the breakfast table next morning, they found the Countjoyous and jubilant. Feodora had spent a comparatively comfortablenight. At the regular hour, 3 o'clock, A.M., the stitching pains andcough recurred, but were so much less than usual, and lasted so muchshorter a time that she was radiant with joy, and thanked Dr. Jones sosweetly that the good man was obliged to hem and cough and wipe his noseand eyes, and complain of a slight cold which he had contracted. As forthe nobleman himself, he declared that he was the happiest and soundestof all the Czar's subjects.

  "I cannot understand this matter, Doctor," said he. "I have absolutelyexhausted the medical science of Europe without the slightest benefit.Here you come from the United States, a new country, and supposed to bevery much behind in all matters of science and letters, yet you havedone for me and my daughter, as if by magic, what the accumulatedscience and knowledge of Europe have not been able to do at all. Is yourscience a mystic or esoteric affair, and are you the only one inpossession of the secret?"

  "No, indeed, Count Icanovich. So far from my system being esoteric orexclusively my own, I have for many years taught and exemplified to thebest of my ability the law by which I am governed in the selection ofthe remedy. And there are a noble few in my country who are likechildren sitting in the market, crying, 'We have mourned unto you and yewould not mourn; we have piped unto you and ye would not dance.' Byevery possible means we have endeavored to induce the dominant school ofmedicine to investigate our claims, but they simply deride and laugh usto scorn."

  "But surely, Doctor, they cannot deny the evidence of their own senses!If you cure that which they cannot, they certainly must heed you.Anything else is unthinkable," exclaimed the Count.

  "My dear sir, human nature is past finding out in its capacity forstupidity and foolishness. God gives every man the power to choose goodor evil, and no amount of evidence can dispossess him of this electivefranchise. Hence he is the arbiter of his own fate. Abraham said toDives concerning his brethren, 'If they believe not Moses and theprophets, neither will they believe, though one arose from the dead.'Jesus Christ healed the sick, raised the dead, restored the lame, thehalt, the blind, in the presence of priests, lawyers, and doctors, thescientists of those days; and they put him to death in precisely thesame spirit that they expatriated Samuel Hahnemann for discovering andpromulgating the only law of cure in God's universe. Human nature hasnot changed a particle since the days of Adam and Eve, and it never willbe any more nor less than what it is now, except as it is regeneratedthrough the Atonement."

  "This is marvelously strange," said the Count musingly. "I do notremember to have heard of your system more than a few times in my life,and then but as something ridiculous or foolish. Cannot something bedone to bring it before the public?"

  "So far as I know, Count Icanovich, there is not a school in Europewhere the tenets of our system are taught. The dominant school ofmedicine has used its power, and legislation effectually bars us out inevery European country. Only in America have we colleges, and even therewhatever privileges we enjoy are the results of deadly anduncompromising warfare. So you will understand the difficulties underwhich we labor."

  "It seems, then, that it is simply a matter of ignorance with the laitythat your system has not become universally adopted," interposedProfessor Gray. "And the 'Regular School,' as they style themselves, isexceedingly active in keeping them thus ignorant."

  "That is the state of affairs exactly," cried Dr. Jones. "To illustratethe fact that we have a law of cure, while the so-called Regulars havenothing like it, a certain physician, a number of years ago, sent outtwenty letters, ten to prominent men of each school. He sent to each theordinary price of a prescription, and represented himself as a patient.He detailed precisely the same symptoms to each. Now, if medicine isworthy of being called a science, why should there not have been ananswer, and but one answer, as to the remedy indicated in this case?"

  "So I have said a thousand times," exclaimed the Count, excitedly. "AndI can foretell the denouement so far as the Regular school is concerned:You received as many prescriptions that were totally unlike as therewere men of that school who prescribed for you."

  "Right, you are, my lord!" shouted the Doctor. "But eight of themresponded. No two of their prescriptions at all resembled each other,and the aggregate number of drugs prescribed by them was somewhere nearseventy, if I remember correctly. If all these drugs had been put into ajug, the compound would have been a mass of incompatibles that wouldhave poisoned any miserable wretch who was fool enough to take it."

  "But how did the men of your school do, Doctor?" asked Professor Gray."Did they do any better?"

  "Did they!" again shouted Dr. Jones, swelling and flushing with pride."Every one of them prescribed Lycopodium Pollen, which was the indicatedremedy."

  "How many physicians of your school are there in America?" asked theCount.

  "Something like twelve thousand, I believe."

  "And would each of them have prescribed the remedy you mentioned?"

  "All worthy of the name would have done so."

  "And are not all worthy?"

  "I am forced to say no! not by a great many. Like every otherrepresentative system of truth, our greatest source of danger is fromwithin. No chain is stronger than its weakest link, as has been saidmany times. The world judges us by our weaklings. Every good thing hasits hordes of counterfeits."

  "Well," said the Count, "I am deeply interested in this matter. I musthear more of it, Doctor."

  "And I also am desirous of information upon this all important subject,"added Professor Gray.

  The wind had veered around to the west-nor-west. It had materiallyabated in violence, but was still unfavorable for our navigators. And,in truth, the Doctor was not nearly so anxious to depart at this time aswas Professor Gray. The good Doctor's mind was divided between a desireto be off for the Arctics, and a professional interest in, and friendlysolicitude for, the beautiful Feodora. Nothing could exceed the delightwith which he noted the manifest curative power of the dose which he hadgiven her. And he had pledged his word that he would not leave her untilmaterial improvement was apparent. So it was with a considerable degreeof resignation that he saw the wind continue northerly.

  The matter stood about thus between him and Professor Gray: While Dr.Jones was really commander of the expedition, yet the Professorrepresented the Government's interests, and he kept a strict record ofevery day's occurrences. These must be subjected to the inspection ofthe proper authorities upon their return to Washington. The fact thatDr. Jones had interested himself in a sick girl in the heart of Russia,even though she was the only child of a Count who stood high with theEmperor of all the Russias, could not excuse him to his Government forholding in abeyance the mighty interests of the expedition upon which ithad projected him.

  For two more days the northerly winds prevailed. Then came thehoped-for, yet dreaded, change. At six o'clock in the morning, theProfessor rapped upon Dr. Jones' chamber door.

  "Come, Doctor," he cried. "Ho! for the North Pole. A glorious breezefrom due South."

  The Doctor joined him in a few moments, and they walked into the park.The aluminum flag fluttered straight toward the north. The Doctorexpressed his delight, but there tugged at his heart the thought ofleaving the poor girl who clung to him for her life. But he did not dareto mention this fact to Professor Gray. He knew that no merelysentimental grounds would have any weight with that gentleman, and thathe (the Professor) would hold him strictly accountable to the Governmentfor any unnecessary delay.

  So, with a sigh, he announced to his party that they would sail as soonafter breakfast as possible. The Count looked very much distressed, butsaid not a word. After breakfast the Doctor and Count repaired toFeodora's room. She had rested beautifully all night, and received themwith a glad, smiling welcome. But when Dr. Jones announced that he mustsail within two or three hours, her face became exceed
ingly sorrowful,and she said to him so gently and simply that it touched the hearts ofthe men more than tears could have ever done:

  "And do you know what goes with you in your beautiful Silver Cloud?"

  "I do not know that I do. What do you mean?"

  "My life."

  This unexpected reply caused the Doctor a terrible shock.

  "O no! my dear young lady, you are doing splendidly. Just carry out mywritten instructions and you will do as well without me as you wouldwith me."

  "Dr. Jones, I appreciate your situation, and know that you have no rightto remain here for my sake, or anyone's else. I will not try to persuadeyou to stay; but I know that when you have gone, Hope will haveaccompanied you, and I shall certainly die."

  "My God! My God! Dr. Jones, I cannot endure this," groaned the Count,and great tears coursed down his cheeks.

  "Let me talk with you a few moments privately," said the Doctor.

  The Count led the way to his office, and when they were seated theDoctor began:

  "Count Icanovich, I cannot leave you, and yet you see my situation.Professor Gray will not consent to an hour's unnecessary delay, and willhold me in strictest account to my Government."

  "Cannot he be brought to consent to remain a few weeks?" asked the Countanxiously.

  "Not all the gold in Russia would tempt him one moment," declared theDoctor emphatically.

  "But you must not go and take my darling's life with you!" cried theCount desperately.

  "Say 'shall not,' and you will hit it exactly," replied the littleDoctor, winking shrewdly at the Count.

  "What do you mean?"

  "Have you no special power or authority in this section?"

  "I have very great power if I choose to use it. Do I understand you toadvise me to detain you by force?"

  The Doctor grinned, gave a little Frenchy shrug of the shoulders, andsaid: "It would be treason to my country to advise you to do so, sir;but if you permit us to go, surely you cannot blame me for going. I verymuch prefer to stay, but only absolute force can prevent my going."

  "I understand you perfectly, Doctor, and you need say no more," repliedthe Count, smiling grimly. "It had not occurred to me to treat my guestswith such discourtesy; but you Americans have an adage, I haveheard,--or is it English?--that a hint is as good as a kick. Well, youneedn't kick me--unless I let you go. Now go up to my daughter and cheerher up with the news that you are forcibly detained, and will not sailtill she is cured."

  Here the two men clasped hands, threw open their mouths to their widestextent, and laughed long and--silently.

  "But now run up to Feodora; she needs you badly, and I have some veryimportant business to attend to."

  So the Doctor again ascended to Feodora's room. He found there his wifeand Mattie, all three in tears.

  "Come, come, girls, wipe your eyes. Please leave me alone with MissFeodora a few minutes. I will join you down stairs directly."

  "And now," said he, "cheer right up. We are not going to leave you untilyour father consents. I have made the arrangement with him, but it mustnot be known to anyone else. You understand, do you not?"

  "I do, Doctor, I do," she cried; "and I promise to get well as soon as Ican, so as not to detain you any longer than necessary. I shall getwell! I shall get well!" and she pressed his hand to her lips in theecstacy of her joy.

  "There, there," said he, a little sheepishly, withdrawing his hand, "goto sleep now, and come down to the drawing-room this afternoon."

  He had been in the drawing-room but a moment or so when the Professorand Will rushed in, each very excited.

  "Doctor!" cried Will, "what do you suppose the Count has done?"

  "I don't know, I'm sure. What's the matter?"

  "Well, by Jove, if he hasn't padlocked our cables, and very coollyinformed us that we cannot sail until he gives us permission!"

  "What can he possibly mean!" exclaimed the Doctor in well-assumedastonishment. "We must see about this matter. Where is he?"

  "We left him at the globe," said the Professor. "I cannot comprehend themeaning of this. Let us go at once and see him."

  "Surely he must be joking you," said the Doctor, as they walked rapidlytoward Silver Cloud.

  They found a group standing beneath the globe; and, as Will had said,every anchor and cable was heavily padlocked. Dr. Jones stepped brisklyup to Count Icanovich and said with all the sharpness he could command:"What is the meaning of this, Sir Count? Why have you padlocked thesecables?"

  "Evidently I could have but one object; to prevent your casting themoff."

  "But why? What right have you to do so?"

  "Simply the right of might. But come," said he, looking over thecompany, "let us talk this matter over together. Shall we return to thecastle?"

  "Suppose we ascend to the cabin," said the Doctor. "There we can talkwithout interruption."

  So, two by two, they all ascended to the sittingroom of the cabin. TheDoctor and Count were the first to go up.

  "I shall make a great demonstration of anger, and may talk prettysharply, Count, but you will know my meaning," said the former, as theylanded in the engine-room.

  "I perfectly understand; act your part, Doctor."

  When they were all seated in the sittingroom, the Doctor immediatelyreiterated the question:

  "What is the meaning of this high-handed proceeding, Count Icanovich?"

  "It simply means that I cannot consent to let you go at present, DoctorJones."

  "And do you really mean to detain us by force?"

  "I do, if necessary."

  "Will you kindly tell us your object, and by what authority you dare todelay a United States' expedition? Do you not know that our Governmentwill demand heavy reprisals for this action upon your part?"

  "Allow me to answer your first question. When you landed among us a fewdays ago, you found us a despairing lot of invalids. We were simplywaiting death as the only possible escape from our pains and distress.The change that you have brought about by your medical skill andknowledge is known to you all, and I need not dwell upon it. Our heartsare bursting with gratitude, and it pains me beyond measure to be thusobliged to use coercion; but my daughter's interests--her life--compelme to detain you. She declares that she cannot live if the Doctor leavesher, and I cannot and will not permit her only chance of recovery tothus fly away in the air. She is all I have on earth, and I swear thatyou shall stay until she consents to let you go."

  "But, Count Icanovich, do you not see how impossible it is for us toremain?" asked Professor Gray.

  "No; I only see how impossible it is for you to go."

  "But look at the vast amount of money that our Government has intrustedus with for an express purpose. Having accepted this trust, our firstand only duty is to that Government. And I tell you that whoever daresto detain us will have a heavy account to settle with a great andpowerful nation."

  "I perfectly appreciate all that, Professor Gray, and am ready to settleany indemnity that may be demanded of me. I tell you, one and all, thatI count these things as but dross when compared with the life of myFeodora. She shall not die if any high-handed outrage that I can commitwill prevent it. You have heard me."

  The voyagers looked at one another in dismay. Here was a predicamentthat no one could have foreseen.

  "How long is this delay likely to last?" asked Will.

  "Just as long as the interests of my daughter's health demand it,"returned the Count.

  The Doctor gave a hypocritical groan that would have made his fortuneupon the stage.

  "How long will that be, Doctor?" asked Will.

  "Three months, at least," was the reply.

  The Professor duplicated the Doctor's groan with such emphasis that theparty could not repress their smiles, and the two conspirators did notdare look at each other.

  "Well, Professor, we'll have to accept the inevitable," said Dr. Jones."Let's go down again and continue our studies of Russian customs andhabits."

  "Allow me to say,
gentlemen, before we descend, that it is best that weshould have a thorough understanding. I desire to treat you as myhonored friends and guests, and to allow you every possible liberty andpleasure while here. Pledge me your word that you will not attempt tosail without my knowledge, or seek governmental interference, and all Ihave is at your command."

  "Before I accede to your proposition, I wish to put one question: If Dr.Jones will consent to remain, will you permit the rest of the party todepart with the ship?" asked the Professor.

  "I shall be delighted if you can make any such arrangement," quicklyreturned the Count.

  "What do you say, Doctor?" cried Professor Gray, turning to him.

  The Doctor pondered a moment or two, and then said:

  "It is very great to be the discoverer of the North Pole, but it is verymuch greater to save a human life. My wife and Mattie will remain withme, but the rest of you may depart immediately if you wish."

  "As for me," said Denison, promptly, "I shall stay with Dr. Jones."

  Will and Fred looked at each other a moment, then Fred burst out:

  "Let's stick together. The North Pole will be there just the same a fewmonths later, and I do not blame Count Icanovich for detaining theDoctor under the circumstances. To use a beautiful Americanism, we mayas well be hung for a sheep as a lamb. In one, in all."

  "I stand with the majority," said Will.

  "Well, gentlemen, I do not see but that I am in a hopeless minority, andmust accept the Count's terms," sighed the Professor. "But say, Doctor,let me suggest one more idea before settling the matter definitely. Arethere not men in Russia who practice your system, and who could fillyour place satisfactorily in this case?"

  "I presume there are, but I am unacquainted with them."

  "But, gentlemen, my daughter will accept no substitute. I suggested thesame idea to her, but she would not listen to it. It is Dr. Jones ornobody with her. There is no alternative. Dr. Jones must stay." This theCount said so decisively that further argument was mutually dropped asunavailing.

  "Well, Sir Count, since fate is against our sailing until the recoveryof the fair Feodora, I only hope her return to perfect health may beunprecedentedly rapid, and I hereby give you the required pledge." Withthis the Professor extended his hand to the Count. The latter seized itcordially, then shook hands with each of the rest of the company,saying:

  "I am so glad that this unpleasant matter has been so easily andamicably adjusted. Let us go down now, and the only command that I putupon you is that you use my castle as your own, and that you come and goas you please."

  They all thanked the noble Count, and the whole party set out for thecastle. When they reached the drawing-room the Professor dropped into achair and said: "I used to be of the opinion that the stories of theenchanted castles, Sleeping Beauties and Beasts were all childishfiction and romance. But, as the darky said, 'Heah we is.' We have thecastle, the Beauty, and the Beast. Though I must say of the Beast thathe is a very amiable old fellow, after all, and I would do just as he isdoing under the circumstances. This Beauty must be awakened, and Dr.Jones is the Prince of Physicians who can do it."

  "Thank you, Professor. And now, girls, take off your hats and cloaks,"cried the Doctor. "We have concluded to stay with the Count a fewmonths."

  They looked at him to see if he were not joking.

  "What do you mean, Doctor?" asked his wife. "Did you say that we were tostay here a few months?"

  "Yes, my dear. The Count has persuaded me to remain until Feodora is sofar recovered that we can safely leave her."

  "Well now, I will tell you the truth; I am really glad to hear it." Thenturning to the company, she proudly said: "This is just like him. I amsure that he would not only give up the North Pole, but the whole earthto save a human life."

  "Come, come, sis," said the Doctor, blushing and confused, "you make mefeel silly. Scatter off, now, and make yourselves at home. We must makethe Count glad to get rid of us."