by Al Lacy
“Paul says, ‘Only Luke is with me.’ ”
At this point, the pastor spoke of the friendship between Luke, the physician, and Paul, the apostle. Thea he said, “You see, brethren, while others left Paul, and Demas forsook him—in the face of being persecuted or even martyred for remaining outside Paul’s cell door, Luke stayed with him! Can you imagine what it must have meant to Paul to have his faithful friend Dr. Luke stay with him? Now, turn to Colossians 4.”
The preacher said, “Look at verse 14. ‘Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.’ This, of course, was before Demas forsook Paul when he was in the Roman prison. What I want you to note is Paul’s description of his faithful doctor friend. In an endearing manner, he calls him ‘the beloved physician.’ ”
The preacher ran his gaze over the congregation. “All of you know of the incident that happened here in our town this past Tuesday, when Dr. Dane Logan risked his own life to save that of Mayor Mike Anderson.”
People were nodding and looking at Dr. Dane Logan.
“Dr. Logan,” said Shane, “lift your hand, please, so if there are people here who don’t know you, they will see who I’m talking about.”
Dr. Dane’s features flushed as he lifted his hand, keeping his eyes on the pastor.
Pastor Shane then looked down at Betty Anderson, who sat a couple of pews in front of the Logans and Eric Cox. “Mayor Anderson’s dear wife, Betty, is seated right down here in front of me. Betty, raise your hand, in case there is someone here who doesn’t know you.”
Betty released a warm smile and lifted her hand.
“Well, folks,” said the preacher, “this dear lady has dubbed Dr. Dane Logan as Central City’s beloved physician.”
There were loud amens from the crowd, and a red-faced Dr. Dane smiled at Betty as she turned around where she sat in her pew and smiled warmly at him and Tharyn.
The pastor set his appreciative gaze on the young doctor. “Indeed you are our beloved physician, Dr. Dane Logan.”
Dr. Robert Fraser and his wife, Esther, who were sitting just across the aisle from Dr. Dane and Tharyn both nodded, smiling. Dr. Fraser said a loud, “Amen!”
With tears misting her eyes, Tharyn squeezed her husband’s hand.
The pastor then returned to his sermon. Once more, he brought up the friendship between Paul and Dr. Luke, then preached about true friends. He pointed out that speaking of a true friend, God says in Proverbs 17:17 that “A friend loveth at all times.”
He spent some time encouraging each Christian to always be a true friend to others. “If you want friends, you must be a friend. Look over here in the very next chapter. Proverbs 18:24. ‘A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.’ I say again, if you want friends, you must be a friend. Now look at the second half of this verse: ‘And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.’ Who is this speaking about, folks?”
From all over the congregation came the name: “Jesus.”
The pastor smiled. “Right. The dear Lord Jesus is indeed a Friend that will stick by you closer than a brother.”
Pastor Shane then took them in their minds eye to Calvary and brought in the gospel, showing them Jesus’ bloodshedding death on the cross, His burial, and His glorious resurrection. He showed that Jesus is not only a Friend to those who know Him, but He is also the Friend of sinners. The invitation was given and many Christians came forward, dedicating themselves to be better friends to others, and two people came to open their hearts to Jesus.
At the close of the invitation, Eric Cox was baptized, as well as the two people who had come and received Jesus as their Saviour.
At the same time the baptisms were taking place at the church, Kirby Holton and his son were sitting on the front porch of the Holton mansion.
Kirby was talking to Greg about the courage he had displayed by knocking out the man who was holding his gun to Cassandra’s head while Waco Belton was trying to force Marshal Jake Merrell to draw against him.
Kirby smiled. “Sure wish I had been there to see you crack him over the head with that crowbar, son.”
Greg chuckled dryly. “It wasn’t anything spectacular, Dad. I just had to keep him from hurting Cassandra.”
Kirby grinned. “I’m proud of you for doing it, son, and I imagine Cassandra must have a very special spot for you in her heart.”
Greg sighed. “Yes, she does, Dad. In fact, she told me that she is in love with me.”
Kirby’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“And how do you feel about her?”
“I’m in love with her too, Dad. And I told her so.”
Kirby rubbed his chin. “Well, whattya know? This is very interesting.”
At that moment, the cook and housekeeper came out onto the porch and said, “Mr. Holton, dinner is ready.”
“That’s good news, Edith!” said Kirby, rising from his chair. “Let’s go get some more of that good cooking, Greg.”
As father and son were walking toward the door, Greg said, “Speaking of Cassandra, Dad, I want to talk to you about something while we’re eating.”
“Sure, son. As soon as I’m stuffing myself, I’ll be ready to listen.”
When Mabel Downing arrived home from church and opened the front door of the house, a tantalizing aroma met her nostrils. She smiled and hurried down the hall. When she stepped into the kitchen, the succulent aroma was stronger and her stomach growled with hunger.
At the stove, Cassandra turned, wiped her hands on the apron she was wearing, and a broad smile graced her features. “Hello, Auntie Mabel.”
Mabel moved toward her. “My, my, you’ve been a busy girl, haven’t you? It smells so good!”
Cassandra patted her aunt’s arm. “Take off your bonnet and wash up, Auntie Mabel. I’ll have everything ready in just a few minutes.”
“Okay, dear. I’ll be right back.”
Mabel climbed the stairs to the second floor. She went into her bedroom, removed her bonnet and her gloves, then went to the washroom down the hall.
Moments later, when Mabel entered the kitchen, all was ready.
Cassandra had covered the kitchen table with a flowered tablecloth, and the blue willow dishes she had placed on the table looked almost festive.
The early afternoon sun was brightening the kitchen and a gentle breeze was blowing through the open windows, fluttering the lace curtains. The breeze brought comfort into the warm room.
When they sat down to eat, Mabel prayed as usual, with her head bowed and her eyes closed. While she was praying, she knew Cassandra was just sitting there looking at her.
As they began eating, Mabel brought up Dr. Dane Logans show of courage last Tuesday when he risked getting shot in order to assist the wounded Mayor Mike Anderson to his office.
Cassandra swallowed a mouthful of mashed potatoes. “It was quite a demonstration of Dr. Logans love for people, Auntie Mabel, and his dedication to his profession. I liked the label put on him by Betty Anderson.”
Mabel smiled. “That’s why I brought up what he did for Mayor Anderson, dear. This morning, Pastor Shane preached on how Paul called his friend Dr. Luke the beloved physician in the Bible. Then he paused in the sermon to pay tribute to Dr. Logan for what he had done for Mayor Anderson, and to point out that Betty had dubbed him Central City’s beloved physician.”
“That’s nice. I believe the preacher did the right thing.”
When they were almost finished with their meal, Mabel said, “Cassandra, how about if we take our pie and coffee and sit on the front porch? It’s well-shaded out there by now, and the breeze will make us even cooler.”
“Sure, Auntie Mabel. You go on out, and I’ll bring our dessert and coffee out on a tray.”
Mabel was a bit stunned by how her niece had been pampering her the past couple of days, but she was also very much pleased. “All right, dear. I’ll just do that.”
A few minutes later, Mabel stepped out onto the front porch and
sat down on her favorite rocker with a sigh. She ran an admiring look toward her flower beds that adorned the yard. “I just love flowers. And just think, when I get to my mansion in heaven, I can grow as many as I want and there won’t be any weeds to dig up!”
Mabel’s thoughts drifted back to the days when she and her beloved husband would sit on the porch together and spin their daydreams. This was the house they purchased when they were first married. Many precious memories filled her mind.
Cassandra came out with the tray in her hands and set it down on the table beside her aunt’s rocker.
They had just finished their pie and coffee when Cassandra saw Greg Holton walking down the street toward the house.
“Oh, Auntie! Look who’s coming!”
Mabel followed her niece’s line of sight. “Well, lookee there! Greg’s coming to see me.”
Cassandra laughed. “Maybe so, Auntie Mabel, but I’ll dominate his time, anyhow!”
Mabel laughed. “Okay, honey, you dominate his time!”
When Greg reached the Downing yard, he waved, ran to the porch, and bounded up the steps. “Hello, Mrs. Downing,” he said warmly. “How are you doing?”
“Just fine, Greg. Just fine. I was just kidding Cassandra, telling her you were coming to see me.”
“Well, ma’am, it’s always nice to see you, but—”
“I know, I know. Go ahead and speak to the young, beautiful one.”
Greg chuckled at Mabel’s humor, then set his adoring gaze on Cassandra. “Hello. I—I came over to invite you to dinner at the Holton house tomorrow evening.”
Cassandra’s expression showed her delight. “Why, I’d be honored, Greg. You’re sure this is all right with your father?”
“Oh yes. Dad just hired a new cook and housekeeper a few days ago. Her name is Edith Linden. She’s from Colorado Springs. And believe me, her cooking is excellent. I asked Dad if I could invite you for dinner tomorrow evening so you could enjoy it. I’ve made it clear to Dad that I’m in love with you, and that you feel the same about me. He seemed pleased by the news, and said you are most welcome to come.”
Cassandra’s countenance showed the joy she was feeling. She glanced at her aunt, who was smiling. Cassandra knew she didn’t have to ask Aunt Mabel for permission to go, but she said, “Do you mind eating dinner tomorrow night alone, Auntie Mabel?”
“Of course not, dear. I wasn’t aware that you two had shared that you have fallen in love with each other, but I’m happy for both of you. Don’t pass up this invitation because of me.”
Cassandra was breathing hard from excitement. “Oh, Greg, I’m honored that your father wants me to come to your mans—er, your house! I would really love to get to know your father.”
“All right, then. I’ll be by at about six-thirty tomorrow evening to walk you to my house.”
Cassandra stood at the porch railing and watched Greg as he hurried away. When he passed from view and she sat down again, Mabel said, “I’m really glad to learn that you and Greg have fallen in love. He is such a nice young man.”
“Yes, he is, Auntie,” she said with a lilt in her voice. In her mind, she thought, And he’s rich, too!
Having her own private thoughts, Mabel wished Greg was a Christian so he could influence Cassandra toward the things of God.
Well, at least, she thought, he is of good stock, and he is a gentleman. And he certainly showed what he is made of when he rescued Cassandra from that bad man.
SEVENTEEN
That evening while her aunt was at church, Cassandra Wheatley stood before the dresser mirror in her room, touching up her hair. When she had it like she wanted it, she laid the comb down, looked at her reflection, and smiled at herself.
“Everything’s going well, Cassandra. Just think, you’ve now been invited to the Holton mansion by Greg, with his father’s approval. I think it’s so marvelous that Greg wants to bring you to his father right away.” She giggled. “One day soon, Cassandra, Greg will ask you to marry him.”
A tingling ran through her body. Looking at herself in the mirror, she said, “Won’t that be some moment when Greg proposes?” She popped her hands together. “Oh, I can only imagine what it’s going to be like to be married to a very wealthy young man, who will one day be even wealthier by the time his father grows old and dies! And it will be mine, as well!”
She smiled at her reflection again.
When she stepped out of the front door onto the porch, the chilly mountain breeze greeted her. She ran her gaze toward the high peaks to the west and marveled that they were still covered with snow. Aunt Mabel had told her that when it was raining down here in Central City it was snowing above thirteen thousand feet, so the highest peaks never lost their snow, even in the middle of the summer. When the breezes came down from the snowcapped peaks in the evening or at night, they were quite cool, even after a very hot day.
She sat down in her aunt’s rocker, laid her head back, and closed her eyes. “And just think, Cassandra, you’re going to live in this beautiful mountain country for the rest of your life as the wife of wealthy Mr. Greg Holton, who will one day own that rich coal mine!”
Early on Monday morning July 18, Dr. Dane and Tharyn Logan drove away from the stable in Central City in the special carriage the doctor had rented to carry Nelda Cox as comfortably as possible to Denver.
They drove to the Cox home, and when Eric and Dr. Dane had carefully laid Nelda on the flat, padded place in the center of the carriage, Tharyn sat on the seat beside her to watch over her on the trip.
Dr. Dane and Eric climbed onto the carriage seat and with the reins in hand, Dr. Dane put the team of horses in motion.
As they were heading east, winding through canyons and gradually lowering in altitude toward the Mile High City, Eric said, “Dr. Logan, it sure was nice of Chief Brockman and his wife to invite me to stay at their house along with you and Tharyn.”
“They’re nice people, Eric. I’m sure when they received my telegram confirming that you will be their guest, it made them very happy.”
Eric nodded. “I’m really looking forward to meeting them. Especially the chief. I remember years ago of hearing about the mysterious man they called the Stranger who roamed the West helping people in trouble and catching outlaws and turning them over to the law. And then to learn from you on the way to church yesterday that he was also a gospel preacher, that was really something.”
Dr. Dane chuckled. “He’s quite a man, Eric.”
“I believe that.”
The carriage hit a bump that Dr. Dane hadn’t noticed in the road. He looked over his shoulder. “Are you all right, Nelda?”
“Yes, Doctor. This padded section I’m on absorbed most of the bump.”
“Good. I’m sorry. I just didn’t see it in time to slow down or avoid it.”
“It’s all right. I barely felt it.”
They rode on in silence for a few minutes; then Eric said, “Back to this man who is now known as Chief United States Marshal John Brockman, Doctor.…”
“Yes?”
“I remember hearing about the medallions the size of a silver dollar that he used to give to people he helped. The medallions had something inscribed on them about a stranger from a far land. Do you know anything about them?”
“Yes. He and Breanna told me about them one time when I was staying in their home. Each medallion had a portion of a verse of Scripture on it. It was centered with a five-point star and around the circular edge, it said in large capital letters, THE STRANGER THAT SHALL COME FROM A FAR LAND. Then in small letters it gave the Scripture reference: Deuteronomy 29:22.”
“Hmm. So Chief Brockman apparently came to America from some distant country.”
“Yes.”
“Do you know what country it was?”
“No. I understand that Breanna is the only person besides the chief who knows, and she keeps it to herself. Even their children don’t know.”
“I see. I also remember that when the Stranger h
elped people who were in trouble, he often gave them large sums of money.”
“Yes.”
“Do you know where he got his money? Why he had a seemingly unlimited supply of it?”
“No. People in Denver told me that the Stranger never revealed anything about where he got his money. That and the far country he’s from remain mysteries. But I’ll tell you this: You’ve never met a man like him.”
“I can believe that, all right. Like I said, I’m really looking forward to meeting him.”
It was almost three o’clock in the afternoon when Dr. Dane pulled the carriage up to the front entrance of Mile High Hospital in Denver.
Dr. Dane hopped out of the carriage so he could go inside and find a wheelchair for Nelda. Eric climbed in the rear of the carriage, and with Tharyn’s help, soon had Nelda in a sitting position.
Dr. Dane returned with a hospital attendant who was pushing a wheelchair. Eric and the attendant picked Nelda up and eased her into the wheelchair, and they entered the lobby.
Dr. Dane hurried ahead of the others to the receptionist’s desk. Rosie O’Brien saw him coming and smiled at him as he drew up. “Hello, Dr. Logan. Nice to see you again.”
“You too, Rosie. I have a patient, Mrs.—”
“Nelda Cox,” Rosie finished for him, picking up a sheet of paper. “Dr. Carroll already brought the information to me this morning. You’re doing a hip replacement on her Wednesday morning. We have a private room waiting for her on the second floor just a little ways down the hall from the surgical unit. Room 224.”
Dr. Dane chuckled. “I just love the efficiency around here.”
Rosie saw the redhead move up beside him and smiled at her. “Hello, Tharyn. How are you?”
“Just fine, Rosie. And you?”
“Doing fine.” She looked past the Logans as the attendant brought the wheelchair to a stop. “And this has to be Mr. and Mrs. Cox.”
Dr. Dane quickly introduced the Coxes to Rosie, and then she went to work getting further information beyond what she had on the paper from Dr. Carroll.
