As for Mr. DeVere, his hand went to his aching throat as though to clutch the malady that had so suddenly gripped him, and tear it out. For none realize

h. "What is it? Speak! T

into a hoarse gurgle, and signs of di

Ruth, clasping her hands, her

ion in this emergency than had her sister. "Something has happened to him! Was it dust in your throa

she held out to her father. He had not moved since sinking into the chair, but star

sank to the floor at his feet. "This will help your throat. Don't you

ind. He slipped the tablet into his mouth, and then straightened up in his chair. Whatever happened to him he knew he must make a brave fight for the sa

ed Ruth. "Can't you tell

c attempt. Then, with an effort, he spoke-so h

e sort of affection of my vocal chords. You'd bet

h. "I'll go down stairs and

ven't paid Dr. Haldon's bill," said Mr. DeVere

t, clapping her hands. "I knew my medicine

re was little of conviction in his m

e strain they were all under. "I caught cold once, and I got hoarse so suddenly that I was

gh he believed it, but there wa

red Alice. "It's too bad we can't pay Dr. Haldon, but we will as soon

ere in a low voice. "I must be able to

alwood, fortunately, did know of a good doctor in the vicinity. He had attended Bill

telephone for him," said Alic

teered Mrs. Dalwood. "I have an old-fashion

oss the hall to the flat of her neighbors. Ru

ead as the bottle of simpl

rsely. "It is very kind of you, but I'm afraid t

d Ruth in surprise. "You

doctor comes," he

e of the neighbor on the floor below to

dy!" she said, and the merry, laughing light

pe. He took Mr. DeVere into a room by himself, and made a careful examination. The girls could hear the young doctor's sharp,

oked serious, but he tried to smile. Mr. DeVere looked

, with a sharp int

think we have taken it in time. There is considerable inflammatio

that?" ga

you some medicine to be used in an atomizer, as a spray, Mr. DeVere, and I want you-in fact as a doctor I order

but was startled at the hoarse cr

exclaimed the

to speak!" chided the phys

m rehearsing a new part. I must

r seemed

s. "You did not tell me that. I

deeply fo

ake a rest for a

've had it before. It has passed away. Can't you give me something that will enable

houlders as though to cle

an astringent mixture that will shrink the chords, and may relieve some of the inflamm

laimed bo

of the present. I cannot give up this engagement. I must keep on with the rehearsals.

used with good effect. I'll try it on you. You can use it several times to-night, and on your way t

on't know what this means to

sician. "But there. Don't worry. Get that filled and see

tion and hurried away

sigh as she looked at the scanty supply of money in the household pur

the young moving pic

But isn't it too bad? Just whe

't you want to come to see our show to-night? We've got some fine

ovies,'" answered Ruth. "Tho

fine ones,"

'll get you a pass in!"

tly. "I must get back and help Ali

d he passed on whistling softl

he could talk with less effort. But his tones were still very husky, and it was evident that

a smile. "I'd never be able to make myself heard beyond the f

g you had this same trouble

I was taking my little vacation," he replie

told us," a

rry you. It passed over,

hters to know how very hoarse his voice was. He left for the doctor's befo

imed Ruth at length,

than usual!" said

e room. His face was white as he sa

exclaimed

his head

his words. "My voice failed completely. I-I had to give