Carolyn Wells - The Luminous Face стр 4.

Only for a moment did she give way. Nurse Jordans training and personality was not to be conquered by a sudden shock of any sort.

Pulling herself together, she set to work to find the doctor.

This meant telephoning to two or three places where she knew there was a chance of locating him.

And at the third call she found him at Mrs Ballards, and, though still shaken and quivering, she controlled her voice and told him distinctly of the tragic telephone call she had taken.

Gleason! cried the Doctor, Washington Square? What number?

But Nurse Jordan didnt know, and Doctor Davenport had to call up somebody to inquire.

He tried Mrs Lindsay, who was Gleasons sister, but her wire was busy and after an impatient moment, Davenport called Pollard, at his hotel.

Here, he cried, handing the receiver to a staring butler, take this and when the gentleman answers, ask him the address of Robert Gleason. Tell him Doctor Davenports inquiring.

He then returned to the prescription he had been writing, and gave it to Mrs Ballard, who was indignant at having her interview with her doctor intruded upon.

Ill call to-morrow, he soothed her; youll be better in the morning. Let fish alone, and stick to simple diet for a few days. Get that address, Jenkins?

Yes, sir, and the butler gave him a slip of paper.

Hm near Washington Square, not on it, he murmured, looking at the written number, and then he ran down the Ballard front steps, and jumping into his waiting car, gave his chauffeur Gleasons address.

Wonder whats up? he thought, as his car rolled down Fifth Avenue. Accident, I suppose. Jordan is always on edge this time of night. Have to take her excitement with a grain of salt.

But when he reached the house, and pushed the button that indicated McIlvaines apartment, there was no response from the closed street door.

He rang again, long and insistently, then, still getting no encouragement, he pushed another button.

The door gave a grudging grunt, and, unwillingly, as it seemed, moved slowly inward.

Doctor Davenport was half way up the first flight of stairs, when a womans head appeared through a doorway.

What do you want? she inquired, a little crisply.

Mr McIlvaines apartment.

Thats it, opposite, she returned, more affable as she caught sight of the good-looking man. Mr Gleasons in there now.

Yes, hes the man I want. Thank you, madame.

She still stood, watching, as he rang the doorbell of the designated apartment.

There was no answer, nor any sound from inside. The doctor looked apprehensively at the door.

Your key wouldnt let me in, I suppose, he said, turning back to the now frankly curious spectator.

Oh, Lord, no! We dont have interchangeable keys! Hes out, I expect. Hes mostly out.

But I want to get into his place

You do! And he not there! You a friend of his?

Why yes; Im his doctor and Im afraid hes ill.

Oh that. But look here if youre his doctor, why didnt you know which was his place? Youre pretty slick, mister, but its a bit fishy I think.

She half withdrew back into her own doorway, but curiosity still detained her, and, too, Doctor Davenports demeanor impressed her as being quite all right.

Nothing wrong is there? she whispered, coming across the small hall, and peering into the doctors face.

Oh, no I think not. But he may be helpless, and I must get in. Ive never been here before, but Ive been called by him just now. I must get in. Wheres the janitor?

Where, indeed? If you can find him, Ill bless you forever. Ive wanted him all day.

Isnt he on duty?

He doesnt know the meaning of duty. Its something hes never on.

She smiled at him, and noticing her for the first time, Davenport saw that she was handsome, in a careless, rather blatant way.

Her ash-blonde hair was loosely pinned up, and her dress negligee or tea-gown was fussy with lace, and not quite immaculate.

Her wide, light blue eyes returned his scrutiny, and for an instant each studied the other.

There is something wrong, she nodded, at last, What you going to do, Doctor?

Im going to get in. Ive wasted precious time already. He ran down the stairs and opening the front door summoned his chauffeur.

Come up here, Chris, he ordered, and the two returned together.

Can we break in that door? he said, ignoring the woman now.

My husbandll help, she volunteered, but Chris was already delivering effective blows.

However, the lock held, and turning to her, Doctor Davenport said, Do ask your husband to help us, please. I assure you its an emergency. Im Doctor Ely Davenport.

Come here, Jim, she obeyed orders. This is Doctor Davenport.

Ive heard of you, said a big, commonplace looking man, appearing. Im Mansfield. Whats up?

I have reason to think Mr Gleason is very ill. He just telephoned for me. I must get in. These old doors are strongly built, so Id like your help.

Mansfield looked at him sharply, and seeming satisfied, put his shoulder to the door.

United effort succeeded, and the three men entered, the woman hanging back in fear.

Gleason lay on the floor, in a crumpled heap, and the first glance proclaimed him dead.

Stooping quickly, Doctor Davenport felt for his heart, and shook his head as he rose again to his feet.

Hes dead, he said, quietly. Shot through the temple. Suicide, apparently, as the door was locked on the inside. Better take your wife away, Mr Mansfield. Shell be getting hysterical.

No, I wont, declared the lady referred to, but she was quite evidently pulling herself together. Let me come in.

No, forbade Davenport. Youve no call in here. Go back home, both of you. I shall send for the police and wait till they come.

But the doctor hesitated as he was about to touch the telephone.

The matter was mysterious. Suicide, of course, he ruminated, as he remembered the message received by Nurse Jordan. Shot himself, then, still living, cried to me for help. Wish I knew exactly what he said to Jordan. But, anyway, Im not going to disturb things there may be trouble ahead. Guess Ill leave the telephone alone and everything else.

Sit right here, Chris, he said, and dont move or stir. Look around all you like note anything and everything that strikes you. Ill be back soon.

Closing the broken door behind him, he went to the Mansfields apartment and asked to use their telephone. On this, he called the police, while the two listened eagerly.

Why did he do it? broke out Mrs Mansfield, as the receiver was hung up. Oh, Doctor, tell us something about it! Im eaten alive with curiosity.

Her big blue eyes shone with excitement, which her husband tried to suppress.

Now, be quiet, Dottie, he said, laying a hand on her shoulder.

I wont be quiet, and she shook off the hand. Heres a great big mystery right in my own house on my own floor and you say, be quiet! Ive got a right to know all about it, and Im going to! Im going up now, to tell Mrs Conway!

Her husband held her back forcibly, but Doctor Davenport said, Of course, it must become known, and if Mrs Mansfield enjoys spreading the news, I suppose she has a right to do so. No one may enter the Gleason rooms, though understand that.