“You know,” Donald looked at their host, “that Doctor Manwell adopted me when my mother died. I was a baby and he and his wife have been most—”
“Why not skip that part?” the doctor put in quickly.
“I shall try not to embarrass you, sir, but I may as well mention the fact so everyone will understand,” he said, then went on, “They have brought me up as carefully as if I were their own son, taught me themselves, hired tutors, and sent me to good schools—”
“That you ran away from, you young rascal,” the doctor chuckled.
“You had already taught me all they could and I wanted to be with you, work with you,” he replied. “As long as I can remember some of my own race have been near me. It has always been my privilege to visit them and they too have instructed me. I am especially interested in my father’s profession and with his help hope to carry it on—I hope I can become as honored as he is—”
“My boy, my boy—”
“Please don’t interrupt. That’s not cricket,” said Bob.
“Pardon me.”
“Because of this desire in me, my own people have taught me the numerous herbs which grow hereabouts, the chemicals that can be extracted from them, the trees, soil, and even insects. I have not learned a great deal as yet—”
“I may as well throw in a bouquet myself. Everything he has shown to me is new to medical science, and has proved of great value in curing illnesses considered incurable,” the doctor told them.