He did return, later in the evening, with a new remedy of which he said he had heard from a fellow doctor.
"What did Mr. Cross say?" Mr. DeVere asked eagerly.
"I have good news for you. He agreed to use an understudy for two days. He said you were letter-perfect in the part, anyway, and it was the others who really needed the rehearsing. So now we have two full days in which to do our best. And in that time I want you to talk the deaf and dumb language," laughed Dr. Rathby.
Mr. DeVere eagerly promised.
Then began a two-days' warfare against the throat ailment. Ruth and Alice were untiring in attendance on their father. They saw to it that he used the medicine faithfully, and they even got pads and pencils that he might write messages to them instead of speaking.
On his part the actor was faithful. He did not use his voice at all, and on the second day Dr. Rathby said there was some improvement. He was not very enthusiastic, however, and when Mr. DeVere asked if he could attend rehearsals next day the doctor said:
"Well, it's a risk, but I know how you feel about it. You may try it; but, frankly, I am fearful of the outcome."
"I—I've got to try," whispered Mr. DeVere.
He went to the rehearsal, and the worst fears of the physician were realized. After the first act Mr. DeVere was hoarser than ever before. The other players could not hear him to get their "cues," or signals when to reply, and come on the stage. The rehearsal had to be stopped. There was a hasty conference between the manager of the company and the treasurer of the same.
"The play will have to open on time," said the manager.