Doctor Jones' Picnic

by S. E. Chapman

The effect upon the Count was past our powers of description. "Doctor Jones," he cried, "I am converted not only to your system, but to God! I realized, as I witnessed the astounding power of the infinitesimal dose in this remarkable case, the wisdom and goodness of our Heavenly Father. And I now say to you, that I am devoted to your cause, and I shall never rest until your school of medicine shall have free course throughout all Russia. And you can rest assured that the Prince's influence, conjoined with my own, will have sufficient weight at court to break down all barriers and opposition to the propagandism of your blessed system of medicine. This shall be my life work, and I only wish that you were going to stay with me. But I will not urge that point, as I know that you are pledged to prosecute your effort to reach the North Pole. You will succeed in that enterprise, and the world will ring with your praise. But far grander than all this is your simple, sublime faith in God, and in the beautiful law by which you are guided in the selection of the remedy in the treatment of the sick. I am a far better man, physically, morally, and spiritually for having met you."

"If my visit to Russia shall effect the recognition of my school by your Government, I shall forever thank God for sending me here. This is probably the entering wedge that shall open Europe to us, and induce the inquiry and investigation that we crave. Let our system stand or fall upon its merits."

And so the friends conversed and laid their plans for the introduction of the new medical system into Europe. The Prince also joined them in their plans, and his enthusiasm quite equaled that of the Count. Among other items, the two noble converts made arrangements to purchase a complete stock of books and drugs. Dr. Jones daily taught them the art of "taking a case," as he called it; or the examination of a patient and writing down the symptoms.

The three months had expired and Feodora's condition was far above the danger mark. She was beautiful, rosy, and blushing, romping about with Mattie, like a great school-girl. So now the morning of their departure was set. The news was heralded far and wide that the great air-ship would sail upon a certain day if the wind were favorable.

The morning had arrived, the wind was blowing within a point or two of north, and every preparation had been made for hoisting anchors. A vast concourse of people had assembled to witness their departure. The many friends of the voyagers were present in force, and they loaded them with presents, many of them very costly. Dr. Jones' practice had been lucrative beyond anything he had ever dreamed of. He found himself suddenly made a wealthy man. The gratitude of the people was boundless; and the simple-hearted man scarcely knew what to do with all the money that poured in upon him. So he caused a considerable portion of it to be distributed among the poor peasantry in the vicinity of the castle. He felt a great sense of sorrow as he looked upon the many faces that he had learned to love. But all was ready and he must away.

"I have spent some of the happiest hours of my life with yourself and daughter, my dear Count, and truly hope to visit you again and enjoy your hospitality. Good-bye, and God bless you all."

He had shaken hands with all those immediately about him, among whom were the Prince and Princess, and stepped with Mrs. Jones into the cage. It shot up to the engine-room, the anchors and cables were cast off, and the splendid globe, so long bound in chains to the earth, arose majestically into the blue vault above. Loud and mighty were the cheers that followed them. Silver Cloud, as if impatient at the long delay in Russia, rapidly ascended three thousand feet, and flew northward at tremendous speed.

"Could deliverance have come to your house and mine more appropriately than from the skies, and in yonder silver chariot?" asked the Count of his two royal friends, while they stood watching the rapidly disappearing Silver Cloud.

"The deliverance has not come to us alone, but to the suffering millions of Russia, Count Icanovich. And all through the faithfulness and earnestness of that modest, yet wonderful little man, Doctor Jones. But as he said over and over again, 'Let us give God all the glory,'" replied the Prince.

The company, meanwhile, though much regretting the parting with their new found friends, yet were exhilarated with the idea that they were again rapidly rushing toward the object of their expedition. Their supplies of food, fuel, clothing, etc., had been fully replenished so far as was necessary, and nothing should now prevent their reaching the Pole at an exceedingly early date. This they were the more anxious to do, as the season was getting well advanced, and they desired to be out of the Arctic region before winter should set in. This was not a matter of so much concern to them, however, as it had been to all previous explorers of these frigid regions. The navigators of Silver Cloud had no frozen seas nor icebergs to contend with, and could soar above all clouds and storms. And the matter of temperature was of little consequence to them; for, as Will had said, the cabin was so constructed that frost could never penetrate its beautiful aluminum walls.