“Thank you, but——”
“Please listen, Doctor. I’ll have a car for you in five minutes, and take you home afterwards, if you’ll only come.”
“Try another doctor first.”
“We have tried, but can’t find one of the only other two we have confidence in. Money is no object. Please do reconsider, Doctor.”
“Who recommended me to you? Do I know you?”
“I do not know you personally. But you are highly recommended by the Brooklyn Hospital. Once more let me say that your fee can be as large as you like.”
Carlson did not answer for a while.
“All right, I’ll go,” he said at last. “What is it—a medical or surgical case?”
After a short silence, the voice replied: “Medical, I think. But you had better come prepared to do whatever is necessary.”
“Very well. I’ll be ready when you call for me.”