Dear Sir: I must have an answer to the proposition of the American
Chemical Company before noon to-morrow. After that hour the matter
will be definitely closed.

JNO. C. CALHOUN BIVENS.

April 2, 1898.

Still looking at the letter he asked:

"What does it mean?"

"An ultimatum from the Chemical Trust. I'll explain to you when you've
seen something of my work to-night. The first hour I want you to put in
with me at the dispensary."

Stuart's eye rested on the embossed heading of the letter, "No. 60
Gramercy Park," and he slowly crushed the paper. It was the Primrose
house, Nan's home! Her mother had succeeded.

Bivens, the new sensation in high finance, she had established as her
star boarder in his absence! Bivens, his schoolmate at college--Bivens,
the little razorback scion of poor white trash from the South who had
suddenly become a millionaire!

His blood boiled with rage. He could see the soft, cat-like movements
of Mrs. Primrose and hear her purring while she spun the web to
entangle him with Nan. As he turned and followed the doctor, he laughed
with sudden fierce determination.

CHAPTER II

THINGS BEYOND PRICE

The dispensary was Woodman's hobby. The old-fashioned drug store stood
on a corner of the Bowery, and in the rear extension which opened on
the side street, he had established what he had laughingly called his
"Life Line," a free dispensary where any man needing medicine or a
doctor's advice could have it without charge if unable to pay.

For ten years he had maintained the work at his own expense, out of the
profits of his store. The happiest hours of his life he had spent here
ministering to the wants of his neighbours. He had come to be more than
consulting physician at the dispensary. He had become the friend and
counsellor of thousands.

The waiting room was crowded, and the line extended into the street. On
the doctor's entrance the shadows suddenly lifted. Men and women smiled
and called his name. He waved a cheerful salutation and hurried to his
place beside the assistant.

For two hours Stuart saw him minister with patience and skill to the
friendless and the poor. For each a cheerful word, and the warm grasp
of his big hand with the prescription. The young lawyer watched with
curious interest the quickened step with which each one left. The
medicine had begun to work before the prescription was filled. Waves of
heal