Runway Zero-Eight Read Online Free PDF Page A

along.
    Mrs. Childer was now as prostrate as the seat allowed. Shivers of pain racked her body. She breathed heavily, with long, shuddering gasps. Her hair was wet with sweat.
    Baird stood studying her for a moment. Then he knelt and took her wrist.
    “This gentleman is a doctor,” said Janet.
    “Am I glad to see you, Doctor,” Childer said fervently.
    The woman opened her eyes. “Doctor…” She made an effort to speak, her lips trembling.
    “Just relax,” said Baird, his eyes on his watch. He released her wrist, felt in his jacket and took out a pocket flashlight. “Open your eyes wide,” he ordered gently and examined each eye in turn in the bright pencil of light. “Now. Any pain?” The woman nodded. “Where? Here? Or here?” As he palpated her abdomen, she stiffened suddenly, choking back a cry of pain. He replaced the blanket, felt her forehead, then stood up. “Is this lady your wife?” he asked Childer.
    “Yes, Doctor.”
    “Has she complained of anything in addition to the pain?”
    “She’s been very sick, throwing up everything.”
    “When did it start?”
    “Not long, I guess.” Childer looked helplessly at Janet. “It’s all come on suddenly.”
    Baird nodded reflectively. He moved away, taking Janet by the arm and speaking very quietly so as not to be overheard by the nearby passengers who were staring up at them.
    “Have you given her anything?” he inquired.
    “Only aspirin and water,” replied Janet. “That reminds me. I promised a glass of water to the man who’s sick—”
    “Wait,” said Baird crisply. His sleepiness had vanished now. He was alert and authoritative. “Where did you learn your nursing?”
    Janet colored at his tone. “Why, at the airline training school, but—”
    “Never mind. But it’s not much use giving aspirin to anyone who is actually vomiting — you’ll make ’em worse. Strictly water only.”
    “I — I’m sorry, Doctor,” Janet stammered.
    “I think you’d better go to the captain,” said Baird. “Please tell him we should land at once. This woman has to be gotten to a hospital. Ask to have an ambulance waiting.”
    “Do you know what’s wrong?”
    “I can’t make a proper diagnosis here. But it’s serious enough to land at the nearest city with hospital facilities. You can tell the captain that.”
    “Very well, Doctor. While I’m gone, will you take a look at the other sick passenger? He’s complaining of the same sickness and pains.”
    Baird looked at her sharply. “The same pains, you say? Where is he?”
    Janet led him forward to where the sick man sat, bent over, retching, supported by his friend in the next seat. Baird crouched down to look at his face.
    “I’m a doctor. Will you put your head back, please?” As he made a quick examination, he asked, “What have you had to eat in the last twenty-four hours?”
    “Just the usual things,” muttered the man, all the strength appearing to have been drained from him. “Breakfast,” he said weakly, “bacon and eggs… salad for lunch… a sandwich at the airport… then dinner here.” A trickle of saliva ran disregarded down his chin. “It’s this pain, Doctor. And my eyes.”
    “What about your eyes?” asked Baird quickly.
    “Can’t seem to focus. I keep seeing double.”
    His companion seemed to find it amusing. “That rye has got a real kick, yes sir,” he exclaimed.
    “Be quiet,” said Baird. He rose, to find Janet and the captain standing beside him. “Keep him warm — get more blankets round him,” he told Janet. The captain motioned him to follow down to the galley. Immediately they were alone, Baird demanded, “How quickly can we land, Captain?”
    “That’s the trouble,” said Dun briefly. “We can’t.”
    Baird stared at him. “Why?”
    “It’s the weather. I’ve just checked by radio. There’s low cloud and fog right over the prairies this side of the mountains. Calgary’s shut in completely. We’ll have to go through to the