The Montana Doctor's Bride (New Brides of Montana) Read Online Free PDF Page A

said.  “Glad to have you here, Doc.  I’m Silas Farmer.  I’ve been here since the beginning.  Started out in a wagon down by the creek.  We ain’t had no doctor yet.  I have to tell you, most of the men hereabouts was on the other side during the war.  I don’t know if they’ll cotton to a Yankee doctor.”
     
    “Well, it’s been my experience if someone’s hurting enough, they don’t much care who’s helping them.  I treated quite a few Johnny Rebs when I was in the army.  They ran out of medical supplies, or had no doctors.  They would come under a white flag and drop them off for us to treat,  There was a gentlemen’s agreement, that doctors were non-combatants and weren't subject to capture.  Still, we lost a few, and I guess the other side did too.  A doctor doesn’t look at the color of a uniform.  He helps those he can and prays for the souls of those beyond his help.  It’s been nice talking to you, Silas. 
     
    “Until I get setup, I’m at the International, if I can be of any help, let me know.”  Carter shook hands with Farmer and turned to leave.
     
    “That’s right neighborly of you, Doc.  I’ll pass the word,” Farmer said.
     
    * * *
     
    Empty House On Bridge Street…
     
    “I can see the possibilities of this as a residence and an office.  It is in ragged shape.  There is no way I could bring patients in a place like this.” 
     
    “Am I correct in assuming the bank owns the building?” asked Carter.
     
    “Why would you ask that?” Hawkins questioned.
     
    “Do you make it a habit of answering a question with a question?” Carter asked.
     
    Hawkins sputtered.  “I was merely inquiring about the basis of your interest.”
     
    “Mr. Hawkins, I’m not a fool.  That house has been empty for a long time.  It is not making you any money the way it is.  You have to spend money to make money.  Helena appears to be growing at a rapid rate.  If you want to realize income from the building, you are going to have to make it presentable to prospects.  The longer you wait, the more it will cost.
     
    “If you wish to rent it to me, it will have to be thoroughly cleaned, and repaired inside and out.  The outward appearance would be important to me, and would give patients more confidence that I’m not a quack.  You decide, but decide by this coming Friday, with work to commence no later than the Monday following.  I will come back on Friday. Should you decide you don’t want to make the investment, then I will close my account, and, either move on to Oregon, or return to Rockville, where I already own a home that would serve me well as a combination.  Have a nice day, Mr. Hawkins.”  He turned and left the building.”
     
    “Doctor, wait.  Let’s discuss this,” the banker said.
     
    “We just did,” said Carter.
     
    “This is not the way we do business in Helena,” the banker protested.
     
    “Probably not, but since I am the customer, it’s the way I choose to do business.  I’m not forcing you to do anything.  I’m simply telling you what I require if I’m to rent your building.”
     
    “We haven’t even discussed rent,” said the banker.
     
    “I’ll discuss that if and when the building is repaired.  In the meantime, I will continue my search.” Carter said.
     
    “I’ll give you a special deal if you take it as is.”
     
    “So you would have me spend my money, repairing your property, so you could charge more?  No thank you.  I was born, but it wasn’t yesterday.  Good day, sir.”  He left the banker standing in the middle of the filthy room.

Chapter 7:  Searching For An Office
    As Carter walked the length of Bridge Street, he found one empty building that from the outside appeared suitable for a home-office.  He decided Silas Farmer would be a good source of information, so he went back to the store.  “Silas, I appreciate the heads up you gave me about Hawkins, and I see what you mean.  Do you know