More Than a Dream by Lauraine Snelling Read Free Book Online Page B

head. ‘‘There’s just no justice.’’ He slanted a look out of the corner of his eye to make sure the two above him were still enjoying themselves at his expense. Neither one of them had occasions to laugh like this often.
    ‘‘I better get on over there and check on my patient. I’m sure Nurse Browne and Miss Haugen have cleaned him up and gotten him as comfortable as he can be by now. Hopefully after he sleeps awhile, he won’t wake up worse. That happens sometimes, you know.’’
    ‘‘Poor old dear.’’ Cook patted Thorliff’s shoulder as she passed him on the steps. ‘‘I’ll send Old Tom over with another packet for you; just you be careful this time to not go laying it around for someone or something to snitch it.’’
    ‘‘Mange takk.’’
    ‘‘Velbekomme.’’ She fluttered a hand at him when she reached the sidewalk.
    ‘‘Now there goes one fine woman.’’
    Thorliff stood and walked to the buggy, the horse sound asleep between the shafts, the breeze causing the sun and shade to polka all over its dark back. ‘‘And to think Elizabeth slept through this whole thing. She’ll be some bothered that no one woke her.’’
    ‘‘I’m not telling her, that’s for certain, and if Cook has a lick of sense, she won’t either.’’ Dr. Gaskin chuckled again as he stepped into the buggy. ‘‘You want a ride?’’
    ‘‘No thanks. That’s out of your way.’’ He swung off toward the newspaper office, this time hoping no one tried to catch his attention. By now, thanks to Ina Odegaard, the town operator, everyone in Northfield knew there had been an emergency at the Stromme house. And those without phones would hear about it over the back fence grapevine nearly as fast.
    ‘‘So, I hear that you’re the hero of the hour.’’ Phillip Rogers looked up from the editorial he was writing.
    ‘‘How long did it take for you to find out?’’
    Phillip held up a sheaf of papers several thick. ‘‘Long enough to write this about how the people of Northfield are so quick to help others in distress. I included those who helped put out the grass fire south of town, several other incidents, and you, of course, as the man of the hour.’’
    Thorliff groaned.
    ‘‘What made you go check on him?’’
    ‘‘I tried to ignore that little voice inside, but it yelled so loud I turned and went back. It looked like he’d been out working in his garden and must not have felt well so went up to lie down. He never made it to the bed—almost but not quite.’’
    ‘‘Well, thank the good Lord you listened. He might have died there without help.’’
    ‘‘If it’s as bad as it looks, he might wish I hadn’t shown up.’’
    Phillip shook his head. ‘‘Well, God must have a reason for keeping him around awhile longer. Listening to that still small voice takes practice.’’
    ‘‘Still, small, my foot. It was yelling fit to be heard clear across town.’’
    ‘‘I hear you had a bit of a mishap after.’’
    Thorliff blinked and took a step back. ‘‘You heard about the dog taking my dinner? Already?’’
    ‘‘Mrs. Norlie was down the street and saw the whole thing. She was laughing fit to bust her corset when she came in here.’’ Phillip leaned back in his oak chair until it sent up a shrieking. ‘‘Moral of the story—don’t ever try to hide anything in this town. You’ll be found out for sure.’’ He sat forward, and his chair squeaked in relief. ‘‘You want to go back and get another box or just go home with me for dinner?’’
    ‘‘Old Tom is bringing it by. I want to get the first chapter started today if there is any way.’’ And if I can keep my eyes open .
    Phillip nodded, his pen racing across the paper. ‘‘Good, good.’’
    Thorliff took his satchel back to his room and tucked it under the bed. He wouldn’t need it until fall now. What a way to start the summer. He thought of the letter he would write home. They’d laugh for certain sure. What