River of Mercy by BJ Hoff Read Free Book Online

“That’s something new, isn’t it?”
    Doc Sebastian had been a friend and physician to the Amish for years, but after his conversion, Bishop Graber ruled that, although the doctor could continue his practice among the People, he would have to give up his patients in the outside world. The Amish would be his only patients.
    Doc didn’t seem to mind all that much. Gant supposed he would have given up just about anything to marry Susan.
    Gant understood that feeling well enough. Had the bishop allowed him to convert and marry Rachel, he would have given up everything he owned. That hadn’t changed. Unfortunately, neither had the prohibition against his conversion.
    â€œNot really. I’ve been expecting it,” Doc said, drawing Gant back to his surroundings. “I’m perfectly fine with it, actually. Susan has assisted at a number of births and a few emergencies among the women over the years. If the situation warrants it and a woman prefers her to an Englisch doctor, why not? She’s had plenty of experience. She’s more than capable of helping out. And we may soon have a new doctor in town.”
    â€œYou’ve found someone?”
    Doc had been sending out letters over the past few weeks in search of a doctor who might want to take over his Englisch practice. “I believe I’ve found just the fellow. I’ve invited him to come and look us over, so we’ll see if he’s interested. He’s supposed to visit not long after Christmas.”
    â€œWell, it didn’t take you long to find someone.”
    â€œActually, if this fellow doesn’t decide for us, it could take quite a while. Small town, fairly isolated…no one’s going to get rich here.” He stopped. “Except for clever carpenters, of course.”
    Gant ignored the jibe. “Sounds as though all that should work to his patients’ advantage, if not his. At least it’s a safe bet he wouldn’t be setting up practice to make big money.”
    â€œQuite.”
    Doc spun his hat around on his index finger for a few seconds and then looked up. “So…any news since we’ve been away?”
    Gant didn’t have to think long. “Seems as though some of the vandalism might be moving closer into town.”
    Doc frowned. “How so?”
    â€œFred Scott found two of his chickens dead outside the coop the other day. Somebody wrung their necks in the night.”
    â€œYou mean they just left them there?”
    Gant nodded.
    â€œObviously not someone looking for food then. Just meanness. Sounds like youngsters to me.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought too. At least that’s what I’d like to think. But who knows?”
    â€œYes, who knows?” Doc sighed. “Anything else happen?”
    Gant thought for a moment. “Nothing like that. I had an interesting visitor last night though.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œBobcat. On the hill behind the house. Got a pretty good look at him.”
    â€œThat’s a bit unusual, isn’t it? Don’t they typically stay out of sight?”
    â€œThat’s been my experience. But this fella didn’t seem too shy about checking me out.”
    â€œBest stay your distance. They’re strictly meat eaters, you know,” Doc said, his tone light.
    Gant pulled a face. “But not human meat.”
    â€œSo far as you know.”
    â€œAye, so far as I know.”
    â€œWell, I’d best be on my way,” Doc said. “Oh…Susan said she’ll expect you for supper one evening soon.”
    â€œJust say when. Can’t be too soon to please me.”
    â€œI told her you’d be hard to convince. So how does Friday sound?”
    â€œHadn’t you better ask her first?”
    â€œI can’t think why. She cooks enough for a barn raising with every meal.”
    Gant grinned in anticipation. “Friday it is then.”
    After Doc left, he fell into