TEN TO TWELVE O'CLOCK
`` That bairn needs a doctor , '' she said to the mother . `` Come with me ; there is a dispensary on the next block . '' Rising stupidly , with her infant in her arms , the woman in dull obedience followed her down the sun-baked block to the door marked : `` DISPENSARY . `` PATIENTS TREATED FREE FROM TEN TO TWELVE O'CLOCK . '' Nora looked at the sign in discouragement ; instinct told her that two hours of delay would be fatal . The child was evidently nearing a state of collapse . Turning about entirely baffled , Nora 's eyes fell upon an elderly man coming down the street at a brisk trot , a travelling bag in one hand and a large white umbrella in the other .