Inference
(1) Slipping from my weary horse, I tied her to the rail and hurried up the walk toward the doctor's bell. (2) I remembered just where the knob rested. (3) Twice I pulled sharply, strongly, putting into it some part of the anxiety and impatience I felt. (4) I could hear its imperative° jingle as it died away in the silent house.

(5) At last the door opened and the doctor, a big blond handsome man in a long nightgown, confronted me with an impassive° face. (6) "What is it, my boy?" he asked kindly. (7) As I told him he looked down at my water-soaked form and wild-eyed countenance° with gentle patience. (8) Then he peered out over my head into the dismal night. (9) He was a man of resolution°, but he hesitated for a moment. (10) "Your father is suffering sharply, is he?"

(11) "Yes, sir. I could hear him groan. (12) Please hurry."

(13) He mused° a moment. (14) "He is a soldier. (15) He would not complain of a little thing—I will come."

A4. We can infer from the passage that the doctor