Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1873-05-22

disastrous. Over the steep bank he went,
clutching vainly at the brambles for sup
port. An appalling silence followed.
Floy stood one instant, white and almost
stunned with the sudden shock. Then
she rushed forward, gained the bank, and
kneeling on its edge, looked down, with
agonized, shrinking glance. There he
lay, poor fellow! quite pale and still, his
head dangling backward little, while
over those sable locks narrow crimson
stream slowly wound its way. His arms
were thrown out, his hands still clenched
convulsively over the bramble clusters he
had clutched in his fall.
Floy, frozen with horror, knelt silently
moment, gazing at the pale face and
rigid form beneath Her head swan, her
heart grew sick. Was he dead? How
stiff and still he lay. She burst into loud
cries of entreaty and sef-reproach.
80, John-John. are you dead? Look
up, for Gods sake. Q, wicked girl that
l was, not to speak. Help-help" she
shrieked, wildly.
Slowly the heavy eyes unclosed. With
infinite pain John turned his head little.
Who's that?" he said, family.
80, thank God" cried Floy, joyfully,
springing to her feet Keep quite still,
and | will come down to you"
John muttered something she did not
understand Going little distance, she
began to descend the steep path leading
down the bank Il was ticklish work
even for our lightfooted Floy, and, halt
way down. she slipped, fell, and rolled ig-
ANONYMOUSLY the rest of the way. John
uttered brief ejaculation, but Floy was
up in an instant, scratched and bruised
her white dress black with mud, but 9th
erwise uninjured. Scarcely pausing for
breath, she bounded to Johns side.
30, Mr. Durham, are you much hurt?'
she asked, in tremulOus tones as she knelt
beside him. John opened his eyes again
and fixed them on her with bewildered
stare, moment. Then, with another low
groan, he tried to raise himself.
Don't mOve-dOn't move" entreated
Floy 80, your poor head--how it bleeds
There's a brook near by; III be back in &
moment"
Taking up his cap, she bounded off in
the direction of the stream Dipping hel
handkerchief in the water, and filling the
cap, she darted back to Johns side.
Now, let me see this poor head" she
said; and, sitting down, she took it gently
on her knee. Poor child! she was little
used to wounds and bruises; the very
BILE from head to foot. But she controlled
herself bravely, and with what simple
skill she possessed, bathed his head and
face, and bound up the former carefully
with her two handkerchiefs Then she
paused moment, looking down with wo-
manly tenderness at the pale face on hel
knee. How helpless he lay-the great
strong fellow-as helpless as little in
fant, almost! She felt great rush of pity
and tenderness toward him.
THANK you,' said John, family. The
fresh, cool water had somewhat revived
him.
so. don't thank me-" said Floy, hur
riedly You are in dreadful pain, aren't
youg''
"Yes; it's my ankle" muttered John
Pm afraid it's broken. Where are all the
rest, Miss Floys"
The dear knows" said Floy, clasping
her little hands in distress. Harry, Kate
help, o help"
Its no use,n she said, after waiting {
moment Il must 90 in search of them
again But first let me look at this ankle
Mr.. Durham
"No-no," said John, little fretfully
"What can you know about broken bones
child?"
gently persisted Floy.
If you could slit the boot down from
the top" said John, his brow contracted
with agony. Here's my knife"
FIoy took the knife, and, following his
top to the bottom, on both sides Then
with hand still Slightly tremulous from
the operation, she gently removed the re
mains of the boot.
All that is a relief" :" said poor John.
Great drops of agony were standing on his
brow, and Floy softly wiped them away
He looked up gratefully into her face
smiling for the first time. What nice
little nurse you are, Miss Floym he
said
Floy rose, blushing little, and, folding
her soft, white shawl into sort of pill
low, placed it under his head. and now
| will 90 for more efficient help" she said
turning away
"But take that path on the opposite side
Of the bank" said John, eagerly; lit is
safer And, o Miss Floy, would you first
do me one more favor, please?n
Certainly" said Floy, returning.
What is it,"
Just see," said John, with faint groan,
if that butterfly is anywhere about I'm
sure had my hands on it. | only hope
it isn't crushed to pieces"
The ruling passion!" muttered Floy
as she turned away. Lying there halt
dead, with broken ankle, and he can
still think Of that miserable insect"
Here he is" she said aloud, coming
round to Johns side. ''Horrid little
thing.n she could not help adding, with
a vindictive look at the innocent insect
she placed in Johns open palm.
John gave her a slightly surprised look,
but smiled with pleasure as he surveyed
the treasure in his hand. 1T i. very little
injured" he exclaimed, in almost child
like delight And so, after my long
search | have obtained it at last"
And broken ankle into the bargain, =
veXation and amusement. Now l must
go"
"Hilloar' cried shrill voice above
them. Floy looked up, and saw a man
standing on the bank opposite the one
from which John had fallen. He was
evidently farmer-a tall, wiry-looking
specimen-dressed in coarse, blue clothes
and an immense straw hat. What on
airth's the matter?1 shouted he
80, sir" cried Floy springing joyfully
forward, "do-do bring some help, and
take this gentleman away from here!'
The light blue eyes stared blankly down
into the ravine moment. How in thun-
der did he get down thar?n was his next
question, in tone of thc utmost astonish-
ment.