American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1873-05-31

herself bravely, and, with what simple
skill she possessed, bathed his head ant
face, and bound up the former carefully
with her two handkerchiefs. Then sh,
paused a moment, looking down with wo
manly tenderness at the pale face on he
knee. How helpless he lay-the great
strong fellow-as helpless as a little in
FAINT, almost! She felt great rush of pity
and tenderness toward him.
"Thank you," said John, family. TIL,
fresh cool water had somewhat revived
him.
80, don't thank me-" said Floy, hur
riedly. You are in dreadful pain, aren'
you?"
Yes; it's my ankle,'' muttered John
I'm afraid it's broken. Where are all thu
rest, Miss Floy?''
THE dear knows.'' said Floy, claspins
her little hands in distress Harry, Kat,
help, o helpr'
Its no use,' she said, after waiting ,
moment. 81 must go in search of then
again But first let me look at this ankle
Mr.. Durham"
Mono said John, a little fretfully
what can you know about broken bones
child?"
but 1 might make it feel little easier
gently persisted Floy.
"If you could slit the boot down from
the top" said John, his brow contracted
with agony Heres nv knife
Floy took the knife and, following his
directions, carefully slit the boot from tho
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.
''Ah, that is a relief !" said poor John
Great drops of agony were standing on his
brow, and F'loy softly wiped them away
IT toto &,
smiling for the first time. "What nice
little nurse you are, Miss Floy" he
said.
Floy rose, blushing little, and, folding
her soft, white shawl into a sort of pill
low, placed it under his head. "And now
1 will go 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?"
Certainly" said Floy, returning
What is it:'' '.-
"Just see," said John, with faint groan,
if that butterfly is anywhere about. I'm
sure 1 had my hands on it. l only hope
it isn't crushed to pieces"
THE ruling passionn' muttered Floy,
as she turned away. Lying there half
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' she could not help adding, with
vindictive look at the innocent insect
she placed in Johns open palm.
John gave her slightly surprised look,
but smiled with pleasure as he surveyed
the treasure in his hand. ut is very little
| injured" he exclaimed, in almost child
like delight. "And so, after my long
search, l have obtained it, at last"
"And broken ankle into the bargain ~
thought Floy, turning away, in mingled
vexation and amusement. Now l must
| 60"
"Hilloal" cried shrill voice above
them. Floy looked up, and saw man
standing on the bank opposite the one
from which John had fallen. He was
| specimen-dressed in coarse, blue clothes,
and an immense straw hat. what on
airths the matter:" 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 than-
der did he get down thar" was his next
| question, in tone of the utmost astonisl-
| ment.
HE fell down, of course" said Floy,
impatiently.
Lost the use of his eyesight, hain't
he?" responded the farmer.
mol" said Floy, grinding her little
teeth with rage and anxiety. "How many
more questions are you going to ask, you
inhuman man, before coming to his as.
sistances l tell you, his legs broken"
| "Well, 1 swami said the farmer, turn
ing slowly away. "I'll be back in "A mo-
ment."
"I've sent little Dan," said he,return-
| ing, 'to bring some help. He won't be
gone long; he's got the wagon, and the
doctor lives only a couple o. miles from
here"
Floy groaned in spirit, but, resolving to
be patient for Johns sake, mildly entreat
ed the farmer to seek out their friends
| "Friends? Yes marin; so soon as | eX
anime this here leg. It's broke just above
| the ankle, marm."
"Knew that before you told u.s. snapped
| FLOW
"You seem kind o. riled, marm Yes
as l was sayIn', it's broke jist above the
| anllle-marm .-.
"Well, L must try and make him a little
more comfortable; this hot sun shines
right in his face,' said Floy, with com
passionate look at the poor tortured fel
low. Pressing Farmer Stokes into the
service, she made him strip several arms
full of green branches from the adjoining
| trees. Sticking her parasol in the ground
she disposed the branches over and around
it, in such manner that it formed shady
bower above her patients head.
"Ah, how refreshing that isr' gaspeC
poor John. And now, do go under tn,
shade of the trees, Miss Floy; your pool
little face will be burned to a coal"
80, no; l have on my broad brimmet
hat" said Floy. Seating herself near the
entrance of the green tent, she waved /
long bough to keep away the flies. Johr
| watched her, dreamy tenderness in hi.
halfclosed eyes. What darling she was
after all, with her round, child's face, anC
sweet, womanly ways!
"You are too kind to the cross old bear
Miss Floy,' he said suddenly; too good to
him, altogether"
90, don't speak So" said Floy, coloring
violently. 81 wanted to ask your forgive
ness for all my impertinence the last tw
| weeks"
Johns answer was prevented by the re
turn of Farmer Stokes, who, after very
short and Intellectual attempt to find "theil
friends" again obtruded upon them his
somewhat unwelcome presence.
Cant find 'cm nowlar," he said .'Keer
that ankle well kivered up, miss; and
here's IA drop o. somethin' III put "A leetle
life into him, maybe"
John drank from the farmers flask, and
seemed somewhat revived by the draught
Floy resumed her illustrations. The far
mer, lying back upon the grass, watched
them with speculative eyes. Darn i
ALL he suddenly burst out, chow did you
git down here, mister? I'm hanged if
can make it out at ALL
'.Well if Won llusf know ,, said FLOW