Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1873-05-29

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.
20, MIR: Durham, are you much hurt2',
she asked, in tremulous tones, as she knelt
beside him. John opened his eyes again,
ana hxed them on her with bewildered
stare, moment. Then, with another low
groan, he tried to raise himself.
Don't move-dOn't novel" entreated
Eloy so, your poor head-how it bleeds
There's brook near by; I'll be back in a
moment"
Taking up his cap, she bounded off in
the direction of the stream Dipping her
handkerchief in the water, and filling the
cap, she darted back to Johns side.
NOW, let me see this poor head,n she
said; and, sitting down, she took it gently
on her knee. Poor child! she was little
used to wounds and bruises; the very
sight OF the flowing blood made her trem-
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 her
knee. How helpless he lay-the great
strong fellow-as helpless as little in
FAINT almost! She felt great rush of pity
and tenderness toward him.
" Thank you," said John, family The
fresh, cool water had somewhat revived
him.
90, don't thank me-" said FIoy, hur-
riedly "You are in dreadful pain, aren't
your
yes; it's my ankle" muttered John
I'm afraid it's broken. Where are all the
rest, Miss Floys"
The dear knowsm said Floy, clasping
her little hands in distress Harry, Kate
help, 0 help!"
Its no use" she said, after waiting a
moment. Il must go in search of them
again But first let me look at this ankle,
Mr.. Durham"
"No-no," said John, a little fretfully
"What can you know about broken bones,
child?"
"But I might make it feel a little easier"
gently persisted F'loy.
"If YOU could slit the boot down from
the top" said John, his brow contracted
with agony. Here's my knife"
Floy took the knife, and, following his
directions, carefully slit the boot from the
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 Floy softly wiped them away
He looked up gratefully into her face,
smiling for the first time "What a 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
| will 90 for more efficient help" she said,
turning away.
But take that path on the opposite side
of the bank" said John, eagerly; ait 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 | had my hands on it. | only hope
it isn't crushed to pieces
The ruling passionw muttercd 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 "Horrd little
thing" she could not help adding, with
a yindictivc 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 is 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"
thought Floy, turning away, in mingled
vcxation and amusement. Now [ must
60
"Hilloa" cried a 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 a farmcr-a tall, wiry-looking
specimen-dressed in coarse, blue clothes,
and an immense straw hat. 'What on
airth's the matter?" shouted he.
80, sir" cried Floy, springing joyfully
forward, ''do-do bring some help, and
take this gentleman away from herem
The light blue eyes stared blankly down
into the ravine a moment. "HOW in thun-
der did he get down thar?' was his next
question:, in tone Of the utmost astonish-
ment.
liz iotG @cNL, VI IouISC, edid Ivy ,
impatiently.
Lost the use of his eyesight, hain't
he?" responded the farmer.
"Nom said Floy, grinding her title
teeth with rage and anxiety. How many
more questions are you going to ask, you
inhuman man, before coming 20 his as
sistance? | tell you, his legs broken
swell, | swami" said the farmer, turn
ing slowly away. oil be back in a mo-
ment."
1--WE 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
Floy.
You seem kind o. riled, marin. Yes
as l was sayln', it's broke jist above the
ankle-marm
"Well, | must try and make him a little
more comfortable; this hot sun shines
right in his face" said Floy, with a 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
trpes StickinC her rarasOl in the UrCi1nd