The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-09-24
THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER.
BY HENDRICK CONSCIENCE.
CHAPTER III.
The IYounded .Stranaer.

The Wounded Stranger.
Two hours had scarcely passed when Bells
was crossing the downs in company with the
surgeon. He was an elderly man, whose fea
tures, though little stern, expressed much
goodness of heart
Well, dear amt" called out Bella from q
distance to the old woman whom she saw
standing in the deor, chow is our patientfp
He ID just the same-still deirioua"
| restore him."
room in which they had placed the stranger.
While he examined his wound and felt his
pulse, the young girl, pale and trembling from
anxiety, endeavored to read his opinion of the
case from his countenRnce.
| The surgeon said to her:
" You cannot stay here, my child your heart
is too tender; besides, your presence would in
| commode NO."
al will leave; but before 1 go, tell mo il
there are any favorable symptoms. lie is badly
wounded but not lnortally l hope"
| II cannot say yet, my child. Go down stairs
to your father; yonr aunt will assist me-"
| Bella, quite discouraged, left the room and
seated herself near her father.
What news Bella y asked the old man
Alas none as yet. DIR. Darings shook his
head sadly. All if this poor young man were
to die, what terrible misfortune it would be"
Certainly, Bella. However, my child, if
God has de0reei that his life
Dear father, do not speak thus, beg you :;
Or. Darings is skillful man, he will not let
him de-
BELLE, why are you SO disturbedf You
weep" said the old man, reproachfully. "This
man is unfortunate, and we will fulfil towards
him the duties of Christian charity. But in ali
things, my child, you should preserve q me-
dunn; even compassion should not be ex-
aggerated."
But remember. father, that it was l who
found him dying upon the down"
Ko Smell found him at the same time and
"No, father; Ko has no hoart. Bat for me
the poor man would have persisted. Should he
recover, will have been instrumental IN saving
the life of Do you not perceive, father,
how such thought must move me-"
. Yes, my child, understand IT."
" And, moreover, he has old father; be |
often called him in his deliriun. I tremble at
the thought of the sorrow of the unhappy |
father shonld his child die here"
q" His grief might canse his death !" said the
old man" Bella, Bella, you have moved me
deeply. beg of you to subdue yonr emotion.
Suppose that you should become ill.,"
Have no fear my account, father.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain
said Bella, in tone of confidence.
Yes, my child, these arc the words of our
Saviour himself.
There was a moment of silence. The young
girl was anxiouRly listening to the stihed groans
Of the young man, whose wounds she supposed
we're being dressed by the surgeon.
The old man resumed the con versation:
Aunt Clara tells me that he is yonng. What
10 you suppose his age to be ~
About twenty five, father"
He wears fine linen and costly clothes. No
loubt he is rich man, and perhaps Of noble
amily, for your aunt says he seems to be q
high. bred gentleman"
II have no doubt of it, father" replied Bella.
His expression is 80 gentle that merely to
ook at him moves the heart with compassion"
"While yOu were absent, listened atteptively
coping to understand some of the words which
e altered in his rawlings. He seems always to
90 q scstfold before him; he often speaks of
lis father and sister; he calls them an xiously i
8 though he wished to preserve them from
ONE frightful misfortune
On, father" exclaimed the young girl, sS il
nconscious of the old mans words chow long {
he operation lasts Oh, they open the door 8
Iere is DR.. Darings," she added, 40 she FASTENED
D meet the surgeon. " Is there any hopeH I
Viii he reoover"
He took Bella's hand, and seated himself by {
er side G
Your compassion" he said, ais q Iaudable q
nd Christian sentiment, but your excited pulse I
axes me fear that shall have q second pa
motion. found the condition of the wounded
AN less serious than supposed it to be at fret
ght." il
. God be praised ~ said Bella.
His wounds-for he has SeverAl-sre not f.
sep, and the skull is not in ured. His left y
run is fractured but there is no difficulty in
lring that; it is only q question of time" w
An, father, he will not die ~ exclaimed the re
0unR girl, radiant with joy. lo
Do not rejoice too soon," said Aunt Clara, oil
no at that moment entered the room. *
" The wounded man" added the surgeon,
has fever, and is nearly all the time delirIous b
this proceeds only from somo great terror Il
10 condition is favorable, for the wounds OF b.
lemselves are not dangerous but should the ct
slirium be caused by the blows upon his head, Q
o would have every reason TO fear o fatal
suit. Some days must pass before can give e
positive decision. Ny child, you turn pale;
le Of your strength OF character should exhibit b
ore SslfOOntEOL" In