The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1876-05-03

1ngS, and supplied Dr. Tracy with am
pie materials for thought as he drove
through the wild and desolate part of
the country.
"Not particularly pleasant spot
this at twilight" soliloquized the doc
tor, leaning forward to catch a glimpse
of single ray Of yellow light that
streamed from the window Of q cottage
few rods further on. They've light
ed their candles, I see, and it's high
time they did, too"
He sprung from his phaeton and en-
red the cottage without knocking.
1t presented no very inviting scene.
A ruinous floor, treacherous and uncer-
tain to the unwary footstep; walls where
masses Of plaster had fallen away, Ieav.
ing the rough laths exposed; and fire
place where a few damp logs sputtered
and smoked, and did everything but
blaze up cheerfully. A hard featured
old crone, who was dozing on stool
by the hearth. started up, and begun to
curtsey as the doctor entered.
"Well, Mrs. Hopper, and how is the
patient2' -
"Quiet, sir-quite quiet"
"And the child3"
GAS peaceful as lamb, bless its little
heart ~
DR.. Tracy took up the candle and
strobe across the room to a low bedstead
i'll the most distant cornerI where o
human figure was dimly outlined be-
meath torn and tattered counterpart.
Close beside it, with shower of heecy,
faxen ringlets mingled with the black,
disheveled locks of the PROSTATE
woman, nestled q child who looked up
into the doctors eyes as he approached
with innocent, wondering looks.
az give her the drops at four o'clock"
whined the old woman, "and she hain't
made no fuss since. 1 wouldn't disturb
her, cause there's nothin' SO refreshin'
for sick folks as Sleep"
"sleep !" echoed DR.. Tracy, bending
to examine the averted face "my good
soul, she's dead |"
"Dead |" shrieked the woman, rush
ing across the floor" dead! Come
away, child, quick"
The little creature slid to the ground
with composure strangely at variance
with her age, and stood alternately eve
ing her two companions.
Il hope, doctor, you'll see I don't
lose nothin' by the expense I've been to,
whined Mrs. Hopper. "I'm q lone
widder woman, and -
And the biggest harpy il the coun-
try!' added DIR. Tracy 81 knew that
when 1 had this poor creature brought
here when 1 found her dying by the
roadside the night before last, but I
couldn't very well help myself. Don't
be alarmed, Mrs. Hopper, you shall not
be sufferer But about this little
girl I really don't know what to do"
He hesitated an instant, mechanically
smoothing the fieecy yellow curls of the
little girl.
81 suppose" he said, nodding toward
the b d, "she left no money nor valu-
ables of any kind9"
"Not bit of it, sir, for
But the child stepped forward, a
fragile bit Of a thing, but erect and reso-
lutte. .
"What did you do with that little bag
You took off Nurse Nina's neck Z" she
asked.
"Bags" stammered the oonfounded
woman.
eyes; you took it off her neck last
night when you thought was asleep |"
"The child is dreaming" said Mrs.
Hopper, turning red and white.
"But do not think she IT," said the
doctor, quietly but firmly. '.Giye her
the bag, Mrs. Hopper"
never seen no bag as sure as live
and breathe |" asserted the woman
but DR.. Tracy's quick eye followed the
direction of her wandering glance. He
stepped across the room and removed
the cushion of the stool beneath it Law
o small red leather bag drawn up by a
tarnished gilt cord.
"That is my bag" said the child.
holding out her small hand.
Yes; but had not better keep IL
for you And, little one, perhaps I
shall take you home with me tonight.
1t is not we'll that you should stay in
the house with death"
81 am not afraid of DEATH" said the
child, gravely. 81 saw my uncle
Paolo die"
"Who9" demanded DR.. Tracy, turn
ing suddt My around.
My uncle Paolo."
"And what is your namei"
"Bertha Petroni."
DIR. Tracy's heart seemed to stand
still.
"Come here, my child" he said, in q
tremulous voice. "Who was this woman
that lies dead here2"
"My nurse, Nina"
"And how did she come here ?"
A puzzled expression came over the
grave little face.
SCI don't know, sir; she came to look
for some one-I don't know who"
"How old are you, Berthaf''
I" am eight years DID,"
DR.. Tracy opened the little leather
bag; IL contained yellow letter, worn
through all the edges, and signed
Helen Petroni, slender chain of gold
and tiny ring set with turquoises. He
closed it again, feeling like one who has
unexpectedly encountered some. rare,
long 1885 treasure. sHEE