Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1879-03-05
He was taken out pal

Nobody knew him. He had come
/ by the morning train, had taken break
last, bat no room, and asked the hour
for the return train. A surgeon, sum-
moned as speedily as possible, an
nounced a broken arm and injury 10
the head, making a likelihood of a long,
tedious illness. There was some ami
mated discussion, some suggestions of
hospital, a search through the pockets
OF the unconscious victim, resulting in
the discovery of a small sum of money,
but no letters, papers or cards; and IL
nally desertlon of one and another,
each going his or her way, with the con-
soling reflection "It's nona of my BUSH
ness"
But when they had all deserted the
injured man, the surgeon, still busy
binding up his arm as he lay upon
! bench brought from ruined summer
house, felt a light touch on his hand and
looked up.
Can l help you?' Alice Hunter
asked.
''No child, not now"
"What will they do with him?'
Il suppose he must go to hos
pital."
But the ride the journey
"Will cause great additional suffering,
perhaps result in death.
doctor, will they keep him here if
he is paid for?"
Certainly; but there Is not money
enough about him to pay his board for
a week.
q will pay it."
you %
Yes; | will not let him die for want
of money have. He"-and her lips
quivered-"he looks like my dear ia
ther who is dead"
Hem, yes. Here comes the fol-
lowers to carry him to the station. |
think will have him taken to the house
where | board. 1t will cost less and be
more quiet"
Mrs. CORTLAND declared Alice was
outraging the prophecies most dread
fully when the young girl went to the
house and altered her services rs nurse
to the doctor: but Aunt Sophy silenced
all comment by moving her belongings
from the hotel to the quiet boarding.
house, and the doctor found that lie
had a valuable assistant.
Alice explained, in her quiet, low
voice, that her father was i'll for nine
long months before he died and she was
his nurse. This accounted for the
shod feet, the quick eye and ready
hand, and when the sufferer recovered
consciousness the gentle voice and tact
that quoted him In paroxysms OF pain
and fever. Aunt Sophy was too much
of an invalid herself to help; but she sat
beside the bed while Alice moved to and
fro, and performed all nursing duties.
The season was over, and only these
three remained of the summer board
ers at the house, when, one cool Octo-
Der day, the sick man, now fast recover
ing, called Alice to him.
81 shall soon be well again, he said,
respectfully.
Yes" she answered, cheerily, every
soon."
81 shall miss my nurse
"And | my patient; but | am glad
you are recovering. We were afraid
at one time there would be a more pain
full parting"
You mean | was in danger Of dying.
Why should that be painful? | am
old"
She made no answer, looking sorrow
: fully into his uplifted eyes.
And a burden upon you the doctor
tells me. Why did you make yourself
responsible for stranger.
The fair face flushed, the soft eyes
were dewy with feeling, as Alice said
softly: Because you are old and
seemed poor and triendless. | was
glad it was IN my power to aid you.
! Do not think it was at any great cost,
/ she added, with generous desire TO
tighten the burden of obligation. Il
have some money lyging idle"
"For the wedding-day, perhaps.
Well, child you might have poorer
! Jewels to deck your bridal than an old
mans tears of gratitude and love. |
am getting we'll and shall soon leave
you. Will you give me keepsake p
The girl loosened little locket from
a chain round her throat, cut off one OF
her golden curis and put it in the place
of some hairs he took out, and LAID the
trinket in the old mans hand.
"With my love-" she said, softly.
"Ah, childr' ne sighed IAN old man
wins little love"
Yet" she said earnestly, you must
believe that | have nursed you since
YOU were conscious with affection. My
own father is gone, but if you even
want daughters care or affection, be
lieve me, | will gladly come to you j
possible"
Three days later the house was de
serted. Aunt Sophy and Alice return
ed to their home, and Alice caeerfully
Maid ont of her small patrimony for the