Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-08-09

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by Goliath Jack. He at once obeyed the
summons, and going to the room Of his
old friend, found him stretched at full
length in bed. suffering apparently from
serious sickness. He evidently had not
long been i'll, for his giant frame was in
the rpeness of manly vigor, and no signs
of decay could be seen in his bearded
face, or muscular neck and shoulders.
His night shirt was unbuttoned at the
neck, and his huge breast, furred like
that OF bison, was exposed to view.
His great hands were moving restlessly
about, and the whole air of the man in
dicatcd impatience and Indignation. He
had started to 60 home once more, "had
had good luck and thought he'd look up
the old folks" got as far as Baltimore,
was taken sick with what the smooth
faced idiot they called doctor said was
typhus fever, and here he was Just as
strong and well as ever, but burning up
inside, all owing, he believed, to the
nasty stuff that gold-cane- headed. white
lIvcred, smiling, black.coated pill-box had
given him, because he knew he'd got
money. "I'de a drilled hole in his
carcass before" said Jack, "but knew
they send another jus like him, and so
| sent for you who understand such suck
ers, to take him away and get me on, of
this hole where can't breathe without
choking"
Ned soothcd his friend with promises
to stand by him, quickly removed pair
of pistols and bowie knife from his
bed, and installed himself as nurse be-
side the sick man. The physician. one
OF the foremost in Baltimore, soon arrived.
and from him Ned learned that his pa.
iient was dangerously i'll, and the
chances against his recovery. The pres.
ence Of his old chum seemed to soothe
Jack, and he accepted his treatment with
the docility of child In day or two
1t became evident that the giant had met
his last enemy, and must succumb in
the struggle. After restless and pain.
tul night, the doctor gave him soothing
potion, and telling Ned his patient would
not live many hours. advised him while
Jack was in his possession of his facul.
ties to warn him of his condition, and if
he had any directions TO give about him.
self or his property he had better give
them at once.
1t was a bitter thing to do TO break
the news to the sick man. He was ut
terly unconscious of danger, and the
thought of death had no, occurred to him
as possibility. Ned approached the
bed side, and taking up his hand, said
quietly but firmly: Jack. the doctor
says you are very sick man, the chanc-
es are against you. II you have any di-
reeIinns to give about your property, or
anything else. tell me now and will
honestly carry out your wishes" For
a moment the sick man was startled,
then n smile broke over his face, and tax.
ing Ned's hand in both of his own, he
said, Fooled, old man at last; l knew
that claw hammer coated old choker was
fraud from the beginning, but didn't
think he could come it over you-you
who had college larning'. and know
sucker on sight. DiO. Why, could
jest lick whole regiment OF such sneak
ing critters as this raw-bone in half
minute. Don't I've scarf, Ned, pay the
cuss and send him about his business.
There's pile Of gold in that trunk. Pay
old Calomel and let him Co." But Ned
still looked grave. and smoothing with
bro,herly tenderness the hand of his
friend. said Jack, | can't bear to
have you die so you must die and you
are no. ready; won't YOU let me send for
a minister to come and talk with you :"
This last was poser, and for moment
Jack was almost stunned with astonish-
raent. Then, looking up into the face
of the speaker with most injured air,
he replied "Now, Ned, you must be
joking; minister, one Of those psalm
singing, white-throated, smooth-faced,
chattering jawbreakers, man that don't
know flush from a cold deck! Open
the window and give me some air. The
very idea sutfocates me"
The window was opened, and the
dying man looked for long time over
the tops ofthe adjoining houses and at
the blue sky beyond. The noise and
hustle Of active life in the busy city
stole into the room. All at once he
seemed to realize that he was growing
weaker, and gave some directions in re-
gard to his property. Holding the hand
of his friend he seemed to sleep, and for
nearly an hour perfect silence reisned
in the room. Suddenly opening his
great brown eyes he exclaimed: "Ned,
can you pray :" NO." he replied. 81
believe in prayer-my wife prayed you
remember her" The sick man moved
restlessly on his pillow and finally said #:
Med do you think the old gentleman
up there will be very hard on me: | al
ways played square game, never cheat
ed a baby, never killed man except in
fair fight, and as know never wrong.
ed human being. Don't you think
he'll let me down easy -
To this no reply could be made, and
the speaker said: "Ned, l can't die
now old fellow can't play this hand
alone. There's trump in the pack"
Moved by the despairing gaze of the
dying man, his friend comforted him
with words Of affection, told him the
good Lord as always ready to forgive