The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1881-05-12

succumb in the struggle. After restless
and painful night, the doctor gave him
soothing potion and telling Ned his patient
wvuld not live many hours, advised him
while Jack was in possession of his facul-
ties to warn him of lis condition, and if he
had any directions to give about himself or
his property, he had better give them at
once.
It was bitter thing to do, to break the
news to the sick man. He was utterly un-
conscious Of danger, and the thought of
death had not occurred to him as possibil-
ity. Ned approached the bedside, and TAX
ing up his hand, said quietly but firmly:
Jack the doctor says you are very sick
man, the chances are against you. If you
have any directions to give about your prop
erty, or anything else. tell me now and
will honestly carry out your wishes" For
moment the sick man was startled, then a
broad smile broke over his face, and taking
Ned's hand in both of his own, he said,
Fooled, old man at last; knew that claw
the beginning, but didn't think he could
tome it over you-you who had college
larnin', and know sucker on sight. Die!
Why, could jest whip whole regiment Of
such sneaking critters as this saw-bones in
half minute Don't be 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
brotherly tenderness the hand of his friend,
said: Jack, you are brave, noble fellow.
I can't bear to have you die SO; you must
die and you are not ready; won't you let
me send for a minister to come and talk
with you?" This last was poser, and for a
moment Jack was almost stunned with as
tonishment. Then, looking up into the
face of the speaker with most injured air,
he replied: Now, Ned, you must be ..Oking;
can you pray?" No." he replied; II be-
ieve in prayer-my wife prayed; you re-
member her" The sick man moved rest
lessly on his pillow, and finally said: "Ned,
do you think the old gentleman up there
will be very hard on me? always played
a square game, never cheated baby, never
killed a man except in fair fight, and as
I know never wronged human being.
Don't you think he'll let me down easy?"
To this no reply could be made, and the
speaker said, Ned, can't die now; am
I cant play this hand alone. There's not a
d 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
was always ready to forgive the penitent
sinner if sincerely sorry Of his faults, and
that perhaps he was already forgiven and
might hope for pardon and happiness.
Jack slowly relaxed his grip from the watch
er's hand and stretched his giant frame on
the bed. His massive chest and splendid
form never looked more majestic than when
he folded his hands across his bosom and
settled into calm repose. Death was how
ering very near, and gave new dignity
and grandeur to the ion-like and heavily
bearded face. So quietly he lay, and so
still, that his friend thought the struggle
was ever, and he would speak no more. All
at once with a powerful effort he raised
himself upon one arm and said, "Ned, do
you think am good enough to go where
your wife is? Answer" This question was
the last feather that broke the composure
of his hearer. Already worn with watch
ing aud overcome with pity at the spectacle
before him, the mention of his wife
was more than his overtaxed frame could
minister, one of those psalmsingiLg,
white-t hroated, SIN soth faced, chattering
Jaw breakers, man that don't know flush
from cold deck! Open the window and
give me some air. The very idea suffocates
me-"
The window was opened, and the dying
man looked for a long time over the tops Of
the 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 direc-
tons in regard to his property. Holding
the hand of his friend he appeared to sleep,
and for nearly an hour perfect silence
reigned in the room. Suddenly opening
his great brown eyes he exclaimed, 'Ned,
BEAR and the strong man burst into tears.
Recovering himself speedily as possible,
and fearing to wound the feelings of the
sufferer, SO eagerly grasping after some
straw upon which to float out upon the I'M
known sea before him, he replied, II hope
SO. God knows, ask him.
Scarcely waiting for the answer, Jack
said, What shall tell her from you if I
see herr"
Moved by the extraordinary scene and
earnest manner of the speaker, Ned said,
1Give her my devoted love: tell her have
never ceased for a moment to remember
and love her; that she is dearer to me every
hour and every day; that only knew hap
piness while she was with me-"
For an instant the face of the dying man
was radient with new light. Softly he
whispered, "Ned, dear old fellow: Ned, do
you hear? I'll find that woman and deliver
that message; will Bly,"
With the oath warm on his lips, which
we trust the recording angel forgot to note,
Jack was dead.-Richard c. Parsons IN
Cleveland Herald.
~-~%-o.~-
A Romantic Life.
Beaconaield's life possesses all the charm
of romance, because from first to last, il
has been battle. History affords no par
allelto the ambition of this man. A Jew to