The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1884-10-18

tNStSiN''tt
: "And he accepted it," The speak
er seemed more astonished than disap-
pointed.
} Took it with the most profound
thanks and the remark that he felt
fully repaid for his trouble by my gen.
!. crosby. | am not sure" continued
!, the girl, "but that was the true object
of his call this evening. l think | am
, beginning to acquire an insight into
the character Of this singular young
man. Miss Wilbur was busily put
ting up her writing materials as she
spoke. "He is a product of Califor-
MAN civilization. He would not be
possible in the more conservative cir
cles Of the Eastern states. We shall
probably see more of his type before
we return home"
The events Of succeeding days ap,
pcarcd to demonstrate that Miss VIII
bur had placed an e1ectual check on
the advances of her quondam admirer
The road remained closed to travel
but the passengers at the hotels, thrown
upon their own devices, proved equal
to the emergency, and celebrated their
enforced stay on the desert with con-
tinuous round of gayety. Besides a
constant succession of dramatic read
ings, concerts and theatrical, the two
or three vehicles of the place were
called into constant requisition, and
gay pedestrian parties passed down the
street every day, bound on trips of eX-
ploration through the surrounding des-
erts. Bertha Wilbur observed, not
without some honest indignation, that
the young fireman doomed out prom
nent and central figure on all these oc-
casions. The strong limbed, genial
young giant was serving the Conven-
fence Of the crowd. In another fort
night, in all probability, the people
who now took him into their circle
with such pleasant cordially would, no
doubt, pass him without recognition if
they met him on the street. Her own
summary treatment of the man had
possessed at least the merit of honesty
OF purpose.
When a week had passed she found
something OF Importance to engage
her thoughts. Her faith. who had
been failing imperceptibly day by IL,
grew dangerously i'll. The girl lowered
over him in torturing suspense. In a
strange and isolated place, far removed
from home and friends, she endured
the agony Of dread and INDIGESTION
which only those know who have
met and fought the fell destroyer, face
to face, alone and helpless. As the
day drew to close, she stepped to
the window and stood looking out over
the dreary waste to the western sky,
where the sun was setting in an angry
blaze of crimson. She was overcome
with an appalling sense of loneliness
and foreboding of impending loss. If
| he should die there among strangers,
without proper care Burning tears
fell upon her small white hands, clench-
ed in the energy of despair.
There came low tap at the door.
She opened it to find the fireman
standing before her.
Il am told that your father is i'll.
May l ask how he is feeling now?"
She stretched out her hands to him,
with a sense of need and gratitude
that for the time lcveled all distinc-
tons, nor noticed the tight grasp in
which they were caught and held.
"What shall l do? Do you sup
pose a good physician could be found?
He is so SICK" she added, as the III
valid turned in his bed with a moan.
'Unhappily, Mojave does not boast
a medical practitioner Of any school,"
"Nust he die without help?" The
glrl wrung her hands in her helpless
ness.
But in little town forty miles
down the road resides one of the best
physicians on the coast"
"Oh, send for him Send at once
No matter at what price"
ct is not so much a matter of
price" he returned, slowly. eve are
under strict orders to remain at Mo
jave until the break in the road is re-
paired"
The light of hope in the girls face
faded.
Gould you send a telegram to Mr..
Cameron, the vice-president of the
road? DO you suppose it would
help?" she timidly asked after pause.
You know the vice-president?" he
questioned eagerly. "Ie is said to
be very accommodating sort of
man. But I think it is late for tele-
gram to find him." drawing 4 clumsy
silver timepiece from his pocket. Il
believe that l myself will take the res
possibility Of running 'Filty-eight
down the road"
Are you sure you will run no risk of
losing your place. she generously
qucried. Il would not have You injure
your''-sho hesilated a moment, i'll quest
of a proper worG-'.your prospects on
our account for the world
An odd smile lickered for moment
about the young mans lips.
IF DO, shall ask You to intercede
for me with the vice president, he
gravely replied, and quietly left the
room.
Three hours later he returned, accom-