Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1885-10-07

Thom vsho had tcsv s.ck growled
when we'll that she should be INDUCED
In her whims and the whole people
came I'm time to consider her gifts,
which were those of good nurse, as
an especial provision for their necessi-
| ties.
Dr. Hoyt, 1t CHANGED, had never be-
fore been summoned. IL was sight,
pitiful even TO professional eyes. that
met his view as he entered the cabin.
The boy was grooming and writing
on pile of straw in one corner; the
close, dark room was crowded with
men smoking and women chattering-
men and women alike filthy as their
surroundings. The one mitigating cir
cumstance was the woman kneeling by
the bed gently bathing the wounds, but
evidently ignorant Of further remedy.
The Doctor recognized her rs the lone
who talked for them
'Send these people out" he said to
her. 'They are killing him. using the
little air there is with their vile pipes.
"They will not CO." she answered.
4" 1t Is not customary with my people
to trust the worlds people"
With an ejaculation, expressive of
disgust, Dr. Hoyt turned to his patient.
I shall not attempt diagnosis; there
were broken bones and CHASTITY wounds.
The boy was fast weakening from his
more than mortal agony.
Chloroform, that angel of solace to
the sufferer, was first administered and
the long-bearded men, gathered close
around the bed, watched the immedi-
ate effect of the medicine and saw that
the boy gasped a little, grew more
quiet and lay dead.
The enlightened reader will not find
1t easy to comprehend ignorance such
as theirs; but these men had only the
evidence Of their senses, with no past
experience, or even knowledge. 1t
was only natural, therefore, that they
should jump to quick conclusion,
and that hatred of the alien and
stranger, already strong enough,
should, with this added provocation,
call forth every mans knife, with in.
tent to kill.
DR. Hoyt was too taken by surprise
to be more than dismayed at first The
threatening glances at the bed, the re-
doubled bowls of one of the women,
made plain the cause of the murderous
preparations. He turned to the girl by
the bed, whom he had thought of
higher grade of intelligence than the
res; but her face showed only panied
distress.
at is chloroform. Don't you know"
he said, appealing to her. 1T will
make him sleep while / set the bones.
Then he will awaken. Tell them quick,
or it will BIO too late"
She looked at him long before she
spoke, and the rest waited. breathless,
for her words. She noted the dexterity
the certainty of his motions, and her
faith rose above her judgment
''He says it will be right" she said, in
Russian, "that he will sleep only till the
wounds are dressed. | do not under
stand; but think he knows. See, he
works in n good way. 1t is the custom
in America, perhaps. Do not kill him
yet"
The doctor worked rapidly, and the
bled together. One of them spoke
presently, gesturing great deal and
pointing to his knife.
HE says" translated Marie, THAT
they will not kill you, if your words are
true and the boy lives. If he dies, you
will not leave us alive. That is but
just"
She spoke in tone of calm convic-
ton. and, seeing that to argue was but
to waste breath, the doctor turr ed again
to his patient, upon whose chance of
life his own depended. He was not a
religious man; but l think he prayed as
well as labored during the next half
hour; for, humanity speaking, there was
every probability that some of the
many wounds were fatal, and that the
sick one would never revive.
Marie watched more intently than any
OF the others. Her confidence increased,
and every few minutes she turned to the
group with an imperious nod.
'.Ho is right; he is right" she said
When, finally, the boy opened his
eyes, and knew pain again, the men and
women wished to bring altar gifts to lay
at the physicians feet; but Marie only
said. tearfully:
I'VE did not know that America
held so wise man. Twill never think,
hereafter, that I am called to nurse the
sick"
Everything depends upon you now."
he answered Nursing must do the
rest" and, leaving directions, he drove
away, meditating seriously, for so light
hearted a man. upon his strange escape
from death.
For two weeks no was daily caller
ut the cabin; and long before the end
Of that time his interest in the boy had
become secondary to his interest in the
nurse, who developed astonishing abil-
ity. She seemed to expand and human
lie from day to day.
"She would be fortune to any COM
rhunity," hesaid, in speaking of her.
''Such gifts Of voice, touch and manner
rarely come In one person. Her hands
were his especial admiration; he held
the right one In his own, one day, and
looked at 1t steadily; it was large and
flexible. perfect in shape, and imbued
with a strength that made simple con-
tact with 1t pleasant He looked at her
face, and its expression made him drop
her hand.
you must be very strong" he said. |
Yes" she answered. my ancestors,
you know, killed oxen with their fists.
am very strong"
The rest of the community were un-
accountable in their behavior. After
that first day, when they were disposed |
to crown his head and lay doves at his
feet and make him feel altogether like
a fool, they seemed to return to their
first state Of suspicious dislike. tempered |
only with some dread of his mysterious
power.
1t was week after his last visit that
a ring at the Office bell. one morning,
announced Marie Won Sulevitch. She |
had walked far, for she breathed hard;
but her face was white, and showed
that she was sustained by moral rather
than physical strength.
but she leaned against the door.
mo" she said. II will not sit down.
I wish you to tell me where to 90, be-