Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1885-11-26

cousin, and her GOODNESS and indiffer-
ence troubled him sorely.
/ Just then the morning train thunder
ed up to the little station, half IA mile
distant and left single passenger-a
tall nah in a gray tweed suit, who nod
ded Familiarity to the few bystanders
and took the path across the fields to
the mills.
Victor was standing surrounded by
his men looking like young god. His
straw hat in his hand, and the wind
rullled his bronze curIs.
He was telling them of his arrrnge-
ments for the picnic, amidst bursts of
applause and peals of laughter, for the
young master WAS "always ready with
his joke
On the outskirts Of the little group,
unnotccd in the excitement of tho mo-
ment stood the tall man in his gray
tweed suit.
Suddenly he raises his eyes to the
scaNolding above Victor's head and
then, no one knew how it happened,
but strong men were thrown right and
left, us by giants strength.
There was sickening CRASH and
Victor was thrown, as though he were
a child, far out Of harms way.
But where he had stood Il moment
before lay man they all knew. pinned
down by IL heavy beam across his chest.
And while they stood horror strick-
en- and appalled,, a graceful woman's
form was in their midst.
Men, she said, in voice so unlike
her own that those who heard it never
forgot cant yon do nothing but stand
and stare like idiots? Victor, he has
givcE his life for you, Can you do
nothing to relieve him? Go to the
house and see that IL room is made
ready to receive him. John Stiles, sad
die the heetest horse in the stable and
ride for Dr.. Jackson as YOU never did
before and the rest OF YOU put forth
all Your strength and lit this beam.
And they succee!el in resc'ling the
man, and bore him SLOWLY and silently
with all the Strong vitality crushed out
OF him, up the road he had trodlen 50
oiten-up the broad walk that hal
echoed so dreariIy to the sound of his
footsteps less than year ago-into the
house that he had been forbidden to
enter again; and before them woman
with wild eyes and white drawn lips.
When the doctor came ont of the
room, after all was done that he could
do, she met hin al the door.
Is there any hope, doctor !?
Il cannot tell that. He has a strong
constitution and We will hope for the
best, said the old doctor, while the
tears stood il. his eyes.
For he had known and loved Steph-
en- Walker all his life.
Doctor she said, grasping his arm
with passionate force, you must save
him-you must, You must. Take all |
have-money, lands, everything, but
save his life !
You forgot, my child, that the is
sues of life and death are not in my
hand. If any skill Of mine can avail
to save Stephen Walkers life, think
You know | need mo bribe'
Forgive me doctor. I scarcely
knew what | was saying. | know you
viii do all you can, and am good
nurse-papa always said so.
Helen, you must not think of nurs-
ing him. This strain on your nerves rs
too great ; you arc i'll already
She laid slim, cool hand gently in
his
Put your finger on my pulse, doctor.
1t beats evenly. | must be brave and
strong for his sake. If l gave my life
for him 1t would but poorly requlte
what he has done for me.
The doctor looked into the white,
pitifnl face, in which no trace of the
old pride remained and read ner secret.
1T will be as You WISH he said brief
ly; but you rlust let nurse help you.
1t will be terrible ordeal, even if he
recovers.
She went into darkened room,
where he lay in heavy stupor, and
knelt beside the couch. Presently he
opened his eyes and saw her there. A
glad smile lighted his face.
Nell, Queen Nell.' he said softly,
and then Victor, is he safe ?
Safe and unharmed, Stephen, but at
what a cost p
1T is better so-better and easier to