The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1888-10-18
CHAPTER XVII
MONET. NrRsE

man mad Iallen ldSbeu lOr udyS.
The doctor, whom Norris sent, looked
grave when he saw him. This utter pros
tration of mind and body left him nothing 70
work on. Unless nature interposed with
her wonderful revivifying powers, life would
waver out like breath from the illused,
emaciated body which seemed already to
bear the stamp Of the great change that
comes to all sooner or later, yet which
might seem welcome release to such an
existence as his, sn-
Some such thought went through the
Doctors mind, but Bergman had charged
| him to spare no efforts toward the mans
recovery, so he in turn laid his charges on
the nurse.
"You are quite sure you understand your
businessln he asked, little sharply.
"Tm not professional, II that's what
you mean, doctor, but I've been through q
power o. sickness I'll watch him faithful,
never you fearo
Not fair sight to look at, this coarse
featured old woman, with her gray locks
hidden under her closely frilled cap, but
she was strong and willing, and though APP
parently awkward, her motted brown
hands were tender in their offices, and
after few moments observation, the ply
stefan went away satisfied with his as
sistant, and the events proved his con-
fidence justified,
She was untiring in her watchfulness.
The brandy and beef-tea and medicines
were given with the regularity Of clock
work. When the change came, and the pa
tent began to roll and toss in the fever and
delirium which succeeded, she knew Just
how far to restrain his violence without
making the restraint irksome to the tort
ured body. She caught her snatches Of
sleep in the hours when he was easiest, and
was ready for the long night vigils, when
the haunting fantasies crowded around the
poor fellows pillow, making him moan and
SILVER and cry aloud in his agony.
Norris gave her some approving words
when he made his duty call on the third or
fourth day.
Wen bring him up again II it's in him.
Such care can not fail" he said, hopefully.
Scare never saved lem unless the Lord
willed it, young man." spoke the nurse,
grimly.
"True, but think the Lord has willed it
in sending you to us, Mrs. Crane. II / am
ever sick shall send for you to nurse me-"
'.No, YOU wouldn't she answered, short
ly. sits thankless work, and you are one
of the thankless kind"
'Well, this poor fellow will have reason
to be grateful to you, at any rate, If he Is
ever grateful to any one in the world.n
81 doubt it,n she muttered, and Norris
left, thinking her one of those queer, con-
Trajectory characters whose hearts are bet
ter than their speech. For some reason the
woman, old and uncouth as she was, lin
gered in his thoughts.
SIT keeps coming like dream that Ihave
seen her somewhere before, though that
isn't probable. Once seen, she ought never
to be forgotten" he unused, and began to
speculate upon Miller's chances for life
Would its burden be blessed or cursed to
himi Would he live for repentance or evil,
Some of the responsibility would rest upon
Norris either way, he fancied, and he began
TO study how he could help the outcast to
begin anew.
There was change for the better when
he saw his proteQe again.
Miller was bolstered up in the bed. The
deep fever flush had left his face, but there
was still wild brightness in his hollow eyes.
What do you thinkii he asked, in q
penetrating whisper. Can one hide q
crime in the gravel I've tried it. Do you
think it got out againi Pm afraid she has
it there, hidden under her APRON nodding
fcebly toward the nurse. Then an ag
grieved expression swept over his face.
writing again-shes always writing. 1
wish you'd MAKE her stop"
q It's my report for the DOCTOR" said
Mrs. Crane quietly. He never seemed to
notice me before. A good sign, sir-crank-
mess alters is,n
"May seelr asked Norris, stretching
out his hand. 1t was only his interest in
the condition of the patient which led him
to ask, but the woman drew back.
81 doubt if you'd make out my hand
WRITE" she said, coldly. "I'll read you q
bitn
"'7 a. m.-Restless after the night.
Bathed face and hands, and he took nap
"'S-Woke refreshed Took medicine
and becf-tea. S:31-Asked for. water. 0.
Changed his position and he dozed
again.
"s1o-A visitor; excites him. The doc
tor ought to stop it.
"That'll do / guess"
.'Thank you. Am really exciting hint
Iwould be sorry to do him any harm"
He glanced at the patient, who was watch
ing sunbeam, and was oblivious for the
moment to what was going on.
He's changeable. What he don't notice
one minute hurts him the next"
.'Then I'll go, though intended to wait
for the doctor. I'll leave message for him
below"
But Mr.. Maloney was nowhere to be seen
when he reached the lower story, and the