Dodge City times., 1888-06-28

ing creature. NOT that need quarrel witt
him for it. I'd have made it interesting fol
him if he hadn't, but it makes me despist
the fellow ell the same.''
CHAPTER XVII.
MODEL NURSE
The deathlile stupor into which the sicl
man had fallen lasted for days.
The doctor. whom Norris sent, looked
grave when he saw him. This utter pros
tration Of mind and body left him nothing tc
work on. Unless nature interposed with
her. wonderful revivifying powers, life would
waver out like breath from the ill-used
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.
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.
"1ou are quite sure you understand your
business!' he asked, a little sharply.
Pm not a professional, if that's what
you mean, doctor, but I've been through q
power o. sickness. Pll watch him faithful,
never you fear.'
| 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 ap-
parently awkward, her knotted brown
| hands were tender in their offices, and
after few moments observation, the ply
| sician went away satisfied with his as
sistant, and the events proved his con-
| fdence 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
shiver and cry aloud in his agony
| Norris gave her some approving words
when he made his duty call on the third or
fourth day.
Gwen bring him up again if it's in him
Such care can not fall" he said, hopefully.
Scare never saved 'cm unless the Lord
willed it, young man." spoke the nurse,
grimly.
"True, but think the Lord has willcd it
in sending you to US, Mrs. Crane. If am
ever sick shall send for you to nurse me-"
"No, you wouldn't" she answered, short
ly. 'It's thanklcss work, and you are one
OF the thankless kind.''
swell, 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"
81 doubt it," 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.
at keeps coming like dream that have
seen her somewhere before, though that
isn't probable. Once seen, she ought never
to be forgotten" he mused, and began to
speculate upon Miller's chances for life.
Would its burden be blessed or cursed to
hims 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 prote0e 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 Think" he asked, in a
penetrating whisper. "Can one hide a
crime in the grave! I've tried it. Do you
think it got out again! Pm afraid she has
it there, hidden under her apron" nodding
feebly toward the nurse. Then an ag-
grieved expression swept over his face.
writing again-she's always writing. l
wish you'd MAKE her STOP
ats my report for the DOCTOR" said
Mrs. Crane, quietly. g He never seemed to
notice me before. a good sign, sir-crank-
mess alters is"
"May see." 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'm read you a
bit''
"'7a m-Rcstless after the night
Bathcd face and hands, and he took a nap
"'S.-WoiIc refreshed Took medicine
and becf-tea. S:30-Askcd for water Q.
Changed his position and he dozed
again.
"'1O-A visitor: excitcs him. The doc
tor ought to stopi it,
"Thatll do, l guess
Thank you. Am really exciting him!
IwOuld be sorry to do him any harnl.''
He glanced ~ the patient, who was watch
ing sunbeam, and was oblivious for the
moment to what was gong on.
He's changeablc. What he don't notice
one minute hurts him the next
Then I'll go, though l intended 10 wait
fny hn T.,,. h
below"
But Mr. MGlOIey was nowhere to be seen
when he reached the lower story, and the