Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1888-08-09
CHAPTER XVII.
A MODEL NURSE.


The deathlike stupor into which the sick
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 to
work on. Unless nature interposed with
her wonderful revivifying powers, life would
WAIVER out like breath from the ill-used,
egnaciated body which seemed already to
bear the stamp of the great change that
comes to all sooner or later, yet which
might seem q 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.
on are quite sure you understand your
business." he asked, little sharply.
''rm not professional, if that's what
you mean, doctor, but I've been through a
power o. sickness. Ill 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 APP
parently awkward, her knotted brown
hands were tender in their Offices, and
after a 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
| tient began to roll and toss III the fever and
| delirium which succeeded, she knew just
how far to restrain his violence without
making the restraint irl1some to the tort
| I'd no how IF
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 ne made his duty call on the third or
| fourth day.
"We'll bring him up again if it's in him.
Such care can not fail, he said, hopefully.
Scare never saved 'em unless the Lord
willed it, young man," spoke the nurse,
| grimly
"True, but 1 think the Lord has willed 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 thankiess work, and you are one
| of the thankless kind
s.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"
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.
sit keeps coming like a dream that have
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
him. 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 prote9e 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 thlnkl'' he asked, in a
penetrating whisper. Scan one hide a
crime in the grave. I've tried it. Do you
think it got out again! I'm 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. ]
| wish you'd MAKE her STOP
Its my report for the DOCTOR" said
Mrs. Crane, quietly. He never seemed to
notice me before. A good sign, sir-cranll
mess alters ISL
"May 1 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 &
Bit"
"'7 a. m.-Restless after the night
Bathed face and hands, and he took nap.
SO S.-Wolsc refreshed. Took medicine
and beef-tea $50 Asked for water 8
Changed his position and he dozed
again.
"'1O.-A visitor; excites him. The doc
tor ought to stop it,
''That'n do, l guess"
''Thanll You. Am l really exciting him
Iwould be sorry to do him any harm"
He glanced ct the patient, who was watch
ing sunbeam, and was oblivious for the
moment to what was gong on.
Hes changcable. What he don't notice
one minute hurts him the next"
Then I'll go, though 1 intended to wal
for the doctor. I'll leave message for hin
below
But Mr.. Maloney was nowhere to be seer
/ when he reached the lower story, and ths