The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-02-10

coming out Vt the chimney. I'd like d
peep inside. It's about as big as q dog.
kennel"
The light from the west shone in the
patched windows with a glow as il
there might be coy comfort within.
But the show of warmth from west
ern sun is short-lived. 1t seemed to
fade out all at once. The path lead
ing to the door was but poorly beaten.
and Ned laughed as he detected marks
Of Johnny's stick at either side in the
snow.
You could tell it was lame man
that made a track like this" said Ned.
Paul had the envelope slipped just
inside the breast of his overcoat, and
SO he lead the way. When almost up
to the door he saw a little old woman
in white cap come to the window and
look out Her hair was very gray, and
struggled out from her cap border
about her face. Her poor, shrunken
features were drawn in a pitiful way.
and she wiped her eyes with her apron.
Paul saw she was crying. His heart
sank. Every bit of the zest of their
joke was taken from it by the sight.
Ned, in the rear. saw nothing. and
Paul could not collect his thoughts
quick enough to turn and tell him he
thought it best to turn back and give
up their sport Somehow, since it
had been arranged just how they
were 10 deliver tie letter. and with
just what gravity and ceremony. he
did not at the instant see his way
clear to any thing but to do it. So he
stepped unon the rude stone doorstep
and knocked.
Ned was on guard, to run if Johnny
should be more than commonly threat
ening. He was dumbfounded when
the door was opened by the little. pale
old woman, who tried, bu: was not able
to stop crying.
Paul had his hand inside his coat
upon the envelope. but hesitated rs to
how he should proceed. He was too
generous at heart and too tender to
wound any one, and how
could he hand out the painted bur-
lesiue to that forlorn creature?
us this Mr. Shay's house?" he stam-
asked.
She nodded her head. with a corner
Of her apron still to one eye.
''Is he's he at home?" said Paul.
Not a word of answer, but only an
other nod.
I'll hope he ISM sick. said Paul. so
touched at her distress that tears start
ed in his own eyes.
"He is" said the old lady. "John-
ny's very sick. Come inside. young
gentlemen"
What could they do but enter the
ow doorway
1t was squalid place. There seemed
TO be but one room. or, at most, only
pantry and one small bedroom off
The stove. in which there was only
little fire. stood nearly in the center,
and in one corner was bed, from
which Johnny raised his wild. haggard
face as they appeared.
my stick" he muttered, "Give me
my stick! Quick-quick! Give it to
me, mother. l can drive them away"
mo, no. Johnny" she comforted;
1.-THE young gentlemen have only come
to ask how you are. They knew that
you were sick. and wanted to see if you
were better"
These words soothed him and he
tried to smile.
They are not the ones that run after
me. are they, mother?"
No, no, Johnny; these are nice
boys. Lie down now, and try to go to
sleep."
He laid his head back on the pillow
with weary groan.
She turned to Paul and Ned.
''He's been SO wild all day. I think
its his old hurt. / couldn't leave him
to get a doctor, but he ought to have
onc right away. I'm sure" appeal
ngly.
Let me run and get one for YOU"
said Paul. '.My father is doctor, and
[ know he'll come"
Ned had turned away from the clean
but shabby bed to look around the
room. The fire was low, and there
was neither wood nor coal in sight
''And don't you need some wood.
Mrs. Shay?" lie asked. eager to be of
service.
johnny tried to get me some ready
before he got SO bad. But the pain came
On, and he couldn't do any more.
There's some outside. but it isn't cut"
The boys drew apart and whispered
10 each other.
IN stay here and split some wood.
Paul, and you run home for your faith
,r."
Johnny tossed uneasily. and NUT
.ered, lifting his face now and then
with a distrustful stare. The mother
Kept going to the bedside to reassure
him.
Never before had Paul run fastcr-not
sven ct "hare-and-hounds''-t he
AN now toward home. while Ned went
pack to the house. threw off mis- overcoat,
,ook Johnny's saw. and fell to work furi-
'usly. He sawed and split an armful.
,ook it into the house. rekindled the az
fire. and then went
back to get enough ready for the night.
Paul, meantime. had been lucky
enough to find his father just driving
Up to his own stable. He told his story
4 m