Mexico weekly ledger., 1889-03-28
ttIAf'TEI: XVII.

The dcathllke stupor into which the SIGH
man had fallen lasted fer days.
The doctor, whom Norris sent, looked
grave when he saw him. This utter pros
tration ofmind and body left him nothing to
work on. Unless nature interposed with
her wonderful reviyifying powers, life would
WAIVER out like IA 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 a 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
the nurse.
"You are quite sure you understand your
business?' he asked. "a little sharply.
"Im not Il professional, II that's what
you mean. doctor, bat we been through q
power o. sickness. III watch him faithful,
never you fear"
Not 4 fair sight TO look ~, this coarse
featured old woman. with her gray locks
hidden under her closely frii}cd cap, but
she was strong and willing. and though APP
parently awkward, her knottci brown
hands were tender in their Offices, and
after Il few moments observation, the ply
sician went away satisfied with his as
~sistant, and the vents proved his con-
tid"nce justified.
She was uutiring in l!cr watchfulness.
The brandy ard bcef-tca 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
r,a7,,rr tho ,..~, mint ;rlrsI,1a IN tho tort
ured body. She caught her snatches of
sleep in the hours when he was easiest, and
was ready for the long night vigiis, 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 cali on the third or
fourth day.
Gwen bring him up again II it's IN him.
Such care can not fail" he said, hopefully
"Care never saved 'em unless the Lord
willed it, young man. spoke the nurse,
grimly.
True, but l think the Lord has willed it
in sending you to US, Mrs. Crane. If l am
ever sick | shall sent for you to nurse me-"
mo. you wouldn't" she answered. short
ly. Its thankiess work. and you are ono
OF the thanklcss 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"
Il 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.
1T keeps coming like a dream that Ihave
cAnp hnr Gptrnyphnrz hpfDI.Fs tbpIlCh that
isn't probable. Once seen, she ought never
to be forgotten" he unused, and began 10
speculate upon Millcr's chances for life.
Would its burden be blessed Or cursed 10
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 tc
begin anew.
There was d change for the better when
he saw his protsqc again.
Miller was bolstcred up in the bed. The
| deep fever flush had left his face, but there
was still a wild brightness i'll his hollow eyes
what do you think" he asked, in {
penetrating whisper. Can one hide {
| crime in the gravel I'VE tired it. Do vol
think it got out again: I'm afraid she ha:
it there, hidden under her apron" noddins
feebly toward the nurse. Then an ag
grieyed expression swept over his face
'Writing ~again-she's always writing.
wish you'd MAKE her stop
LIS my report for the DOCTOR" sale
Mrs. Crane, quietly. He never seemed tt
notice me before a good sign, sir-crank
mess alters isl
May | sec!'' asked Norris, stretching
out his hand. 1t was only his interest il
the condition of the patient which led hin
to ask. but the woman drew back.
Il doubt if you'd make out my hand
write,'' she said, coldly. In read you
bit"
"'7a. m.-Restlcss after the night
Bathed face and hands, and he took a nap.
"'S.-Woke refreshed. Took medicine
and beef-tea. $50 -Asked for water. 9
Changed his position and he dozet
again.
"'10.-A visitor; excites him. The doc
tor ought to stop it
"That'H DO, l guess"
"Thank you. Am 1 really exciting him
Iwould be sorry to do him any harm"
He glanced at the patient, who was watch
ing q sunbeam, and was oblivious for tn
moment to what was gong N.
"He's changeablc. What he don't motto
one minute hurts HIN the next"
"Then I'll go, though | intended tc wai
for the doctor. I'll leave a message for hill
below
But Mr.. Maloney was nowhere to be see
when be reached the bower story, and th