The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-08-15

| ne MISSED some Iamtliar presence, and 0sl
Pompcy IL Major Darlington had come ii
yet, and receive with cver-rccurring sur
prise the intelligence that he had not.
Pompey had taken care OF him so long tina
ne knew just how TO humor every whin
and make him comfortable. He was
splendid fellow, . perfect specimen Of hi
| race; tall, stalwart. and with keen intelli
gencc which would have done credit Il
many in higher station. His devotion Il
his unfortunate charge was untiring, anl
no Inconvenience was too great to suffer II
his interest. Oracle shared in his pro
tective love, and he was never weary o,
contributing to her pleasure with songs OF
stories, which were fully appreciated BY tho
child.
Lottie returned at the time appointed
and was once more domiciled in her room
She was 80 much better now that she could
walk short distances easily without her
crutch, and her face, sweet and pure al.
ways, was iliumined with q soft glow OF
happiness which rendered it doubly charm
ing.
DR. COnroy, though an undemonstrative
man, could not control his eyes, and
watched her with devouring look which
plainly showed his heart. and the tendes
care which the bluff, stalwart doctor showed
toward his fragile little patient was touch.
ing; even the gentle little mother had been
entirely willing TO surrender her darling
into his keeping when she saw his devotion
and ner love for him.
The family would remove TO Philadelphia
| IN short time, and already neat little
cottage had been engaged for them BY
the doctor, who had entered into the life OF
the little mother and the kind father with
the warm interest of q son.
Pompey was intending to return to Elm
Park with his charge in few days when
an event occurred which materially altered
all plans in the household. 1t had been rain
ing, and the streets were in slippery and
uncomfortable state which precluded walk
ing or driving.
Chester Darlington was in the gloomy,
br0oding state of mind which always, in .
greater or less degree, accompanied low,
depressing state Of the atmosphere, and
which was particularly aggravated by an
electric storm.
Pompey had followed him closely, and
striven patiently to amuse or turn his mind
upon pleasant topics, but he had shown
himself strangely impatient Of control, and,
sending his attendant upon some fanciful
errand, he managed to slip away unobserved
and wandered out upon the street.
Pompey was greatly alarmed when he re-
turned and found his charge missing and
many moments OF valuable time was spent
searching the large house, in the hope that
he had gone into some of the rooms.
Isabel shared POmpcys alarm fully when
she learned the sit uation. Mr.. Falconer
was not at home and Tom was out on an
errand. 50 Pompey rushed out alone upon
his search, eagerly inquiring Of each police
man and putting them upon the lookout.
No one had noticed the missing man, and
Pompey started for the police headquarters
in search Of assistance. He was fastening
along crowded thoroughfare when his At
tention was caught by the familiar form Of
the object Of his search in advance Of him:
he was crossing street, and Hompey OBJ
served with horror that he was directly in
the path of swift-coming carriage, the
driver Of which seemed to be gesticulating
and shouting, but poor Chester Darlington,
his white locks streaming in the March
wind, was also gesticulating and talking to
himself, as he often did in his present state
OF mind. and paid no attention. The driver
pulled savage,y on the lines, the horses
reared and plunged, but their impetus was
such that they could not stop quickly
enough, and poor unfortunate Chester Car
I'LL VIII III pain 0akul IA 06uulLCQ xOInHSy,
was lying stunned and senseless on tho
crossing.
There were plenty Of willing hands 70 lift
the injured man and help Pompey to
carry him where surgical assistance could
be sent for, and . messenger dispatched
for Mr.. Falconer, who was soon on the
spot.
An examination proved that the injury
was on the head, which had come in contact
with the sharp hoof Of one Of the horses.
Its miracle that he was not killed in
stantly," said the surgeon. gravely, as he
looked up from the examination; s.you had
better get him home as soon rs possible
will he live, do you thinkl" Mr.. Fall
coner asked the question anxiously; he
dreaded the effect Of the shock on Isabel.
ut is impossible to predict" replied the
surgeon. III this was the first injury, and
he was In full bodily strength, there would
be more hope and he shook his head doubt
fully.
lsabcrs heart sank within her when
Pcmpey appeared alone, GREATNESS with his
haste, and with his honest, black face con-
vulsed with grief. It was the first time in
her life she had faced such tragical event,
and she almost tainted with dread as Pom
pey, told his story, his voice cholsed with
emotion.
Mrs. Nontford came ct once to the rescue
with her brave heart and strong hands,
and while Isabel gave way to her uncon-
trollable grief, she quickly made . bed ready
for the reception Of the poor, limp form,
which now appeared in sight, borne on q
stretcher by strong hands.
sBe brave, my darling whispered Mr.
Falconer, as he took his Borrowing wife in
his arms brief moment, after the father
had been laid on his bed and the men had
departed; "while there 10 life there is hope,
and every thing which human skill can do
shall be done for him.
skull, near the spot where the irst injury
had been received, and this was carefully
shaven and treated In the best possible
manner by the surgeon, who, with DR.. Con-
roy, had accompanied the sad procession.
He lay unconscious still with tiuttering
breath, and q faint, irregular beating Of the
heart only to tell that he was yet alive.
kilograms were at once sent to Major
Darlington and Mrs. Pembroke, and then
the family, with Dr. Conroy, settled down
to anxious waiting for further develop
ments.
1t was nearly midnight when he aroused
from his deathly stupor: DR.. Conroy had
:? ! : 81 W.