The morning call., 1890-07-06

flowers that had been chosen for her. She stood
leasing heavily upon wooden table for support !;
her eyes were as bright as steel, and the crimson
spots on either cheek were not due TO an over
dose OF rouge. III everybody had not been In
such hustle, her quick heavy breathing might
have attracted attentions but, as it was. every
body was too much engaged to give the lonely
girl one thought, and Vic was attring in another
room. But she found time to hurry into her
friend before her call into the ring
Ruby are" but she could not finish her sen.
tence; the words died upon her lips. In mo-
ment she saw something was wrong with the
beautiful girl dressed with such care for the
pleasure OF the gaping public who never care to
inquire the price paid for their amusement She
paused in the doorway and then spoke again, but
with deep anxiety in her voice.
Ruby, what Is the matter?"
But the child only gasned out, Nothing, Vic;
.'Soon be all right" repeated the GIRL "why,
You are much worse-much. Pll 60 and fetch
some ODe."
she was gone before Ruby had time 10 utter
But help never came; for Vie encountered the
signor Just outside the door. In few hurried
words she explained Ruby's condition. But the
signor put up his hand in a stern manner. Stay
where you are That girl and understand one
another, There Is the bell-go /"
de- followed her into the ring. Vic rode fear
lessly and without fault, usual; but her
thoughts were with Ruby and she hardly heard
the applause which greeted her daring aud reek-
less performance She trembled with a sicken-
ing Tear Tor her friend. There were only the
actobats TO show, ana then came the call for
Ruby.
There was the crack of heavy whIp. the thud
OF horses hoofs and silent audience eagerly
watching the riding of Ruby. There was the
trainer who followed her around, and whose
cruel keen eyes were fixed upon both horse and
rider. Ii was beautiful, the people thought, to
see that graceful child, her cheeks flushed aud
her golden cufls resting naturally on the classic
marble brow. But John Hayward was among
the lines gazing at The little rider. Surely he had
seen that lace before Or was 1t only chance
resemblance 10 his child, for whom he had
sought so long and SO patiently? He had pie
tured her as just such child. He had been
disappointed often that he dare not think he
had found her at last.
Suddenly cry OF suppressed '0hs" rose from
the crowded house; the child had swerved and
fallen. The grooms entered the ring and
mounted her again. Crack went the whip. Her
checks grew brighter: she made a despeI ate
effort TO keep her balance. Tie first scarf was
jumped, the audience applauded; the second was
missed-she fell with thud the sawdust
The ringmastcr helped her up and spoke to h er
In Whisper but his face grew set and stern and
lie glared at the trembling child. He mounte ed
her again. The spectators were silent, they
hall interested and half ashamed. But when
they saw the light crimson blood trickling down
her face and failing in hideous spots upon the
pure white gauze, they grew uncomfortable. But
then II was nothing she couldn't he much hurt,
Tor crack went the whip. She was going TO ride
again.
Suddenly she FELL and a manly voice called
out: "Shamei shamel" The house took up the
call, and "Shamep came laundering from all
parts OF the tent, followed by Yolley OF Kisses.
The child rider did not open her eyes. She lay
in the ring. half supported by her trainer, and
then she was carried out.
ADed In her lodging an hour later, poor little
Ruby had not opened her eyes. She lay with her
head OF .curls resting upon one thin white hand.
she dld not know that her beloved father kept
watch by her side. John Hayward had forced
his way 10 her, and had Identified her as his lost
child.
Now and then she moaned as If in main and
one hdnd that rested on the coYeret moved con-
yulslvely. Then her father would stoop and ISIS
the feyered lips and stroke, oh, so gently, her
tumbled golden hair. After which she would lie
more peacefully.
During those moments of rest he would, with
all The passion OF griet-strcken SOU, call upon
God Tor help. A silent prayer fed from the
fathers heart up TO the great gllstening throne
in Paradise. Its cry was exceedingly bitter; its
ulterahee was: 40 Godl spare my child, my
only Treasure; be merciiul!"
The father waited. He could do no more. He
moaned in the bitterness OF his heart. 'She shall
not del cannot give her up-I cannot"
she moved again resllessly. He spoke to her.
Ruby-dear Ruby don't you know me? You
VIII get well for my sake. Ruby, look at me-"
She mosne d, and drew a heavy sigh; but she
his presence was as nothing.
Suddenly distressed voice broke the stiffness
OF The sick. room. 'Vicl Vie Where is Vic I?
Fetch Wei"
/" Here am, Ruby darling" was the response.
" Don't you know me, my darling? See, Vic
has brought you flowers
She took one or TWO OF the blossoms and nut
them into the chds parched hand. Then she
kissed her gently.
VIZ JUST cULnc lIOlD the performances, ana
with no delay had sought the bedside OF her pet.
John Hayward recognized her instantly. A
moment later her eyes fell on him. Their hands
clasped. But there was something more mo-
mentous TO them on this occasion than greetings
the child moved again uneasly ana moaned:
"ficl Vie? Fetch me Vie; why doesn't she
Gomez Oh, do bring her I"
"Nic Is here, my petW But he could say no
more; he put his hands over bis eyes, and Tears
trlekled through bis slender fingers. Then lie
murmuied, My God, my God help me TO
bear II !"
There was a pause for one second 1t seemed
Ike weeks TO the anxious watchers. Then
she moved uneasily; the flowers dropped
from her hand, and lay wthered by
the cruel heat OF fever She grew rest