The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-09-30
the keeper crleu, eagerly, as if the wish
,rare father IN the thoupht

were father 10 the thought.
Just then another figure joined the
group-Father Andre-fushed and breath
less from fastening to the chateau with
news OF the skirmish in the village. Dl-
rectly he saw the state of affairs he Or
dered the German to be carried instantly
into the chateau.
They carried him slowly to the house,
Father Andre himself assisting. AS they
entered the hall with their burden Blanche
met them and uttered cry of horror.
Who has done this?" she demanded.
mo one can tell" answered the cure.
There has been fighting yonder; that is
all 1 know"
HE is deadl" she moaned, bending
over him
Her tears fell upon MS race. Then
carefully and silently they carried him
upstairs and laid him upon the bed.
They had scarcely done SO when light
foot was heard upon the stair and DR..
Huet entered the room.
What is the matter here9" he de-
manded.
The story was soon told. Bending over
Hartmann the Doctor made hurried e1-
animation.
This is an ugly business. fear there
is no chance for the poor fellow this time.
He has been shot through the back; the
bullet is lodged in the pleura, close to the
heart.
AS he spoke he stripped off his coat and
rolled up his sleeves.
He breathes STILL" he continued.
Bring me hot water and some linen
quickly"
It was Blanche herself who hurried
away to seek what was required.
With face white as death, but SEEM
irely otherwise unmoved, she stood calmly
BY while the Doctor did his terrible work
-probed for the bullet and dressed the
wound; and when all was over the Doctor
and Blanche stood facing each other,
while the young officer lay motionless
Tell me the truth, DR.. Huet," said
Blanche, in terribly calm voice. You
think he must die?"
Yes, fear SO now"
Tell me what to do, persisted Blanche,
1and will watch"
Dr. Huet led her quietly aside.
Keep watch, then, through the night,
since you are quite determined. Now,
take this phial. 1t contains valuable
anodyne, which has already, as you have
seen. greatly soothed the patient. Give
him ten drops of this-ten drops, you will
remember?-in little water ever thirty
minutes; that is to say, twice in the
hour"
Il understand-ten drops"
"Yes. If you should see him sinking
suddenly double the dose-give twenty
even thirty-till he breathes as easily as
he is breathing now"
Il understand"
"If you should miss one dose, or quit
his side for only one short hour, will rot
answer for his life. If you should fall
asleep"
Il Shall not sleep" said the girl, firm
ly, Gs if under inspiration. Angels Of
love will be watching with me. If my
wear eyes should close for moment,
their holy wings will touch them tenderly
and brusi. then Open"
He looked at her quietly for moment;
then be said, shortly:
Good night, Mademoiselle Blanche,
and God bless you!
Good night, DR.. Huet. You will come
in the mo:nrg?"
Il shall be here early-that is, if you do
not send TO me during tho night TO say
that our PIT en-: is dead.
Ind he left tie room.
Blanche turned to he bed, Hartmann,
|, who Was still uucoDs-.ous, "'s moaning
and m.itterins to himself IN the German
Jngue 1he girls eyes filed with tears
Quietly approaching the bedside, she tool
the hand whi"h Law rpon ne coverlet and
pressed it to her lips; then, fearful lest he
should be sinking, measured ten drops OF
the anodyre. and gently. yet almost by
force, placed the glass to his lips. He
drank unconsciously, and after few min
utes his breathing grew calm, and he lay
as if N de ep sleep.
The old housekeeper entered the room
on tiptoe.
You vii! not remain here, mademoi-
selle?" she said. Go to your bed and rest.
I will watch here till morning"
But Blanche was firm; having once
made up her mind to do her duty, she was
resolute to fulfill il. After little time
she dismissed Dame Fevereau for the
night, first seeing that everything was
placed rendy in the sick-room. Not with
out many protestations did the old woman
yield; but at last, seeing that her Young
mistress was resolved, she unwillirgly
took her departure.
The nicht-light was placed burning in
the sh&dow of the dressing-table; the
phial containing the anodyde, with q
couple of glasses of water, was set ready,
and blanche seated herself quietly by tbs
bedside.
TTo BE CONTINUED