The Iola register., 1891-02-13

my steps, when / was startled by sud-
den sound. 1t was low moan of intense
pain-a s:nothered cry that seemed to be
wrung from some animal in torture. l
turned in the direction whence it came,
and saw lying face ""wnwardS on the
grass, boy-a little fruit seller OF eleven
or twelve years of age. Ills basket OF
wares stood beside him, 4 tempting pile
of peaches, grapes, pomegranates and
melons-lovely but dangerous eating in
cholera times 1 touched the lad on the
shoulder.
'.What ails you?" 1 asked. He
twisted himself, conyulsively, and turned
his face towards me, a beautiful face,
though livid with anguish.
1.-The plague, signorr he moaned,
1.-THE plague! Keep away from me, for
the love of God! l am dying!"
l hesitated. For myself I had no
fear. But my wife-my child-for their
sakeS it was necessary to be prudent.
Yet could not leave this poor boy un-
assisted. resolved to 60 to the har-
bour in search of medical aid. With
this idea in my mind 1 spoke cheer
fully.
Courage my boy" said, ''do not
lose heart! All illness is not the plague.
Rest here till return; l am going to
fetch a doctor"
The little fellow looked at me with
wondering, pathetic eyes, and tried to
smile. He pointed to his throat and
made an effort to speak, but vainly.
Then he crouched down in the grass and
writged in tortue like hunted animal
wounded to death. / left him and walked
on rapidly; reaching the harbour, where
the heat was sulphurouS and intense, i
found a few scared-looking men stand
ing aimlessly about, to whom l ex-
planned the boys case, and appealed for
assistance. They all hung backbone
of them would accompany me, not even
for the gold l offered. Cursing their
cowardice, l hurried on in search of a
physician, and found one at last-a SAL
low Frenchman, who listened with OBJ
yious reluctance to my account Of the
condition in which had left the little
fruit seller, and at the end shook his
head decisively and refused TO move.
HE is as good as dead" he observed,
with cold brevity. Better call at the
house of the MiSericordia; the brethren
will fetch his body"
''Whaty'' cried; you will not try Il
you can save him?"
The Frenchman bowed with Satirical
sUavity.
Monsieur must pardon me! My own
health would be seriously endan.
gered by touching a cholera corpse.
Allow me TO wish monsieur the good
day."
And he disappeared, shutting his door
in my face. | was thoroughly eXasper-
ated, and though the heat and the f9tid
odour of the sun-baked streets made me
feel faint and sick, l forgot all danger
for myself as / stood in the plague
stricken city, wondering what l should
do next to obtain SuccOur. y grave kind
voice Saluted my ear.
You seek aid, ny SOM"
/ looked up. 4 tall monk, whose
cowl partly concealed his pale but reso-
lutte features, stood at my Side-one Of
those heroes who, for the love of Christ,
came forth at that terrible time and
faced the peStllence fearlesSiy where the
blatant boasterS Of no religion scurried
away like frightened hares from the
very scent of danger. l greeted him
with an obeisance, and explained my er-
rand.
II will go at once" he said, with an
accent of pity in his voice. But | fear
the worst. l have remedies with me; i
may not be too late"
81 will accompany you" l said eager
Iy. lone would not let a dog die un-
aided; much less the poor lad who seems
! friendless-"
The monk looked at me attentively as
we walked on together