Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-04-02
He assented and handed nm the nee
cessary writing materials. After he had
written it he read it to the colonel.

written it he read it to the colonel.
Mrs. a. /. HAYNES, New York.
Z. s. \. 1856.
Your son was accidentally hurt to-day
while riding out in his carriage. but not
fatally. 1t viii delay his return home at
present. 5. d. BROWN, Surgeon.
Poor mother, how anxious that viii
make her, but it is the best that she should
know at once. When Annie comes let me
know he said as | turned to leave the
room.
forsaken.
81 feel almost guilty for having asked
the colonel to go With me-" she said. us
he dangerously hurt?''
L handed her the message. / thought
that would be the best way to answer her
question. I called servant and the mes
sage was sent with lightning speed away
to grieve mothers heart.
Darling do you know that ball was
aimed at your" I asked, as I led my wife
to sofa. She shuddered but made no an
Swer.
~ heard the fellow swearing because he
missed his aim," I said.
"Can that be true?" she asked 81 won
der if it was the man who swore so fear
he would not wear the colors of any fol-
lower of Parnell in the country. He told
me had better not be meddling with poll
tics, but that 1 had better stay at home
and mind my own business. Did he have
a shock of shaggy red hair about his head
and face?"
THAT describes the man who is now
hanging from tree near where the shoot
Il r L ~,
my side, thankful to my Heavenly Father
for having spared my precious wife to me
a little longer. In the brief pause before 1
knew that she was safe realized how very
dear she was to me.
Chow TERRIBLE" she said, putting her
hands over her eyes, ''to think of the
death of that poor mistaken man!'
But think how terrible he meant it to
be for you and I. Here comes Annie" I
said.
Stella went out to meet her, and, clasp
ing her in her arms led her into the draw
ing-roOm where she told her what she
thought was necessary about the coloners
wound. After while they came to me in
the library and Annie with face so white
and full of sorrow asked if she might see
the colonel.
I would deliver any message she wished.
"Then tell him | am here and that will
come to him as soon as have permission"
The colonel had been listening and wait
ing for word from Annie. AS l opened
the door his eager eyes asked the question
before his lips could utter the words.
eyes, she is here" [ said, going to his
side, land viii come to you as soon as the
surgeon will permit"
''May I see her just a moment, doctor?
I'll lee quiet"
Not till morning." said the surgeon;
"Tm not going to risk anything now, SO
send your message"
''Bless her dear, loving hearth exclaim-
ed the colonel. 1T makes me feel better
to know that she is here. But tell her not
to grieve for me-"
When 1 returned to the ladies [ found
Sir Wren had arrived. He had remained
at the polls until the count had been an
nounced, and had come to tell me the re-
suit, and hear from our friend.
You are elected by IA big majority! How
is the colonel?" he asked, grasping my
hand.
'Better; very comfortable now. The
surgeon has ordered perfect quiet, and he
has taken his position as nurse to enforce
his order"
81 am elected" said, as we entered che
drawing-room where Stella and Annie
were sitting.
But we came near making terrible
sacrifice for it'' said Sir Wren. What
could the wretch have thought"
Hard to tell" l said, II almost think
the fellow was insane, but he can never
explain his motives now"
81 would not be surprised that we heard
of good many desperate things before the
returns for this election are all ill.," said
Sir Wren. "Weu, how's your hero?"
he asked of Annie, as he took his place on
the sofa beside Annie. She leaned her
head upon her fathers shoulder and found
comfort in a Woman's balm-a flood tears.
Through the long evening, Myrtle, with
a noiseless step brought frequent reports
from the sick mans room. She had taken
her position by the surgeons side to do
his bidding from the moment of our arri-
val.
Chow is your patient now" | asked, as
she came and perched herself on her favor
ite seat upon my knee.
''He is sleeping now. Pm not to go back
again tonight, butin the morning I may
come early the doctor said"
81 sent MelvOrne a message telling him
of the cOlonels hurt and that we would
not be at Blue Ridge as we had anticipat-
ed. I also sent word Of your election"
said Sir Wren, as he babe me goodnight.
The next morning Annie and Myrtle
took their positions as assistant nurses to
the sick man, and the dainty mOrSelS Of
food and cool drinks that found their way
into the colonel's room were evidence Of
tender care.
Annie was happy when the professional
nurse that the surgeon had sent would al
low her the pleasure of caring for Fred, as
she now called the colonel At his request
she had discarded all the formal names.
The colonel continued to improve from
day to day, though great care was necces-
soru tn nravAnt fever When Annie was
by his side, reading or talking TO MN, ne
udy Wueu he was uedr1y well, DIS L
went to his room, he said:
Lloyd, am glad l was hurt. 1 have
learned to know Armies sweet disposition
and gentle nature as l never could in any
other way"
''She is dear, good GIRL" I said, ''I can
promise you that. We have always known
each other.'
"Now, when leave here, I shall know
what a precious darling I am coming back
for" he continued as though he had not
| henrd nv words
i just Jnen Annie came INTO the room,
bright and happy, with plate of tempting
| food, which she had prepared for him her
self.
what are you going to busy yourself
| about, Annie, when your Fred gets well?"
! | asked.
! ''Think of what pleasure it was to wait