Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-09-20

voice in hopes to catch one single word. Standing behind her was Zach French, intent upon noting some glimmer of in- ta1liRence, as a sailor watches for the first ray of light through the lowering gloom of the horizon. But no glimmer came that day. The lids of Shelton's eyes were not lifted save by Molly's fingers, and then only to find the fixed stare of inconsistencies. Still she kept despair from her soul, and Zach, too, still had hope.
 'If Harry recognizes his captains wife," said French, ''he will find a way to make himself Understood even if he can't talk"
 Yes, 1t was important for him to rec ognize Mrs. Allaire, for by so doing his enthralled senses might be set free. It would be necessary to act with the greatest prudence until he should be- come accustomed to her presence. Lit tie by little his memory would take up the lost clew, and he would be able to express himself by signs, if he could not by words
 Although Mrs. Allaire was counseled not to remain too long on watch by Shelton's bedside, yet she refused to quit the room for a moment. She clung consistently to the head of his bed.
 Shelton may die," she murmured, "and should the word which I am yearn- ing for be uttered with his last gasp, must be there to catch it. I shall not leave him!''
 Towards evening there was a slight change for the better in the mates con- dition. He slowly opened his eyes, but they took no note of Mrs. A1laire's pres ence. She, however, bent her gaze upon him, called him by name, and repeated the words: "John, captain of the Dreadnaught, San Diego;" but they awakened no recollection of his com panions. The dying man still failed to make reply to the oft repeated ques- tions: Is John alive? Is anyone of his crew stHl living? Towards night Shell toms weakness increased, his eyes fell shut, his hands grew cold, as If the lit tie life left within him had retreated to his heart. Would he die without utter ing a word?
 On the following day the physician, alarmed at these signs of collapse, re- sorted to the most vigorous methods of resuscitation; but without effect. It was evident that the man was sinking. Thus were the bright hopes which Shel- tons return had given rise to about to go out in blank despair, the light which his coming had kipdled to be succeeded by a gloom so deep that nothing would be able to dissipate it. This would be the end, yes, the end of all. At Mollys request there was now consultation ot the principal physicians of the city, but hnI lo fY11o Sr,e. ton of the patient they reluctantly de clared the case hopeless.
 "You can do nothing then for this un- fortunate man?" asked Mrs. Allaire.
 eve regret to say, nothing!" replied the physician in charge.
 Mot even bring him back to con- sciousness for a single moment?"
 Willingly would Molly have laid down her whole fortune to have gained this point. But when man fails God is al ways left. It is to Him that helpless man turns with uplifted hands when human resources are powerless to saveI
 The moment the physicians had left the room Molly fell upon her knees by Shelton's bedside, and when Zach opened the door he found her in prayer. He stood for a moment with bowed head, then advanced tiptoe to the head of the bed, in order to satisfy himself whether Shelton were still alive or not
 ''Madaml Madam!' suddenly burst from the seaman's lips. Thinking that French's cry announced that death had come at last, Molly rose to her feet.
 'Is he dead?" she whispered, in a tone SO sad as to smite the honest boats wain's heart
 "No, madam, no! See, his eyes art open, he is looking about him." It was as French had said. From be meath his half-raised lids Shelton's eye'
 burned with strange brilliancy. Colol came to his cheeks, his hands rose anC fell. He had come out of his long continued lethargy, and now his gaz' was riveted upon the captains wife an( | a half smile moved his lips. "He has recognized mel" whispered Molly.
 "Yes," said Zach; ''he sees his cap tain's wife by his bedside-he is tryins ! to speak to her"
 And if he cannot" murmured Mrs | Allaire. ''God grant that he may a least make us understand" | Then as she took Shelton's hand il
 hers a thrill of joy flashed through he form as she felt him feebly return he | pressure.
 "John? John?" she queried with al
 intense eagerness.
 A look from Shelton assured her tha
 she had been understood.
 "Alive?" she whispered. | "Yes!"
 Although that yes was so faint as t
 seem like whisper from another world
 Molly's attentive ear had caught it.
 NEWS OF THE DAY.