The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1892-12-31

his wandering across CEN
trail Australia. A sinking fit might at
any moment extinguish the spark of
life still agiow within him. Since he
had been in this hospital it would have
been impossible for him to open his
eyes without the attendants knowing
whether he had regained consciousness
or not. He took no notice OF those who
nourishment to him as to
u sick child. 1t seemed as If the awful
sufferings to which he had been ex-
posed had So weakened his mind as to
destroy all recollection of companions.
Seated by his bedside. with her gaze
riyeted upon his face Mrs. Allaire
watched every movement of his eyelids.
listened to every faint murmur Of his
voice in hopes to catch one single word.
Standing behind her was Zach French.
intent upon noting some glimmer OF in
telligence, as 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.
III Harry recognizes his captains
WIFE" said French, "he will find way
to make himself understood even II he
can't talk"
Yes, it was important for him to rec
ognize Mrs. Allaire, for by SO doing his
enthralled senses might be set free. 1t
l. % nat nd hn
greatest prudence until he should be-
come accustomed to her presence. Lit
tie by little his memory would take up
the lost clew, and no would be able to
express himself by signs, II he could not
by words.
Although Mrs. Allaire was counseled
snet-to remain TOO long on watch by.
Shelton's bedside, yet she refused to
quit the room for q. moment. She chung
persistently to the head of his bed. =
"Shelton may die" she murnured,
land should the word which am yearn-
ing for be uttered with his last gasp, !
must be there to catch it. / shall not
leave himl"
Towards evening there was slight
change for the better in the mates con-
dition. lie slowly opened his eyes, but
they took no note of Mrs. Allaire's pres
enee. 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
tons weakness Increased, his eyes fell
shut, his hands grew cold, as II the lit
tie life left within him had retreated TO
his heart Would he die without utter
ing word?
On the following day thc physician,
alarmed at these signs of collapse, re-
sorted to the most vigorous methods OF
resuscitation; but without effect. 1t
was ev.dcnt that the man was sinking.
Thus were the bright hopes which Shell
toms return had given rise to about to
go out in blank despair, the light which
his coming had lsindled 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 Molly's
request there was now a consultation OF
the principal physicians of the city, but
after they had made careful eXamina.
| ton of the patient they reluctantly de-
clared the case hopeless.
"You can do nothing then for this un-
fortunate man?" asked Mrs. Allaire.
I'VE regret to say, nothing" replied
the physician in charge
Not even bring him back to con-
1 scippsness fpr single moment?"
< s. IT5(S n S{e,3y have laid down
j q = have gained this
:. W ia fails God is al
= \ 81 53 ftign that helpless
: 'Ilis Eslrns II iitn npIifted hands when
human resources are powerless to save!
FThe moment the physicians. had left
the room Molly fell upon her knees by
Sbelton's bedside, and when Zach
Isopened the door he found her in prayer
I He stood for a moment with bowed
head. then advanced tiptoe to the head
I.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.
''ls he dead?" she whispered, in tone
SO sad as to snite the honest boats
wain's heart.
mo, madam, no! See, his eyes are
open, he is looking about him."
II was as French had said. From be-
meath his half-raised lids Shelton's eyes
burned with strange brilliancy. Color
came to his cheeks, his hands rose and
fell. He had come out of his long
continued lethargy. and now his gaze
was rivetcd upon the captains wife and
q 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 trying
TO speak to her."
And il he cannot" murmured Mrs.
Allaire. God grant that he may at
least make us understand"
Then as she took Shelton's hand in
hers thrill of Joy flashed through her
form as she felt him feebly return her
epressure.
John? John?" she queried with an
intense eagerness.
look from Shelton assured her that
she had been understood.
'Alive?" she whispered.
"Yesr'
seem like whisper from another world.
Molly's attentive ear had caught it.