The Neihart herald. [volume] (Neihart, Mont.) 1890-1901, 1892-09-03
RAPPINGABURGLAR

WoiIlly odCu udy SocIIlS DuolcI tilol1
the last, and I'm no longer a young
man
Nellie West, the doctors only
child, CT tossed the room to the arm
chair in which her father had thrown
himself, and, placing her cool hands
on his forehead, said:
"Well, l have an idea, daddy, that
might meet the circumstances. Why
don't you advertise for some n to
take charge of the practice while you
take a three months holiday? Rest
and change Of scene would soon set
you up again
"And you would enjoy the CONT
mental scamper, eh, DEAR" replied
the doctor with a smile.
"Oh, no! 1t would be nonsense
for me to go. A man is so much
freer and can get on so much better
by himself. Besides What Mel
lie Vests additional aso was for
refusing to take part in the proposed
trip did not transpire, for she hUr-
riedly checked her speech and turned
to pour out the doctors tea.
For more than a dozen years DIR.
West had practiced in the struggling
parish of Bewley-Stratton, and dur
ing that time his daily rounds had
extended, and the calls upon his skill
had increased by leaps and bounds.
He was making money rapidly, and
hoped in the course of a few years to
retire from the profession. For this
reason he had abstained from taking
a partner, while he had all the coun-
try doctors objection to the services
Of a strange assistant, who, fresh
from the hospitals, would be anxious
to try all sorts of new tangled" eX-
periments. But of late the work had
been too heavy for his strength, and
after duly considering Nellie's propo-
sition he determined to adopt it.
An advertisement a inserted,
several replies were received, III
ouiries were made into the standing,
etc, of the applicants, and a choice
was made Of a certain Charles St.
John. who seemed perfectly suitable
for the position of locum tenens dur
inc the doctors absence. Mr.. st.
JOHN sent a testimonial from a Brigh-
ton medical man with whom, he
wrote. he had lived for six months
after leaving Guys. DR.. West wrote
to Brighton and received a short but
satisfactory reply, and barely a fort
night had elapsed from the date OF
the conversation recorded above ere
Charles St. John made his appear
ance at Bewley-Stratton.
He arrived late in the evening, and
after a n~ondescript meal, which was
tea and supper in one, retired to his
room, pleading fatigue after his jour
new. Nellie West had seemed strange
ly agitated hat day, and when the
newcomer had said good night she
crept UP to her fathers chair, ano
nesting on the hearthrug at his feet
said in a low tone:
L don't like him a bit, dad
You don't, dcaf1e:
.sNot a bit. He looks crafty, do
ceitful; you know l can always reae
faces. and I'm sure"-
IT know you fancy you a do 50,
laughed her father, but this IS non
sense I'm sure st. John NIGH
please any woman, so far as appear
,ooo ORC concerned. [ only hope
nv lady patients won't be Fascinated
with him and persuade him to set VI
in opposition to me-
you know there is no fear Of that
dear" answered Nellie fondly; m,
dad is too much liked-too much re
spected-for any stranger to lnJur'
him in this place. But, dad, l want
ed to ask you and the speake
paused.
We'll, ask away, dear. What
it,"
"You haven't heard anything of
of Fred lately, have YOU"
The doctor rose quickly from hl
chair.
Il thought l had requested yo
never to mention that scoundrel
name again." and the usually calr
voice rang in the tone Of suppresse
anger.
II know know" and there wa
the sound of tears in the girls voice
But are we never to forgive thos
who iniure us? How can we hope
be forgiven if
You have nothing to forgive, r.
ma,nber," said the doctor IN tn
same harsh voice. Il was the on
- injured, and it Is not your place
Nellie, to preach to your fathel
Good night, dear" and though h
: kiss was as fond as ever there Wa
something in the speakers voit
i. which told the weeping girl that tn
subject must be dropped.
But although Nellie retired to he
|, room, it was not to sleep. She So
4 patiently in a chair till the cloc
chimed Ii, and then wrapping he
self in q shawl she crept quietl
8 down the stairs, and opening a doc
in the rear of the house stole throug
the shrubbery and reached the wa
, of the kitchen garden, in which w;
. a small gate communicating with
lane. Opening the gate with a tren
bling hand she found herself almo
Immediately clasped in the arms
a tall, athletic young fellow, who's
shabby attire poorly matched h
clear cut and aristocratic features.
my darling Nellie" he murmure
in passionate tones.
ooh, Fred, how could you ask II
to meet you at such an hourG" al
the girl shivered more in apprehe
sion than from cold as she spoke.
Because I knew you would