The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-03-23

1
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 Mollys
| 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 way
| TO make himself understood even IL 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 It
would be necessary to act with tho
greatest prudence until he should be-
come accustomed TO her presence. Lit
| tie by little his memory would take up
the lost cew, 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
persistently TO the head of his bed.
"Shelton may die" she murmured,
sand should the word which am yearn-
ing for be uttered with his last gasp,
must 5e there TO catch 1t. 1 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. Allaire'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
toms 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 the physician,
alarmed at these signs of collapse, re-
sorted to the most vigorous methods of
resuscitation; but without effect. 1t
was evident that the man was sinking.
Thus were the bright hopes which Shell
tons return had given rise to about to
| go out in blank despair, the light which
| his coming had kindled TO be succeeded
by 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 a 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.
"We regret to say, nothipgw replied
the physician in charge.
"Not 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. 1t is to Him that helpless
man turns with uplifted hands when
human resources are powerless TO save!
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 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 tone
so sad as 10 smitc the honest boats
wain's heart.
mo, madam, no! See, his eyes are
open, he is looking about him"
IL was as French had said. From be-
meath his half-raised lids Shelton's eyes
burned with strange brilliancy. Color
came TO his checks, his hands rose and
fell. He had come out of his long
continued lethargy, and now his gaze
was riveted upon the captains wife and
a half smile moved his lips.
''He has recognized met" whispered
Molly.
YES" said Zach; "hc sees his cap
tain's wife by his bedside--hc 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
pressure.
"John2 JohnP" she queried with an
intense eagerness.
A look from shelton assured her that
she had been understood.
"Alive?" she whispered.
"Yes."
Although that yes was so faint as 10
seem like whisper from another world,
Molly's attentive ear had caught IL.
CONTINUED TOMORROW.