Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-06-08


tho natives, and had he succeeded In
making his escape? Where had he left
his companions, II any OF them were
still alivc2 Could II be that he was the
last survivor OF the Inflated ship
wrecked fourteen years ago2 Up 10
this moment not one Of these questions
had received an answer. There did not
cease 20 be, however, a great desire
everywhere manifested as 10 where
Harry Shelton had come from, what his
lie had been since the wreck OF the
Dreadnaught on the reefs Of Browse isl.
and, in word, TO have tho mystery
cleared up.
Harry Shelton was carried 10 the near.
est point In railway communication with
Sidney and thence 70 that city. The
news Of his arrival In the capital was
first made public by the Morning Jour
nal, extracts from which article have al.
ready been given, from which II APP
peared that the mate Of the clipper ship
had not as yet recovered consciousness
sufficiently 10 reply 10 questions put TO
him.
Mrs. Allaire never would have recog-
nlzed Shelton, so changed was he. Al.
though only forty-six, he had the ap-
pearance OF man OF sixty. This man,
or, rather, this pitiable wreck OF hu.
manity, was the only human being able
10 tell what had become OF Capt. John
and his crew. Up till now the most
tender nursing had been Intellectual TO
bring about improvement In Shelton's
condition, a condition due 10 doubt TO
the terrible fatigues undergone during
the weeks-who can say, possibly
months-of his wandering across cen.
trail Australia. A sinking 1T might at
any moment extinguish the spark Of
life still aglow within him. Since he
had been in this hospital II would have
been impossible for him TO open his
eyes without the attendants knowing
whether he had regained consciousness
or not, lie took no notice Of those who
administered nourishment 10 him rs 10
a sick child. II seemed as II the awful
sufferings TO which he had been ex.
posed had so weakened his mind as 10
destroy all recollection Of companions
Seated by his bedside, with her gaze
riveted upon his face, Mrs Allaire
watched every movement OF his eyelids
listened 10 every faint murmur Of his
voice In hopes 10 catch one single word
Standing behind her was Zach French
intent upon noting some glimmer Of In.
tclligencc, as a sailor watches for the
first ray Of light through the lowering
gloom Of the horizon. hut no glimmcr
came that day The lids Of Shclton's
eyes were not lifted save by Mony's
fingers, and then only TO find the fixed
stare of unconsciousncss. still She kept
despair from her soul, and Zach, too
still had hope.
"If Harry recognizes his captains
wife" said French, "hc will find way
TO make himself understood even II he
can't talk"
Yes, IL was important for him TO rec,
ognize Mrs Allairc, for by 50 doing his
enthralled senses might be set free. II
would be necessary 10 act with the
greatest prudence until he should be-
come accustomed to her presence. Lit
tie by little his memory would take NJ
the lost clcw, and he would be able To-
express himself by signs, II he could not
by words
Although Mrs Allairc was counseled
not TO remain too long on watch by
Sheltons bedside, yet she refused TO
quit the room for a moment She chung
to the head Of his bed
shelton may die" She murmurcd,
and should the word which am ycarn.
ing for bc uttered with his last gasp,
must bc there TO catch H. shall not
leave himi"
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. Allairc'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.
panlons The dying man still failed TO
make reply to the oft repeated qucs-
tons Is John alive2 Is anyone Of his
crow still living2 Towards night Shell
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 the physician,
alarmed at these signs of collapse, re-
sorted TO the most vigorous methods OF
rosuscitation; but without effect II
was evident that the man wns 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 IL. This would be
the end. yes, the end OF all At Molly's
request there was now n 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 I'M
fortunate man2" asked Mrs. Allaire
1--WE regret TO say, nothing" replied
the physician In charge
Not even bring him back to con-
sciousness for single moment?"
Willingly would Molly have laid down
her whole fortune TO have gained this
point but when man fails God ia al
ways left IL is TO Him that helpless
man turns with uplifted hands when
human resources are powerless TO savel
Tho 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.
lie stood for moment with bowed
head, then advanced tiptoe TO the head
OF the bed, in order 10 satisfy himself
whether Shelton were still alive or not
"Madaml Madaml" suddenly burst
from the seaman's lips.
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