The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1894-04-25
LANCASTER, S. c.. APRIL 25, 1894.

over i,;;o and kissed him. why, you
are quite feverish," she said. "I
must make you some lemonade be-
fore | go. What chill you must
have taken"
Again the deacon felt q convincing
shiver. He lifted his head and looked
at his niece "If you bought that
new dress" he said, his thrifty soul
asserting itself, "you can go; but you
mustn't go off walking after It's over,
An you an Sary'd better go to prayer
meetin' next time an learn how to die.
His head fell back instantly. He
groaned more loudly than before. His
last word had sent sudden, grue-
some apprehension to his heart.
"Why, what is it, Uncle3 A pain3"
The deacon waved his hand impatient
ly. go away" he said, in q husky
voice, "go to your dancing an your
singing, an your mirth-making. Go,
Margaret, an leave helpless old
man alone to die"
II will not go II you nro sick, OF
course, uncle; but 2 shink 1t Is
saly-n
II am a very sick mani" he inter
rupted, in hollow whisper, "an' Pm
growing sicker every minute"
iii send James for the doctor,
uncle, shall I2'
The deacon moved restlessly. He
put his hand to his forehead and took
it away again, hastily. 1t was hot
and dry. 1t startled him. Tears
sprang to his eyes.
"1'm dreadful sick man." he
mooned; 'I'm on my dying bed,
Marg' ret"
Margaret smoothed back his tum-
bled hair.
ooh, no" she said, "the doctor'll
cure you. I'll go out and send for
him now"
Tell James to hurry; tell him
His lips refused to utter the dread
ful word. He gaspcd and look ed with
mute entreaty at his neice.
Mcg's calmness rcassured him
somewhat, but her parting word again
set his heart futtering.-
"Oh, the doctor won't let you die, "
she said, leaving the room.
She returned presently, bearing q
bowl OF thorougwort tea. Sarah fol-
lowed, spoon and napkin in her
hand. She came up and looked at
the deacon with close attention
which greatly enhanced his alarm.
She placed her fingers on his pulse
and counted the hurried throbs.
I'm studying with father" she
explained. ~ mean to be doctor.
you know, Deacon Albany"
The deacon made feeble Llotion
with his lips. Sarah stopped to lis
ten. Save me, Sairy," he whispered,
don't let mc-die."
II will do what car, Deacon Al
Lords hands"
Tho deacon groar4. Saud Pc Her
gravity confirmed his fears, her words
sent an icy chill to his heart. How
often he had used them, when, stand
ing by n sick-bed, he had strivcn
with the impenitent sinner. Life
and DEATH" he had said, "and you
poor sinful creature, you've got deatl,
to face now. Tho Lord has summoned
ye i'm the midst Of your sins, and We
can't get away from death"
His eyes filled with sudden smart
ing tears. He felt n sudden, fierce
pity for the dying sinners. He wished
he had been more gentle with them.
He turned upon his pillow and lay
with his face to the wall. He could
not bear the sight of the fresh young
faces.
Meg stole quietly from the room,
Sarah heard her putting more wood in
the stove. But the deacon heard
nothing. From his troubled heart
rose the troubled cry: Il amt ready
yet, Lord. Oh, Lord, let me live
let me live"
In II short time Meg returned. II
thought I'd have some hot water
ready" she said. "The doctor NAV
want It. He seems feverish, don't
you think ?"
"They always do in such cases.
returned Sarah, oracularly. "It is in
evitablc.
Low as was her voice the deacon
caught the words. Again he uttered
deep groan. Both Sarah and Mea
stopped over him. what Is itY'
they asked. Where Is the pain?''
More loudly still the deacon
groaned. He could not speak. Hi.
mind was occupied with those fate
full words-''in such cases" Sh,
knew it then! She, the daughter o.
doctor, almost n doctor herself, she
knew the symptoms Of poisoning.
Groan after groan escaped from be
tween his set lips; he extended his
limbs and lay In an al most rigid po
sition. He closed mis- eyes and
breathed heavily in the intervals be,
tween the groans.
Meg stood beside him and smootheC
his hair, passing her cool hand over
his damp forehead from time to time
Her nearness, the sense OF sympathy
it impaired, gave him comfort, bu,
1t did not ease the load upon his heart
He moved his head restlessly, fixing
his heavy eyes upon Sarah, who stood
at the foot of the bed.
Father, II be here directly" she
said, reassuringly.
He can't help me, no one car
help mol" he cried out, suddenly
I'm dying-dying--dyingp
oh, no, Deacon Albany" replied