Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1894-07-26

The PRooTEH oaMBu CO. otNIL
her throw up her hands as | laid the
fainting man upon the bed.
4 must go for help at once said
will you dare to stay alone with this
poor fellow while l get the village
doctor?'
She had sunk into a chair, and the
head in the huge bonnet rested upon
the table.
What is it, auntieP l said cheer.
fully, laying my hand on her shoul
der, ARE you frightened? I am sorry
TO 90, but there is no other way
She nodded her head in assent and
waited for nothing, but rushed out
into the storm.
AS luck would have it, ! found the
doctor at home, and in a moments
time he had his horse and gig ready
and we went back together to
the old house.
My rap on the door brought
speedy reply this time, and the silent
black figure led the way to the cham
Der where the stranger lay.
A bottle of spirits stood on the ta'
BILE and beside 1t spoon and glass OF
water.
The doctors quick eye took them
in at glance.
You have given him spirits,
auntie?' he said inquirlngly. She
held up three fingers. Three spoons
iul; quite right auntie, said the doc
tor approvingly, perhaps you have
saved the poor mans life,' and | saw
the shudder that shook her from head
to foot as she turned away and left
us alone with the stranger.
1T was serious blow on lungs al.
ready weakened by disease, the good
doctor said, we could not tell what
the result would be, but meanwhile
we must act the part of good Samari-
tans, and keep him alive if possible.
We got him undressed and into
bed, and left the doctor to admins
ter medicines and restoratives, while
l went in search of our hostess, in the
hope of pelsuading her to prepare us
some refreshment, of which | felt the
need after all my exertion.
She was notin the library, so found
my way out to the kitchen where a
fire had been kindled in the range.
By side Of it, prone on the hard
floor, lay the motionless form of the
old woman.
Here was dilemal What should
we do if the old woman failed us?
lifted her in my arms and bore
her back to the library, and as I did
so the old mysterious thrill passed
over me.
/ laid the still form down upon a
low couch, united the strings of the
black bonnet and gently removed it
from her head.
But whaL was this
A shower of golden curls fell over
my trembling hands, the disfguring
glasses the old woman had worn had
fallen of, and in spite Of the black
skin I knew ! was looking on the
face Of my lost Helenal
| drew the loose black gloves from
her hands, and in an instant I held in
mine the soft white hands of my dar-
ling.
Hastily going back to the kitchen /
siezed pitcher of water, and return
ing, sprinkled part Of its contents ov-
or the delicate black face.
Lighter streaks followed the ap-
plication Of the water, / took my
handkerchief and gently bathed the
quiet face from brow to chin.
At last the blue eyes opened and
looked into mine with frightened
stare.
One hand went up to her head, then
made an effort to reach the obnoxious
bonnet, but | caught it in my own.
There is no need of farther dis
guise, Helena, | said gently, for you
see | know you
! spoke gently, for / saw she was
weak from excitement.
She made no effort to speak, but
folded her hands over her face and II
saw the tears trickling through the
slender fingers.
The sight Of her distress unnerved
me-, I forgot .he past, forgot that 1T
was Silas Gordon's wife who wept and
not my Helenal
I fell upon my knees beside the
,ouch, and would have put my arms
around her, but she gently pushed
NO back.
Poor Horacel she said softly, in
,he old sweet voice / knew so well
Poor Horace, how you must have suf-
Tn.A T-.. ns.l- n.--n.-I