Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1895-07-25

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in the direction whence it came, and
saw lying face downwards on the
grass boy-a little fruit seller Of
eleven years Of age. His basket Of
wares stood beside him, a tempting
pile of peaches. grapes. pomegranates
and melons-lovely but dangerous eat
ing in cholera times. I touched the
lad on the shoulder.
What ails your asked. He twist
cd himself convulsively. and turned
his face towards me, a beautiful face,
though livid with anguish.
"The plague! signor" he moaned,
''the plague! Keep away from me, for
the love of God! l am dying"
l hesitated. For myself l had no
fear. But my wife-my child-for
their sakes it was necessary to be pru-
dent. Yet could not leave this poor
boy unassisted. l resolved to go to
the harbor in search Of me dical aid.
With this idea in my mind l spoke
cheerfully.
Courage, my boy" 1 said, do not
lose heart! All illness is not the
plague. Rest here till return; am
going to fetch DOCTOR"
The little fellow looked at me with
wondering, pathetic eyes, and tried to
smile. He pointed to his throat. and
made an effort to speak, but vainly.
Then he crouched down in the grass
and writhed in torture like a hunted
animal wounded to death. l left hirl
and walked on rapidly; reaching the
harbor, where the heat was sulphur
Gus and intense, found a few scared
looking men standing aimlessly about,
to whom l explained the boys case
and appealed for assistance. They all
hung backbone of them would ac-
company me, not even for the gold
offered. Cursing their cowardice,
hurried on in search of physician,
and found one at last-a sallow
Frenchman, who listened with obvi-
Gus reluctance to my account of the
condition in which l had left the little
fruit seller. and at the end shook his
head decisively and refused to move.
HE is as good as dead" he observed
with cold Drevity. Better call at the
house of heMisericordia; the brethren
will fetch his body
What" cried; will you not try if
you can save him?'
The Frenchman bowed with satirical
suayity.
Monsieur must pardon me! my
own health would be seriously endan-
gered by touching cholera corpse.
Allow me to wish monsieur the good
day."
And he disappeared, shutting his
door in my face. l was thoroughly
ov nd
the fetid odor of the Sun-baked streets
made Inc feel faint and sick, I forgot
all danger for myself as stood in the
plaguc-stricken city, wondering what
/ should do next to obtain succor. A
grave kind Of voice saluted my ear.
you seek aid, my sonY'
looked up. A tall monk, whose
cowl Iartly concealed his pale but res
dilute features, stood at my side-onc
Of those heroes who, Tor the love Of
Christ, came forth at that terrible
time and faced the pestilence fearless
ly where the blatant boosters of no re-
ligion scurried away like frightened
hares from the very scent Of danger
I greeted him with an obeisance, and
explained my errand.
VIII 20 dI .'uce, lie sdiu, Will oil
accent of pity in his voice "But fear
the worst. have remedies with me;
may not be too late"
II will accompany you," 1 said
eagerly. Zone would not let dog die
unaidcd; mech less the poor lad who
seems friendless."
The monk looked at me attentively
as we walked on together.
"You are not residing In Naples?"
he asked.
I gave him my name, which he
knew by repute, and described the po-
sition of my villa.
upon that height we enjoy perfect
health" added. II cannot under