The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1895-07-05
RISING SUN, CECIL COUNTY. Md, FRIDAY JULY

out of the hands of the affab1e young
man with the diamond pin he would
have abandoned 1903 and fled. But the
day of grace was past.
He went down the marble steps into
the street. The first object to greet him
was notice of sheriff's sale tackled on
to an unfinished building. Yes, the
bomb had burst. Like an echo of his
thought tumult Of noises rose behind
him. Yells of Take care" "Look
outp pierced the clatter of the wheels
and the mad gallop of hoofs. But he
never saw the peril-the heavy wagon,
the frenzied horses and pallid driver.
They were on him before he could turn
his head. The Mortified people closed, in
the wake of the runaway, over tram
pied heap of clothes, pulled from under
the wreck of wagon. Something like
dripping red blotch. with black circle
jammed over it, meant a mans head
under his hat. The driver limped up
presently. His first inquiry after his
horses having been gratified by the sight
of them, with heads hanging, knees
trembling and standing i'll a cowed
fashion at little distance, he be-
thought him of the heap. Was he hurt
much?
Meek broke; that's all. d"
Gus, feebly creeping out of roaring
blackness into the light and the sense of
real sounds, heard every word. They
were like hammer blows. Life is sweet
even to the wretched, but it was not Of
life Gus thought; it was of Lizzie and
the children and the insurance policy
which would lapse tomorrow. They
heard him try to whisper. 1t was a
name-"Mrs Grove, secondhand wo-
man." That was the reason for Mrs.
Groves presence at the hospital half an
hour later Wooden as ever, she stalked
up to the cot and seated herself. The doc
tor and nurse were too much startled by
her inexplioable height when she sat
down to notice any change in her face.
The patient was unconscious He had
not spoken since he pronounced her
name. Mrs. Grove, in her emotionless
voice, told them to send for his wife
and children. I'm carriage; I'll pay"
said she. She indicated Gus with her
thumb, looking the doctor in the eye,
"Goin TO die?"
A voice from the bed answered her,
eyes, Mrs. Grove"
81 didn't ask You" said Mrs. Grove
"You don't know nothin about it,.
''But l am. I've been mistaken both
times / contradicted you before" he
tried to smile with his bruised, stiff
lips, "but / amt now. Mrs. Grove
Lizzie-the best wife,
"Give him some brandy" said Mrs.
Grove.
He gulped the brandy eagerly His
eyes implored her before he had strength
enough to say: "They won't have moth
ing. Will you-give me-enough mon-
ey to pay the life insurance? It's due
tomorrow. I'll give you 1903" Mrs.
Grove was sitting bolt upright. as one
would expect of Mrs. Grove, a hand
spread ON either knee. She lifted these
hands to pull her hat down over her
eyes, and she frowned. Then she push
ed back her hat, revealing a face like
blank wall. " 'Gustus Plaintiff, " said
she, II KEEP company with your father
fore married Grove. He was fool
jes' like you. But ha was clever. liked
him betteFn no liked me. I'll give you
5000 for 1903. So you kin set your
mind to rest bout tho insurance.
What ye goin to die fur?"
my neck's broke. God bless yoni"
murmured Gus, somewhat Irrelevant
ly, but with daep feelings
'NQs 'tain'k Couidn't swallow so
slick's yoa did II your neck was broke.
You ain't gOin to die That's another
mistake Of yours Young woman, lend
me your handkerchief My old dog died
this mornin, AN feel sortor upset
With the most entire dsiiberation
Mrs. Grove wiped two tears away and
tesaFaed the handkerchief, nor did the
doctor and nurse ever witness any other
token OF emotion, though she attended
Gus with great devotion during bis iIl.
ness 10 was tedious, aud fog awhile
critical, but ha FoeaveFed eventually.
lie grew ~ feel . queer kind of attach
ment for Mrs. Grove Lizzie made
clean breast ~ secret help received from
the woman Of wood. "And shs grew
kinder aud kinder. Gus She hEoashs
every one Of those shlRas yoa sold back.