The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-06-09

4G4gO AC4 &6SOS A00 NAN oOV ONA ~
when, kneeling down beside him, she
stroked with her little ungloved hand
the large, intelligent head.
To the vicar he was rather less ami,
able, but by dint of coaxing, at last al
lowed him to touch and examine the
wounded leg, florence persuasively
telling him that it was "all right. In
deed, she was on the floor beside him,
with his head on her lap, keeping up a
continuous murmur much as a mother
does over a sick child. "Well," said
the vicar, rising from his examination,
''as far as I a tell, there are no bones
broken; but the leg is badly bruised.
1t ought to be fomented to take the
i famation and swelling down."
How do you foment2' asked
Florence.
with hot cloths dipped in boiling
water" answer the vicar.
Then that's quite easy. I'll stay
and do it. Now, Jimmy, get sticks
and make the kettle boil"
There was no hesitation in the chiLd's
manner she vas told what ought to
be done, and she set about doing it as
a simple matter of course.
But they will be expecting you at
home" said the vicar.
mot if you will tell them I'm here"
answered Florence; land my sister
and one Of the maids can come and
take me home in time for tea, and"
she hesitated, They had better bring
some old flannel and cloths; there does
not seem to be much here. But you
will wait and show me how to foment,
won't you3'
"Well, yes" said the vicar, carried
away by the quick energy of the little
girl. And soon the fire was Lighted,
and the water boiling. An old smock-
frock of the shepherds had been dis
covered in a corner, which Florence
had deliberately torn in pieces, and to
the wears remark, What will Roger
say9" she answered, "WeTI get him
another" And so Florence Nightin
gale made her first compress, and spent
all that bright spring day in nursing
her first patient the shepherds dog.
In the evening, when Roger came,
not expecting to find visitors in the
humble cottage, Florence went up to
him. "R2ger," she said; your dog
won't die. Look at him!' And Cap
rose and era wled toward his master,
whining with pleasure.
"Deary me, deary me! What have
you done to HING He could not move
this morning when I left"
Then Florence explained the mode
of treatment. You have only to keep
on with it to night, and to morrow he
will be almost we'll, the vicar says"
Aud I'm ling brightly she continued
Mrs. Norton has promised to see to
Cap tomorrow while you are out, so
you need not kill him; he will soon be
able to do his work again."
Thank you kindly, missey, I do in
deed" said the old man huskily. 1T
went hard with m2 to do away with
him, but what can a poor man doT"
Aud putting out his hand, he stroked
the dog. IN see to him, missy, now
as l know what's to be DONE" and he
stood his crook in the corner, and
hung his cap on the peg.
Then florence took her leave, strok-
ing and petting the dog to the last, and
those who, standing in the cottage
door, watched her disappear, little
thought they were gazing upon n
whose mission would be to tend the
sick and wounded on many a battle
field, and how, in years to come, men
dying far from home would rise on
their pillows to kiss her shadow as it
passed them. Every Where.