Democratic Northwest and Henry County news. [volume] (Napoleon, O. [Ohio]) 1894-1905, 1896-12-17
THE TIME In PEKIN." -"

For two days the DOCTORS features
had worn an expression Of gravity as
he bent over the bed of my sick friend,
but now, as 1 watched him closely, the
strong face relaxed, and as he raised
his head l saw the light Of satisfaction
in his kindly eyes.
His hat, stick and gloves Icy on the
dressing case, and as he crossed the
room to take them be marked my look
of eager inquiry, and, pausing abrupt
ly, laid his hand on my shoulder.
"We're doing splendidly, famously,
my dear boy, famously. If literature
fails you, come to me, and will give
you your credentials as a nurse. Flor
ence Nightingale could not have done
better.
I'The worst is over then?" / asked.
"'Yes. l believe we can pull him
through-between us. +" He paused, and
as he turned once more toward his pa
tient his face grew grave again.
II think the crisis is passed., " he said
quietly. "All that any mortal physician
can do for him has been done. Nature
alone must supply the only restorative
he needs. He must sleep. 1 have just
given him sedative, and he ought soon
to be under its influence. Keep the light
turned down, and do not allow him to
talk. Sleep is imperative. He must
have Sleep"
He stepped lightly to the dressing
case, and as he raised his gloves a dust
covered heap of manuscripts caught his
eye He chuckled softly and shook his
head.
"Odd people. you Americans" he
said, with smile 'Is our poor litera-
ture SO impoverished that you must
needs instill Yankee blood into its
veins?''
Twas looking at the pale face of poor
Tom and did not reply.
"Ah, well" said the CHEEKY doctor
as he appropriated his hat and stick and
advanced, with extended hand, ''the
fairy voices of the Bow bells are far
reaching, and hope that they will one
day ring as merry changes for two Yam
kee lads as they did for that fortunate
young beggar. Dick Wilmington. Good
night, my boy, good night. I'll see you
in the morning. And now, remember"
He put his finger to his lips, and
moment later he was gone
closed the door gently and returned
to the bedside Of my friend. His eyes
were closed, and, believing that the sed-
ative had already begun its work, l tip
toed to the gas jet and turned down the
light Then. seating myself before the
CRATE, I revitalized the dying embe-s
and put in two Or three more pieces of
coal.
For several minutes all was still,
then I heard a movement among the
bedclothes and few moments later the
voice of my sick roommate:
"Hal"
''Yes, Tom.
"'Has the doctor gomez"
"Yes, he left Just now. You must go
to sleep. old chap"
There was another movement on the
bed, then all was still again, and had
just begun mentally to congratulate the
doctor ON the efficacy of his prescription
when heard my name pronounced.
"What is it, Tom?'' I asked, little
impatiently.
"What time is it?"
"Half past 4.
In the afternoon?"
eyes,
"What makes it so dark?"
''It's the fog. Come now, old boy,
you must be quiet. The doctor says you
must have sleep. The worst is oyer, and
five or six hours of rest will make you
your old self again.
He did not reply at once, but at the
expiration of two or three minutes he
asked:
"What time is it in New York now,
Hal?"
"You must stop it. Tom," COM
manded, but Immediately relenting 1
continued, "About half past l2."
A deep sigh broke the stiffness that
ensued.
ut is Saturday, said Tom. "Satur-
day, isn't it? In six hours more the old
crowd will be in the restaurant--in Ma
Inns. / can see them all-old Gaynor,
George Leslie, Barrett and Bess"
"Now, Tom
-'Come here, old chap"
rose, and. going to the bed, placed
my fingers ON my friends lips. He took
them in his wasted hand, and as he re-
moved them his grasp frightened, and he
smiled.
.All right, Hal. I'll be quiet now.
Good night. "
returned to my chair, and for ten
minutes nothing save the ticking Of the
clock broke the stiffness Of the room.
Then there was once more an ominous
,nnvamant nn the had
CASToRIA.
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