The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1897-12-16

floor beside heap of "nipa" leaves
and pieces of mating on which lay
white man, tossing, turning and bab
bling with delirium, in the full grip Of
the jungle fever-a young man evident
ly, his once powerful frame, fearfully
reduced ly illness and confinement, COW
cred by the ragged and grimy shirt and
trousers of Il sailor. lie, became quieter
as McGregor raised his head and drank
the medicine given him, but began NUT
tering again as the doctor laid him
down.
He was a wee bit more rational this
afternoon" said McGre9or, land told
me bit of his story, but he couldn't
or wouldn't tell his name found him
just outside on tho grass and brought
him in here for want of better place.
WAS there nothing in his pockets?"
asked.
"Nought but these" showing few
centimes, at which tho old woman
glared greedily. "He may come to his
senses bit SOON Ye'd better bide
awhile"
"Is he past hope, Mac?" I asked.
Cant we do anything-tale him to
better house, mean?'
The doctor shook his head. "n we
could get him up north now, I'd say
he'd get we'll with the constitution he
has It's the heat of the place that keeps
him down. The poor lads made like
one Of our ain collie dogs-strong and
well in the cold but when taken by fe-
yer in this climate-whish! burns up
like gunpowder.
1t was terrible to see one Of my own
race dying thus in the lowest degrada-
tion, like a wretched savage, nursed by
an ignorant old barbarian only for tho
sake of the money she knew we would
give her, more terrible as time went on,
and the poor parched lips never ceased
their childish. unintelligiblo chatter.
Oh, for bit Of ice or anything to cool
that burning forehead! But nothing is
cool there, nothing but death.
So we sat in silence, I with my hel.
met tanning the flushed face, so drawn
and haggard, which must have been
strong and handsome in health, and the
doctor ever and anon raised the heavy
head with the gentleness Of woman
and gave medicine, while the old hag
crouched in corner and mumbled to
herself, wondering if when the man was
dead she would get whole silver Pc
so or not Outside the brown people
chattered and laughed in their freedom
from care, now and then peering in with
curious faces and running away with
fresh shouts. Their turn might como
next, but little they cared The present
was theirs for enjoyment Of life. Never
mind tomorrow.
Suddenly the tumult seemed to in
crease and concentrate farther down the
road. Then it began to approach, the
screams and happy laughter Of children
mingled with tho clearer tones Of for
eigner's tongue, and as the crowd reach
ed the hut l suddenly heard familiar
voice saying: There, little boy, don't
you be SO greedy. Let that little girl
have some. Amt it nice. John. to see
how they enjoy it?''
McGregor looked up in wonder, and
rose and went to the door. There !
found Captain Hale and his WIFE, sur
rounded by perfect horde of delighted
children, he tossing coppers about from
q canvas bag and she distributing can
dy, penny whistles and numerous odds
and ends from her huge basket, both
their faces perfect pictures Of the honest
pleasure which changed to such pro-
found amazement at the sight Of me
that for a moment a combined assault
by the native infantry on their basis Of
supplies was almost successful, only
prevented by vigorous use Of the cap
tain's bamboo stick and Mrs Hale's
gingham umbrella.
started to explain why was there,
but before finished Mrs. Hale, with an
exclamation Of, "Why, the poor fell
lowp gave her basket whirl which
sent its contents flying in every direc-
ton, thereby creating scene OF riot
which those peaceful tropic shades had
never witnessed the like Of, and then
trotted straight into the hut, followed
by her husband, who bent his tall form
nearly double to enter the door.
The doctor rose and bowed with cour-
tesy of so years ago as the motherly old
lady bent down by the sufferers side,
crying: "Oh, the poor. poor fellow
Just see him, Johnl"
moved in from the doorway, and
the light Of the setting sun fell on the
invalid's face, and suddenly cry went
up that rang through the tiny hovel
and far above the noisy clamor outside
"a cry from the depths Of q mothers
heart: "Johnl Father! It's our Rufe,
our own boy! Oh. Rufy, Rufy. after all
these years!'
Step out softly, kind old doctor
Come with me and watch the sun 60
ing down in all it's tropical glory be-
hind the great volcanic range, if you
can sec it, for cannot. 1t is all blur
| to me- But cen see this-a noble ship
at anchor in the bay with all sails bent,
ready to sail tomorrow and bear away
from this burning land one fever strick-
Ell to the cool breezes Of the open sea
and sure recovery under his own moth