The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1897-11-10
the chIIdi then john relieved them as

the child; then John relieved them as
much as he could.
"A malignant case of scarlet fever
the doctor at last declared, and express,
ed the opinion that twenty-four hours
more would decide the ease.
ITO neglect one dose of medicine
would probably be fatal. He may live,
bat at the best, fear for his sight OF
his hearing, or both,i were his parting
words; and the poor mothers heart
was almost numb with agony.
Could she again endure what she had
endured with LawTie? Must she see
another dariing's life skrouded in dark
ness? Would death be better?
Then thought came to her, aud she
steeled heart and nerve to go through
a dreadful farce-for Lawrie's sake.
When she went back into the room
she turned her back upon the bed, and
the little form, and knelt by Lawrie's
chair. Il was nearing medicine time,
and the bottle was already in his hand.
Shall we not set it back?" she said
in strange, hoarse voice. "The doctor
says he may be blind or deaf-perhaps,
both. Is such life worth saving? A
little neglect, and the end would come.
Would it not be better sos"
Lawrie sat dazed, bewildered for a
moment. Then, as he comprehended
his sisters meaning, he sprung to his
feet, pushing her aside, and almost
kissing:
'Nol He shall not miss one drop of
medicine, or any other care that lies in
my power to give him, though I may
have to crawl to him on my hands and
knees, Not worth saving? Baby Rexl
Though he were blind, deaf and dumb,
I'd give my life to save him. Go TO
bed. I'll watch till John comes"
Maud obeyed, and she almost smiled
in spite of the awful heartache. Would
Lawrie never see? She tried to rest,
but Lawrie did not guess how many
times she peeped into the room to see
that every want was attended to.
There was no need of other watching
than the boys; not the least trifle was
neglected; and even when John came,
Lawrie would not leave his post. All
that night, and the next day, the little
soul hovered between life and death.
John wired again and again for anoth-
er operator, but no assistance came and
he had to stay at his post, though his
child was dying.
Maud waited alone for the grim mes
senger, save for Lawrie, who said moth
ing, did nothing, except watch the
clock, the bed, and the almost lifeless
form thereon. Towards night the docto..
came, and ordered him to go and rest ~
bit. Then John ran in, to hear with
bowed head and thankful heart, fa-
vorabIe verdict.
Maud stole away to Lawrie.
"He will live,u she cried, s'and the
doctor says we need not fear for either
sight or hearing-thRnks 10 unceasing
earep'
"And you thought him not worth
savingr' cried Lawrie, in mingled joy
and scorn.
Maud smiled into the glistening eyes
and said half sadly:
Cant you understand, Lawrie?n
MAUD. Sister! Have you loved me
like that? Have / been to you what
Rex is TO me? Oh, Maudr'
There was no answer save wistful
eyes and extended arms. Tired, care
worn Lawrie sunk into his old resting
place, aud the sister-mOther had both
her darlings back.
ayes, Maud" he said, at last, az
understand. I shalllive, content to be
just Whist 1 am. A life is worth saw
ing, so long as there are friends-and a
1. - l., 81