River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1897-04-15

The latter proceeded on his way until
he reached the emu of the long piazza,
when he faced about and paused, upon
the very brink of the broad flight of
steps.
His friend drew near and was about
TO address him. when a party of ladies
approached from within and both gem
tlemen moved as If 10 permit them TO
have greater freedom in passing. Brad
nor, i'm his abstraction. stepped back
ward instead of forward. with the re-
suit that he lost his footing, slipped and
fell heavily, rolling over until he
reached the ground.
Instantly everything was in confu-
sion. The friend, whose name was
Jerlyn, ran rapidly down the steps and
hastily leaned over the PROSTATE man,
while the ladies looked anXiously on
from the piazza. Other guests were
quickly attracted to the spot.
MY God!" cried Jerlyn. looking
upward towards the ladies. after he had
touched the forehead and the wrist of
Bradnor, Il am afraid the dear old fell
low is dreadfully hurt"
\ physician was hastily summoned,
but meantime the injured man had been
tenderly borne by strong arms to his
beIi chamber. He recovered conscious
pess after some moments and when a
careful examination had been made the
medical man declared that no bones
were broken. but that badly-sprained
ankle would ccnfine Bradnor to his bed
for many days.
The young, stalwart fellow, with his
six feet of height and broad shoulders,
chafed under the latter sentence. lie
did not feel iil, although the pain was
intense in his ankle. But the doctor
was obdurate, declaring that most seri-
Jus results would be likely 10 follow
any attempt upon Lis part to arise from
J his bed for . " eek, at least.
with a groan the man turned his
face away aud presently fell asleep,
from the effects of an opiate that had
been administered in his arm.
The following morning he dozed fit
fully, the effects of the drug not having
worn away, but with the afternoon his
( intelligence returned TO him. His eyes
ranging over the room he saw upon his
.
roses, and for a moment he wondered
who had given them to him; but he
thought was III evanescent Cne. Per-
! haps he thought il was an act of Jer-
lyn's, who had spent the greater part
of the day in his room.
Day after day, how ever, he observed
that fresh ones were supplied TO replace
the others. When week had passed. he
/ turned suddenly upon Jeriyn and
/ thanked him for his care and the gift
of the flowers.
Flowers, what flowers?" demanded
| Jcrlyn, nervously. He was little,
nervous man. who spoke rapidly.
Didn't know you cared for 'em.
don't. Cabhages are much more TO my
taste. especially when boiled with bacon
/ or beef"
Bradnor did not pursue the subject,
but he brooded over it all the more. lie
/ had no acquaintance or friend at the
/ Springs save Jerlyn. and he was sure
the landlord had not provided them.
! He was now able to sit in an easy
chair and the doctor had promised that
within a day or two he might. with the
! aid of crltches, leave his room and
miugle with the guests of the hotel
The following morning he was awake
when Bridget. the chambermaid, en-.
tered his room and was surprised to SEE
her bearing cluster of fresh roses ia
her hands.