The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1897-12-29

gThleeque image, was bQuaILlDB on Tue
bamboo floor beside heap of "nipa"
leaves and pieces of mating, on which
lay white man, tossing, turning and
babbling with deirium, in the full
grip of the jungle fever--a young man
evidently, his once powerful frame,
fearfully reduced by illness and confine.
ment, covered by the ragged and
grimy shirt and trousers of sailor.
He became quieter as McGregor raised
his head and drank the medicine given
him, but began muttering again as the
doctor laid him down.
"He was wee bit more rational
this afternoon" said McGregor, "and
told me bit of his story, but he couldn't
or wouldn't tell his name. found
him just outside on the grass and
brought him in here for want of bet
ter place."
Was there nothing in his pockets?"
1 asked
Thought but these" showing few
centimes, at which the old woman
glared greedily. He may come to his
senses a bit soon. Ye'd better bide
awhile"
els he past hope, Mac?" L asked.
"Can't we do anything--take him to a
better house, mean?"
The doctor shook his head. eff we
could get him up north now, I'd say
he'd get well 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 fever in this climate-whishl burns
up like gunpowder."
1t was terrible to see one of my own
race dying thus in the lowest degrade
ton, like a wretched savage, nursed by
an ignorant old barbarian only for the
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, unintelligible chatter.
Oh, for bit of ice or anything to cool
that burning forehead. But nothing is
CO j there, nothing but death.
So we sat in silence, | with my hel
met tanning the flushed face, 80 drawn
and haggard, which musl 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 bag crouched in a corner and num-
bled to herself, wondering il when the
man was dead she would get whole
silver peso or not. Outside the brown
people chartered and laughed in their
| freedom from care, now and then peer
ing in with curious faces and running
away with fresh shouts, Their turn
might come next, but little they cared I.
The p estnt was theirs for enjoyment
of lite. Never mind to morrow.
Suddenly the tumult seemed to in-
crease and concentrate father down
the road. Then it began to approach.
the screams and happy laughter of chit
eren mingl' with the clearer tones of
a foreigners tongue, and as the crowd
reached the hut suddenly heard ia
miliar voice saying: There, little boy,
don't you be 30 greedy. Let that little
gill have some. Aiu't it nice, John, TO
see how they emf it?'
McGregor looked up in wonder, and
l rose and went TO the door. There l
rounded by perfect horde of dt eight
ed children, he tossing coppers about
from a canvas bag and she distributing
candy, penny whistles and numerous
odds and ends from her huge basket,
both their faces perfect pictures of the
honest pleasure which changed to such
profound amazement at the sight of me
that for a nom INT 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
Bingham umbrella.
l started 10 explain why l was there,
but before l finished Mrs. Hale, with
an exclamation of, "Why, the poor
felloww gave the basket whirl which
sent its contents flying in every dire c.
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
courtesy of fifty years ago as the moth
ery old lady bent do vn by the suffer.
er's side, crying: "Oh, the poor, poor
fellow! just see him, Johnl"
moved in from the doorway, aud
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
cry from the depths of mothers
heart: Johnl Father! It's our Rufe
our own boy o., Rufy, Ruiy, after
sll these years
4
Step out softly, kind old doctor.
Come with me aud W ,tch the sun go
ing down in all It's tropical glory b..
hind the great volcanic range, if you
can see it, for cannot. Il 10 all blur
to me. But | Can see this "a noble
ship at anchor in the bay with all sails
bent, ready TO sail to morrow and bear
away from this burning land one FEVER
stricken to the cool breez. of the open
sea aud sure recovery under his own
mothers care.
And bark 10 the bells of vespers this
Christmas eve as they ring The warn.
ing from church and gray thedral OF
the glorious word they will tell to-mor.
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