The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-10-05
Mr.. PHILIP BROWN.

0elcu AfletFouB clOseu nSf S6tcuel
and gathered together the scattered be-
longings that had accumulated during
her long trip West; she drew ON her
gloves and rearranged her hat and veil,
for not the first time in the last half
hour. She knew that the train speed
ing on was surely, rapidly bringing her
to Crimson Creek in few minutes
more she would be in her fathers en-
brace.
How she had begged to join her fa-
ther; she had endeavored to convince
him how unhappy she was away from
him, and how much TO their mutual
advantage her presence at the Crimson
Creek mine would be. At hast she
wrung a promise from him that she
should go to him at the end of her
course in the school.
John Armstrong was ever an indul-
gent father, and be gave his consent to
a plan that coincided with his own de-
siFes, but he gave it unwillingly, know
ing how hard the life would be to Hell
en-, who could not realize the privations
that would be hers in small mining
camp.
The train slackened its speed, the
friendly porter came to help Helen off
with her hand luggage, and in mo-
ment she found herself on the platform
in front of miserable looking STA
ton decorated with the sign "Crimson
Creek She gazed around seeking the
dear familiar figure she had pictured
all these last few days, but instead she
saw advancing toward her a tall, brown
bearded man. He lifted his hat court
eously and said in accents which little
accorded with his rough mining dress !:
"Miss Armstrong, | presume. / am
Philip Brown"
cob, are you Mr. Brown" she asked,
almost rudely. Where is papa? /
thought, of course, he would he here.n
Her voice trembled.
'I know it must be very disappoint-
ing, but he couldn't come, it was i'm
possible-he is sick.n
"I never knew him TO be sick be-
fore,r she said, half dazed.
'sIt is very sudden. He seemed quite
well up tc day or two ago, bat ytster-
day morning the stroke came, / mean,
you know-oh, don't be alarmed, Miss
Armstrong Il all hope for the
best"
Philip broke off, feeling utterly help
less, SIS he saw the tremuIous lip, and
the blue eyes filling with tears. Philip
silently helped her into the wagon that
was to conduct them 10 the mine, and
it was only after they had left the desc
late station half mile behind that the
silence was broken.
sMr Brown, please tell me all about
it,r Helen said her voice sounded
hard and cold, even TO her own ears !;
she felt stunned and numb, and was
conscious of an unreasonable dislike for
this strong, bronz- d man beside her.
Philip told her how be had found
Mr.. Armstrong lying in an unconscious
state the morning before. He did not
mention that he had ridden miles at a
breakneck speed TO the telegraph sta
ton in order to summon the doctor in
time for the evening train, nor that all
night be had sat by the bedside of his
friend, watching for the faintest signs
of returning consciousness until just at
day break, before he had started to meet
Helen, his vigil had been rewarded by
few broken sentences from the strick.
en- man.
"Helen-P Philip-Helen-go before it
is too late; bring my little girlT'
When Philip paused, Helen asked
firmly, though her face was white:
''Is it the endT'
Philip for one moment hesitated, but
as he looked down into her questioning
eyes he could but answer the truth.
81 fear so, but | hope We will be in
time.n
AT last Helen knelt by the side of her
fathers bed.
Papa Papa. Dear Daddy" she
cried, as she kissed bel. father, and the
sick man smiled contentedly as he an
swered, Daughter"
Philip and the doctor left the room
aud Helen laid her soft young cheek
against her fathers face and cIasped
his hand almost fiercely, as If to hold
him back. He read her thought and
answered .lt's no use, little girl, am
going it was only the thought of see
ing you that kept me here this long"
"No, no, papa don't leave meF'
''Be brave, Helen; I'Il leave you liz
good hands, dear; the fort1ne-hunters
won't get you"