Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1899-04-22
CHAPTER XIV.

But Grafton had graver work ahead,
and II was close at hand. Punctilious
soldier that he was, he would leave no
loophole for the possible criticism Of a
superior. Hurriedly writing few lines
to Col. Buxton notifying him that the
wagon bringing Merriam was now close
to the garrison, and that, as arranged
between them, he would meet 1t at the
gate, he sent the note by his servant and
FASTENED up the row to the angle
formed by the south and west fronts,
where an opening had been left In the
fence for the convenience Of riding
PARTIES; and II was through this gap
that poor Randy was presently trundled
and then down along the line TO his own
doorway. By this time The pain in his
strained and stiffened leg was intense,
while the arm. hurriedly but skillfully
dressed when far aileld, was troubling
him but little. His one thought oil the
way had been for Florence. lie had in
sisted on scribbling her little note be-
fore they reached the Santa Clara. just
to tell he was all right; That there
was nothing to worry about, and all he
needed was few days Of her nursing.
The decor gave II to one Of the men and
gravely bade him ride ahead and give II
to Mrs. Merriam, and the trooper had
duly handed II in at the door, where
Hop Ling received 1t with his custom
airy grin, and slowed II away on the
mantel in the now deserted parlor
where notes and cards had generally
been displayed for the eyes of the young
mistress.
And now as they neared the familiar
spot, poor Randy would sit up. II
would never do TO come before her eyes
Frustrated us though sorely hurt. Any
thing TO spare her needless shock or
worry. lie even essayed semi-jpcular
show are you, old MANI" rs he caught
sight OF Grafton, and tried smile and
q wave of his hand to the ladies who APP
pearcd on the southernmost porch OF
the infantry lines.
"Why, you look as though you'd had
worse tussle than ], captain" he
laughed painfully, as he held out his
hand. allow is Florence? 1t hasn't
frightened her much. has itP hope
Mrs. Haynes been with her"
"She's been n good deal troubled, OF
course" answered Grafton, gravely,
"but-but Mrs. Hayne is-brlnging her
round all right, / think. How are you,
old man? You did have ride!"
But now Randy was peering cut along
the row--their own row. Women were
to be seen here and there along the
verandas, gazing alphabetically
toward the slowly moving party, but
no feminine form was visible on the
plazza of his little home.
"Ietter lie back, Mr.. Merriam" urged
the doctor. "Try to make him do So"
he murmured to Grafton. We've got
to get him quiet in his room before we
let him know anything" Already the
anxious young physician had been told
that Mrs. Merriam was probably 80
miles awny, md his soul was wrung ut
the thought Of what that would mean
to his patient.
EYES, lie down, Randy, till we get you
Indoors" urged Grafton. "Wc've had
to put up game on Mrs. Randy-(God
forgive me the lie, he prayed). ''Know-
ing how anxious you were and we were
lest she should be shocked, ~e-kept
her away. Mrs. Hnyne and DR.. Gould
are looking out for her. She's not to be
allowed to come near you till we get
you safe and sound and bathed and oil
fixed up in bed. OF course we know
now, Randy-we didn't before, but Mrs.
uayne had TO tell my wife how careful
we have to be of her-now, and really,
old boy. she oughtn't to see you till
you're washed and dressed. You look
tough, Randy"
And though the face he longed4o see
as they bore him up the steps was miles
and miles away, Merriam stifled his own
disappointment and bravely thanked
them. "God bless you and Mrs. Grnf-
toni That was indeed thoughtful Of
you, old boy" he gasped, for pain was
wrenching him. and he gave a long, long
sigh Of relief when at last he was lifted
from the stretcher 10 q bed In the spare
room.
But that sigh was faint whisper rs
compared with the long, long breath
that Grafton drew. as he sat him down
In the adjoining room and mopped his
streaming forehead.
fro m CONTINUED