The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1899-1900, 1899-12-13

ana the papers, 100. III Jake the tralu
to-day, you fool, in your place. Iwon-
der If he will get over the rap or not?
I don't need to fret, anyway. l didn':.
hit him, and he'll never know who did,"
Toms unintentional rescuer came
quickly along until he caught sight of
the prostrate figure, then he stopped
short and slipped his hand behind him,
glancing sharply about on every side.
Apparently satisfied that no one was
near, he knelt by the motionles1 form
and struck a match.
1t was ghastly picture. Toms face
was so covered with blood that his fea-
lures were not recognizable, his cloth
ing was disarranged and covered with
black mud, and as the newcomer looked
a deep groan came from the PROSTATE
mans lips.
With a little exclamation Of horror
the stranger rose to his feet and ran
back to the door he had just left. He
was gone but All instant, returning
with another man, who assisted MIN in
carrying the inanimate form to the en-
trance. With much trouble they lifted
their heavy burden along narrow
passage into scantily furnished room,
where they placed it upon narrow bed
in one corner.
A small kerosene lamp stood on
table, and by its light the first man took
look at the face, saying:
"Get a basin of water, Ned, quick!
We must see how bad he is hurt"
When the water arrived a moment
later, he washed the blood from Toms
face with gentle hand, then as the
features became distinct he uttered
little cry of astonishment and dropped
on his knees by the wounded man, ex-
claiming:
"By thunder, Ned, know this man!
He was passenger with us! II it isn'y
Mr.. Scott, I'm a sinner! Somebody has
knocked him on the head and gone
through him! Bring the light He
may be hurt bad!"
As he spoke Tom moaned and stirred
upon the bed. Then he opened his eyes
and struggled with wild look into
half-erect position.
whats all this!" he groaned.
"Where am II"
''It's all right, Mr.. Scott replied a
familiar voice. "You are with friend.
Better lie down awhile till you feel bet
ter"
Tom looked at him in bewildered
fashion, blinking his eyes in the glare
Of the lamp which the third man held
close to him.
'Mr. Green!" he said, wonderingly.
"Yes, SIR replied the second mate
of the Seabird, 'it's me. 1 happened
along just in time. Areyou hurt much?
Let me look at your head"
my head?" repeated Tom, who had
no clear conception Of where he was or
whether he was asleep or awake.
"Yes," replied his rescuer, lifting the
hair on the top of his head as he spoke.
"You were knocked down on the street
and found you there. 1 was going
down to the vessel after some things /
left there and l stumbled over a man
on the sidewalk. l had no idea It was
you, but couldn't let a chap lie there
in the mud, so we took you in here.
This IS my room. I've left the Seabird,
you know. I'm off for the gold mines
in the Klondike if l can get there"
The last word acted like magic upon
Tom.
''The Klondike!" he repeated. "Yes,
l remember. 1t all comes to me now. 1
forgot where was. remember now
/ was attacked on the street! Some
body came up behind and struck mel"
That's it. Then came along and
found you. You've got an ugly cut on
the head. but don't think it will
amount to anything after you rest
awhile. There is no doctor round here
that know of, and I'll just put a bit
Of plaster on it for you If you don't
mind. You can get it looked at to-mor-
row if you want to-"
The third man held the light while
this was done and then left the second
mate with his patient, who asked:
"WhO was that?"
81 hire this room of him." was the
reply. "He helped me bring you in
from the street."
"You are very good" said Tom, "but
it's late and I'm keeping you out of your
bed"
As he spoke he tried to rise, but the
other restrained him.
"You are not well enough yet" he
said, kindly. Better rest awhile. Did
you lose anything when you were
struck? Have you watch or money"
Tom interrupted him with hoarse
cry and sat bolt upright.
"My belt!" he painted, wildly.
His hands went to his waist and
then the full force Of his loss burst upon
him.
1t was gonel
The unfortunate young man looked
stupidly at the sailor moment, then
he broke into meaningless laughter and
fell back upon the bed. The blow had
robbed him of his scattered senses and
he tainted.
When the doctor reached his side a
few hours later, Tom was suffering
from brain fever and could not be
moved. The second mate had sum-
moned Capt. Coffin and now turned to
him, saying:
ave can't leave him alone and with
out cent. was going to try my luck
nm north in the mines httf hansr mo ~