The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1900-02-03

ton that he should marry, which ef-
fectually established in him deter
minatlon never to do anything of the
kind. 1t was not conscious stubborn
ness. 1t was simply unbroken nature,
instinct.
This was the path over which the
old mans thoughts were wandering
while his right hand wandered over
his left arm and shoulder and some
times down along his left leg and knee.
Stanton noticed the inattention, and
once or twice glanced up, between the
lines. He fancied his uncle was not feel
ing well, and would have been glad to
offer some relief, but perfect health was
the one thing upon which John Ohm
stead prided himself and which il was
never safe to question. His one boast,
always pushing his fingers through his
white hair. was that he had never con-
suited physician in his life.
The tall clock in the corner began
striking ten, and the clock in the great
tower, few blocks away, joined it, a
single stroke behind. One was regulated
by John Olmstead, the other by the
official timekeeper, and for more than
20 years they had told the same story
as they were telling it tonight.
Stanton paused for an instant and
glanced at his uncle, dropped his book
and sprang to the armchair.
The old mans face was flushed. His
forehead was wet. He was awake, but
he breathed like one sleeping too heav-
ily In a wild stare his eyes were fixed
on his left hand.
With his right hand he clutched the
sleeve Of the left arm, lifted it little
way, and let IL fall, muttering:
Dead, Robert. Dead"
Stanton rang for Sam, the general
man-servant, whispering: "Dr. Morton,
Sam BE quick"
Sam staggered out into the raging
storm, his mind struggling with the
fact that the master was i'll, much rs
his body struggled in the drifts. He was
trying to do two things at once, which
was always too much for him, and be-
tween the two he Numbered and rang
the bell at the door of Rev. DIR. Borden's
home.
John 0lmstead was not communi-
cant, but he was highly valued and re-
spected supporter of DR.. Borden's
church. The good doctor opened the
door himself. Sam shouted from the
storm: "Mr. John Olmstead is sick, sir.
Come quick" Then discovering his mis-
take, he started away, without a word
Of explanation, TO summon DIR. Morton.
A single glance told the physician
why he had been called. He asked n few
questions, chiefly to test the mind and
the face-musces, looked into the pa
tents eyes, and, kneeling, began to
manipulate the left leg and arm.
"Well?" said John olmstead, impa-
tiently.
DR.. Morton did not stop his examina-
ton, but spoke slowly:
81 should say IL was slight stroke Of
apoplexy, probably caused by an inn
material hemorrhage on the brain.
There is still sensation here. l think it
will steadily return, and in two or three
weeks you will"
lie was testing the pulse in the right
wrist. Quickly he followed il TO the
elbow, and his face changed as he un-
covered the patients chest and began a
careful examination about the heart.
"Well?" Olmstead muttered, nerv-
ously.
As though thinking aloud. being
called upon for an opinion before it was
fully formed, the physician replied:
There's n enlarged area of heart
dullness and an accentuated second
sound and murmur. I'm afraid the
apoplexy came from heart disease and
arterial degeneration. Are you under
treatment for your hearth"
"Never had doctor in my life" John
0lmstead muttered.
"Your heart must have given you a
great deal Of trouble"
"Never troubled me at ALL"
"No shortness Of breathe"
"Of course. I'm growing old"
Haven't you had to sit down after
climbing stairs?"
I'm too heavy for stairs. / gave up
leaving the ground floor long ago, I'M
less there is an elevator"
Doesn't excitement give you palpi-
tation?"
sometimes. smoke too much"
"Cold feet?"
only recently"
Cough"
"Of course, when / am out Of breath"
DIR. Morton sat down facing the pa
tient, with his back TO the fire.
Every one has weak points. Mr.. Ohm
| stead" he said. Yours Is your heart"
"Do you mean that I'm in a condition
where / might go without warning?"
the old man asked. nervously, SEEM
ing suddenly 20 grasp the situation.
Dr. Morton watched his face thought
! fully for n moment. and answered
Eyes"
Robert" Olmstcad called, i'm weak.
trembling voice, Ego for Judge Russell.
Bring him back with you at once"
us my mind right? Can make my
| will?" he asked. as soon as Stanton left
the room. and, being treasured by the
nhygirfnn he sat In silence fill Judge