Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1900-08-17

seemed always nrst awake and ready
to bave his hands and face washed by
the nursc. lie could not turn about TO
see the other patients. but he learned
all their nance. aud as soon as he
heard them moving be always asked
very politely,
"And how do you feel. Mr.. smith,
And Mr.. Smith would always an.
aver because Il pleased the child:
FIRST rate. joe
That's nice" said Joe. And 50 he
would ask each In turn, and to e1ch an
swcr. always the same, he would reply
%cheerfully. That's nice"
And when they asked him how Il
went With hlm he always said. though
sometimes with an effort. I'm pretty
well. thank YOU" Then everybody
would sag with real pleasure, THAT'S
nice. joe
SO the summer went on, and very
few patients came to the hospital. and
John and Joe were ali alone. save for
the nurses who grew to dread the time
that was soon TO part the friends.
Az last they tofd the sailor that there
was no hope at all for him. A clergy
mai came 90 prepare him. lie took the
news very calmly, but instantly whis-
pered:
"And tlic little fellow. JOeY'
"Doat tell him." said the munster.
"He Is 50 innocent he needs 10 prepa-
ration. Bui yout'
For days the poor yallor was In much
trouble, aud oue night lie whispered to
his little companion;
Joe, say you was rich as Vanderbilt
and he was going a long sail, would
you leave INC bchindT'
mo. Jchn.' .sald the child very ear.
Mostly; Il would want you to come
too"
would yon feel sorry. Joe, to sail
away and leave me on the wharf, or
or II you was safe In n fine big ship,
see ne busted TO pieces on the rocksY"
John" said the child. Il would jump
out ard pun you to my ship. | would"
Good old Joe" said the sailor, and
said nothing more until prayer time,
when be squeezed Joe's hand and whis.
percd:
pray hard, Joe. Pray hard for me
to come along. Pray for two, Joe"
And little Joe prayed for two.
The two used to watch for the
scarchlight OF the big night boat which
ran between two great cities on the rlv-
er. When the steamer turned a point,
It's light flashed for Al Instant full on
the front OF the little hospital. Joe and
John, hand In hand, very, very weak
now, would lie ma watch for 1t. Joe
had made n story that It knew they
were there and sal,o1 in On purpose &c
2ay Good night" Always he plped
good night" in return and John also
Then Joe. squeezing the ono powerful
hairy baud. would feebly ask:
"How DO you feel. John, t%onIghtY'
"FiTst rate. Joe" poor John woult
answer, with n smothered groan.
That's NICE"
And they would lie very still or grad
ually go to sleep.
Aud so Il night the steamboat cam'
up the river ana turned the point an
east It's light upon the little hospital.
Good night" said the sailor In
verv low, husky whisper, while joe!
little hand rested en- his. Bat the boy
eyes were wide with a strange light.
at didn't say good night John" h'
whispered and tried TO squeeze hil
friends hand. 1T said 'goodby.'"
The sailcr tried to rise In bed. hu.
wes unable even to can out. lie saw
the river. but ne could not see the 9th.
or side. 1t was dark. lie was afraid
His fingers closed round the child'a fec
bly,.
"How-do- you feel tonight, deaI
JohnY" said little Joo's voice very soft
~ and tcnderly.
There vas Il moments pause. Tlt
sailors voice rang out with a glad cry
First rate, Joe"
THAT'S NICE" said the child.
And the little nurses, running In
found the friends had gone together.
Los Angeles Times.