Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1902-07-26
DOWN BYTHr
- RIG CRsANDE
ii. s. CANFEELD.

WHICH Inc IadN or the ranche was quick
to notice, but she said nothing and to-
gether they withdrew, leaving a gentle
Mexican shepherd named Quirino install
ed as nurse. with strict injunctions 10
keep quiet while the prisoner slept and to
sal Miss English when he awoke. The
eyes Of the captive had been fixed upon
Lois while she bathed and dressed the
wound. He took the medicine without
question. The eyes followed her to the
door and remained fixed upon it for some
moments after it was closed. He spoke
never word and the firm jaw remained
set. Then his lids fell down slowly and
he sank into slumber
Late that afternoon a government am
bulanee drawn by four mules. each
branded u. s." rolled TO the rancho
house and from it descended long, lean
man with a gray mustache and face burn
ed nearly black by the southwestern
suns. He brought large leather case
with him. He was clad in canvas trous-
ers, flannel shirt, the blue uniform coat
of his rank and the universal black mill
tary sombrero. He bowed politely to the
two women who stood upon the porch.
shook hands with Mrs. Glynn and ac-
knOwledged his introduction to Lois with
another bow.
Il understand" he said in a matter-of-
fact voice. that you had q smugger
here, shot through just above the left
lung. I'm sorry that could not arrive
sooner. Such life probably was not
worth saving, but we like to do our best.
II is one Of the many curses of the pro-
fession that we feel obliged to treat all
sorts of people, many of whom would be
much better dead than alive. When did
he dk?'
The rancho hostess looked at him in
amazement; Lois laughed.
He isn't dead she said. He seems
very strong
What" exclaimed the surgeon. Lived
all of these hours with a wound like that
and without treatment! Ii is true that
the MeXicans sometimes show wonderful
resistance to shock
1.-The prisoner is not a Mexican" Lois
returned II think he is American like
ourselves. Come and see him."
She led the way to the sick ROOM The
patient walked as they entered and his
eyes were Immediately fastened on the
girl. Apparently he was not aware that
the Others had entered. The surgeon
glanced at the bandages, then looked
sharply up.
who did this?" he asked.
Il did" Miss English answered.
1T is wonderfully we'll done. Are you
a physician?' with a tinge of annoyance
in the tone Like many others of his
calling, Thompson had no liking for the
female doctor.
No" she said, noting the tone and
slightly resenting it. The man would
not have died the sooner, however, if
had been have studied nursing in the
Philadelphia hospitals"
The army surgeon bowed his head in
apology,
1T is a pity that you did not continue
it, Miss English" he remarked. You
would have been a credit to that noble
profession. Nobody could have adjusted
these bandages more expertly. What
has been the treatment|'
Thorough cleansing, with sterilized
and carbolized water-I had only carbolic
acid as an antiseptic-and a sleeping
draught He seemed nearly exhausted"
Better and better" was the cordial
response You have done your best with
the means at hand. / will examine the
wound, however, and replace these band
ages with some of my own. which are
aseptic and prepared specially for such
cases
He rapidly unrolled the bandages lay
ing bare the wide shoulder and showing
4 clear skin white as milk. He examin-
ed this skin closely. raising it between
his thumb and forefnger and then glanced
keenly at the prisoners face.
1.-THE bullet went through much too
high to involve the lung he said.
Harding always believes that the work
of his soldiers is more deadly than the
work of other men"
The prisoner spoke abruptly. in deep
resonant voice, with his eyes closed.
Il was not shot by one Of the sol
diers," he said.
Indeed. by whom them
II don't know; not by one of the sol
diers man in front fired. l saw him
dismoun:."
"Ah; it makes little difference. The
bullet went as straight and as fast. Your
name, my man =
John Britton Weston"
Your nationality"
NO country"
Your age?" Thompson had produced
a notebook and was taking down the
answers.
My age is % years"
Your profession, or busiBess%"
A slight flush rose to the pale face.
You know my occupation. think"
Relatives with whom we might com
municate in case of your DEATH"
None whom l care to remember: none
who would care to remember me-"
We'll, my man." said the surgeon,
closing his note book with a snap and be-
ginning rapidly to place fresh bandages,
you're not going to die. if that is any
consolation TO you"
1t is of no consolation whatever"
Possibly not: possibly not! In fact, l
should say, certainly not. II we dance.
however. we must pay the fiddler"
Il am ready to pay"
That's a proper frame Of mind In
the meantime may tell you that you will
- ~ ho1 fg-