Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1902-03-06

against tDe second. but IL happens tnat
Miss Miller received an injury on this
precise spot years ago, as 4 result of
which the first rib is somewhat de-
pressed. Thus the murderer was favor
ed by an extraordinary chance. His
idea was, first, TO escape being seen by
her. and, second. to strike at the front
of the body while standing behind in
order to avoid the blood that must fol-
low the blow. Having struck, he un-
doubtedly supposed that he had reach
ed the heart, and only a miracle pre-
vented. Our ambulance surgeon believ-
ed that the wall of the heart was pune
tured and that a clot of blood was stop
ping the wound. as happens once in q
million times. That is not the case. Not
only did the knife miss the heart, but
it missed the arteries in q way that on
ly divine Providence can account for.
So the first effusion of blood was not
followed by the fatal drain that might
have been expected. Do make myself
clearT
81 understand enough" said Brenda
81 know that she may recover, and
thank God with all my SOUL"
There was a pause, during which
kendalPs embarrassment, that had
been less noticeable while his mind was
bent upon a description of Elsie'S IN
jury. once more asserted itself. Brenda
snsefved that his face was flushed and
his forehead moist, and she was puZ-
zled.
Have you told her that l am hereY
she asked. 'Does she wish 10 see me?"
I'VE have not mentioned it." he re-
piled, but you need have no hesita-
tion. We have given her a very nice
room." he hurried on. You'll and
that everything In the world IS being
done Tor her. Shall ne 90 in9"
4hs ethar rr--'-
pay slcIan then came for
ward, and Brenda gave him her hand,
though Kendall, in the extremity of his
embarrassment, forgot to utter the
form of presentation.
A straight and long corridor, the
longest, as it seemed to Brenda, that
mortal architect had ever designed, led
rearward to the part of the building in
which Miss Miller had been sequester-
ed Kendall led the way, and his col
league walked behind. For the third
time that day Brenda experienced the
sensation of surrendering her volition.
The hospital became prison; she was
being marched to some deep cell be-
yond the reach Of rescue or the light of
day Then, in a moment, she saw DR..
Kendall open door and step back that
she might pass before him.
Brenda's first glance happened to fall
directly upon the face of the patient,
and she cannot truly be said to have
seen apything else in the room. The
bed was only an indistinct splash of
white The bare walls, the plainly
curtained window, the nurse in profile,
motionless as figure on tapestry, en-
tered into the feeling, but not into the
view of the scene She beheld only
that sweet and sad little face, so pref
ty, so maidenly and tender. And the
real essence of this despicable crime,
the inconceivable inhumanity of it,
seemed to speak straight to Brenda g
heart In that language of nature which
is without words.
Elsie's brown eyes opened wide.
| They had been half closed, and she
had been looking at heaven knows
| what; nothing in that room surely,
nothing that ever had been anywhere
perhaps They turned to Brenda with
| utter surprise.
"Miss Maclanew she cried in weak
voice, but distinct as the tone of little
! silver bell You have come to see
me! How kind of you" Then sudden
ly, "Why did you do it?"
Brenda sank upon her knees beside
| the bed and took Elsie's hand.
at was an impulse-a mere impulse, !"
she said; but 1 am very glad 1 came.
l am SO sorry for you. l am a good
| nurse l have been taught VIII you
let me stay here with you until you are
well?"
Two tears gathered in Elsie's eyes
| and glided slowly down her cheeks.
Her lip qulvered like a child's.
81 shan't get WELL" she said. 81 don't
want to-"
And then the tears came very fast.