The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1902-06-28
CONTINUED
By
RALPH
common

hot milk and coffee, as | had seen
clever doctor In the hospital treat a
similar case OF nerve and heart de-
presSstn. But the already weakened
system could not recover from the aw.
ful shock OF the exposure following the
debauch. and on Sunday afternoon we
saw that his heart was failing fast.
All day the miners had been dropping
In to inquire after him. for Rniv had
been a great favorite in other DAYS,
and the attention OF the town had been
adnpringly centered upon his fight OF
these last weeks. 1t was with no ordl
nary sorrow that the news OF his con.
dition was received. AS Mrs. Mayor
sang TO him his large, coarse hands
moved in time to the music, but he did
not open his eyes TIL be heard MIR.
Craig's voice In the next room. Then
he spoke his name. and Mr.. Craig was
kneeling beside him in a moment. The
words came slowly:
''Oi tried-to fight hit hout-but-Oi
got beaten. Hit 'urts 70 think 'e's
ashamed O. me. Old like TIA done bet
ter bi would"
Ashamed Of you, Billy said Craig
In voice that broke. Not he"
"And-ye hall--'elped me SOL" he went
on. "Oi wish Ord "a done better-Oi
do" And his eyes sought Geordie and
then rested on Mrs. Mavor, who smiled
back at him with a world OF love in
her eyes. You hain't hashamed o. me
--yore heyes saigh So" he said, look
ing at her.
mo, Billy" she said, and l wonder
ed at her steady voice. mot q bit.
Why Billy, am proud OF you"
He gazed up at her with wonder and
ineffable love in his little eyes, then
lifted his hand slightly toward her.
She knelt quickly and took II In both
OF hers. stroking IL and kissing IT,
"Oi Taught TIA done better. Oi'm
lawful sorry Oh went back on i'm. Hit
was the lemonade. The boys didn't
mean no arm, but hit started the ell
hinside."
Geordie hurled out some bitter words
Don't be ard on 'em, Geordie They
didn't mean no arm he said. and his
eyes kept waiting TIL Geordie said hur-
riedly:
INA. ma. lad, IN juist ieavc them TIL
the ALMIGHTY"
Then Mrs. Mavor sang softly. smooth
ing his hand, Just as Am" and Billy
dozed quietly for half an hour.
When he awoie again hrs eyes turn
cd TO Mr.. Craig. and they were trou-
bled and anxious.
"Oi tried ard Oh wanted so win"
he struggled TO say.
BY this time Craig was master OF
himself. and he answered in "A clear,
distinct voice:
Listen. Billy. You made a great
fight, and you are going 70 win yet.
And. besides, do you remember the
sheep that got lost over the noun.
tainsT This parable was Billy's spe-
cial delight ale didn't beat Il when
he got II. aid hep He took Il In his
arms and Carried It home, and So he
will you"
And Billy keeping his yes fastened
on Mr.. Craig. simply sai0.
"Win 'e?"
"Surcr said Craig.
"WiH 'eT he repeated. turning his
eyes upon Mrs. Mayor
why. yes. Billy she answered
cheerily, though the tears were stream
ing from her eyes. Il would, ana h.
loves you far more"
He looked at her. smiled and closed
his eyes. put my hand on his heart
1t was nuttcring fccbly. Again "A trou-
bled look passed over hts face.
My poor hold-mothcr!" az wills
pered shes hin the wulSus-"
Il shall take cnre Of her. Billy" said
Mrs Mavor In a clear voice. and again
Billy smiled Then he turned his eyes
70 Mr. Craig and from him 10 Geordic
and nj last 10 Mrs. Mavor, whore they
rested she bent over and kissed him
twice on the forehead.
''Tell err" he said. with difficulty. 'e's
took me ONE"
Eyes, Bnlyw she cried. gazing into
hisepAnzing eyes.
lie tried TO lift her hand. she kissed
him again. He drew one deep breath
and lay quite still.
THANK the blessed Saviour said
Mr.. Craig reverently. "He has taken
him home"
But Mrs. Mavor held the dead hand
tight and sobbcd out passionately:
"oh, Billy. Billy. you helped me once
when needed help! cannot forget!'
And Geordie, grooming, AYE, laddie.
lnddie" passed out into the fading light
OF the early evening.
Next day no one went TO work. for 20
all II seemed . sacred day. They car
ried HIM into tho little church, and
there Ny. Craig spoke of his long hard
night and OF his nnal victory. for he
died without fear and with love 20
the men who. not knowing. had been
his death And there was no bitter
ness IA amy heart. for Mr. Craig read
the story OF the sheep and told how
gently he had taken Billy home: but,
thQhgh no word was spoken. II was
thor,s the lanUI xvo1 tnaio ooofp