Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1903-10-23
AN AUTUMN lDYL


! form suggested death, but youn
man Of the party finding that hi
heart still beat, applied restorative
land soon the eyes opened and tn
weak voice said 1T is in my breas
pocket" the stranger searched tn
pocket to find only faded envcl
ope in which was much worI
photograph Of young girl. Prep
arations were Immediately mad
TO remove the sufferer to the near
est medical aid. His wound wal
staunched and gentle hands busiet
themselves for his comfort.
At last the journey OF twenty
five miles was ended and a doctor
summoned to the new fever tossed
delirious man. But why did the
noted Doctor Dansford start and
turn away his headY Surely his
experienced eye had seen even sad
der sights. Yes, but in the wreck
OF humanity before him, he doc
tor recognized Dick Burke, his old
college chum. An examination
showed that poor Dick was mortal
" wounded and that the ball
had lodged in his lung. Dansford
made desperate effort to save
him but il was OF no avail and
with heartfelt regret he was COM
PEELED to tell the poor unfortunate
one that he had but a few days to
live. He could not endure the
look OF despair on Burke's face
and, quickly turned reached for his
hat which was on the small table
near by
AS he did so he accidently
brushed off a small miniature which
falling to the ground attracted his
attention. Evidently the pictured
face pleased even his critical eye
for he looked at it long and ear
testify; and despite the sad scene
in the room just left, his step was
almost joyous as he made his way
10 his hotel There he found ex-
cited crowds discussing the stage
robbery, and the criminals tragic
fate. That the wounded man was
a college friend of the great doctor,
somehow was soon added TO the
particulars; and sightseeing
par Y just entered at the hotel,
began to be interesting indeed
The climax was reached when
'ome one said, His real name is
Dick Burke.' Silence fell on the
title group and a lily whiteness
'verspread the fair face of young
,irl who hastily rising left the
Dom. She was found later in her
wn apartment having tainted
rom the shock.
Restored 10 consciousness she
ecamc icverish and called sadly
Or poor Dick Burke to whose mem
ry her loyal heart bad been true.
Ter aunt, Mrs Ainsley, not being
BILE to calm the Young girl, sum-
Ioned Doctor Dansford to her aid.
n attack OF nervous prostration
'lIowed, during which she begged !
,ntinually to see Dick; but fate !
ad parted them forever. While
he was sick, Dicks inevitable end
nd come. He had heard OF Rosa
Iond's illness and sorrow on his
count; and the memory of her c
svoted affection sweetened the sad O
ours before his death. As the I,
IN sitting glory cast its last :
,ems into the sick room one could i
c the pallid face OF il dying man :,
strange contrast to that OF !
'upg doctor bent so kindly above
In weak voice he whispered, :,
Harry, old boy, for Gods sake
We that money back to Gordon
nj ask Rosamond 10 forgive and N
rgct one who was so unworthy @
18th last look of appeal at his q
d friend and a prayer for mercy :;
ID pardon tho young man who d
ID SO inisused his splendid tai p
Is laid down the burden OF his s :.
ssied years. :.
Meath the spreading branches Of W
forest tree they dug his grave - =.
e grave Of ruined hopes and u