Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1903-10-08

1ar AAAl6
Well, start early, if you go. SO as
to get back before the hottest part OF
the day. Jess carries you well and
will make good time. l am glad you
use the cross-saddle."
Lift up the latch and the bolt will
FALL" sang Florence to an improyised
air.
Look out for the WOLF my child,
admonished Mark
Because the green huntsman will
be over the hills and far away?" she
asked, a hint of reproach in her ques-
ton.
Night fell over the mountain camp
builded about it, rather-and set its
vault with stars. Florence Lindsay
looking upon it, felt its vastness lift
her out of all littleness and make her
a part of its sentiment might.
When at last her sleep-captive
brain threw off the night enchant-
ment, Florence reused to find Mrs.
Dennison at the tent door, calling in
an anxious tone.
What is it, Carrier" Florence
asked. 'Is your husband ill.,"
"Oh, Florence, I'm so alarmed about
him?" answered Mrs. Dennison. "He
has symptoms of one of his old at
tacks. We had hoped that they were
quite conquered, he had been SO much
better here. I'd give him one of his
powders, but there are only two left,
and he ought to take them frequently
TO prevent the trouble. Can you ride
to DR.. Winters"
There, there, you dear, worried
woman!" Florence %soothingly replied.
"Of course I'll go. Isn't he asleep
now? | thought so. You go and dc
as wisely. I'll soon be on the way"
A few moments at the tent door to
gather in the strength Of the hills and
the calm of the morning, and Florence
turned to the new duty. Breakfast and
the directions from Mrs. Dennison de-
layed briefly, and she was soon riding
through the pine forest, where the
night GOODNESS yet fingered. She
looked for the magpie to give him
greeting, and as her ready hearing
caught the murmuring wood sound, she
called all her powers of resolution to
her aid to invest herself with an in
vincihla arm of courage. No more
terrors for her! She would be brave
as Britomart; and, holding her whip
like a lance at charge, she rode boldly
to the Caldwell gate, as if it were the
only port of a Castle Dangerous. A
moment or two for studying the fasten-
ing, till she could open and close the
gate with ease, then out down the
mountain road.
1t was early when she saw below
her the struggling streets of Oakview
almost regretting that it was so near.
Arriving at the drug store, a little
difficulty arose. DR.. Winter was away,
and the boy in charge knew nothing
OF Mr.. Dennison's powders. Riding to
the doctors home she learned from
Mrs. Winter that the doctor was oper-
ating upon a patient at Powell's, seven
miles to the north, and did not ex-
pect to return before one o'clock.
1t was we'll past two when the doc
tor drove up, flung the reins to the
boy who stood waiting and, turning to
help a MAI in the garb of a farmland
from the buggy, calling, as he did so,
for hot water and antiseptics.
STEADY, there, my man." he said.
Here, lean on me. Marcia Ito his
Wife,, give him your arm on the
other side" But Florence was nearer
and afforded her strong young shoulder
to the wounded mans support.
"Scythe wound in the forearm
briefly stated the doctor. Il saw the
accident, but was able only to tie a
tourniquet, and must set a few stitches.
Mrs. Lindsay, can you stand the sight
of blood?"
The man was seated on the shaded
porch, and both women mechanically
followed the Doctors directions, moved
to dizziness by his will.
"Ah," muttered the doctor, as the
blood spouted with the loosening of
the tourniquet. "Radial artery; ulnar,
too, suspect. Stand still, Mrs. Lind
say" for the bright streams shot out
and dyed one side of her linen riding
habit.
DR.. Winter worked rapidly, and
Florence held her machine-like pose
until a splint and sling kept the arm
motionless. Then the doctor became
the genial host and turned cordially to
Mrs. Lindsay.
I'm glad you came to-day. Marcia
and l are in need of a little of your
society,""
Florence shook her head and told
him her errand.
Fred Dennison! Poor fellow. l
hoped much from that chloralmide for
him. That and the mountain life will
put him on his feet. BY jove! The
stuff is coming out on the late train
and it will take me an hour afterward
to get it. You'll have to stay and take
it up in the morning." He hurried to
his Office for a possible grain or two
Of the precious drug.
Florence felt that here was a test
for her new panoply. If she con-
quered this time she would exult in
future ~fearlessness. 1t would only be
early dark by the time she reached
camp, where her refuge waited. She
turned to Mrs. Winter, who stood
ready to sponge the red stain from her
skirt.
I'D lend you one said the lady,
but I've not learned to use the cross
saddle and there's no time to wash this
properly il you must CO." looking at
the shadow on the mountains above
the town.
The shadows were pointing long
fingers down the darkening canyons
as she rode up the mountain path,