Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-10-29

OIL MN,
"Oh, yes; | can tell you, certainly. Go
straight forward, pass DR.. Elfenstein's
cottage, when you will come to a grove
Of willows; pass that and then the
railroad track, and about one quarter of
a mile beyond, you will see a row Of
houses; that Is the commencement of the
real village proper, and there you will
find several stores"
Thanking the boy, Ethel opened her
parasol for the afternoon was warm and
sultry, and followed the path pointed
out. When she reached the cottage, her
eyes wandered over lis small tower-bor-
dered garden, its pretty vne-covercd
porch, and open windows, with their
bowed blinds, just revealing the dainty,
coollooking, lace curtains within, that
waited back and forth, gently, in the
faintest of all breezes.
How differently DIR. Elfenstcin i'm
presses me, with his manly bearing, his
open countenance, and kindly eyes, even
though his manners are reserved and
quiet, from that vain, egotistical Robert
Glendenning," she thought. II cannot
understand exactly why l detest that
person SO thoroughly, nor why | admire
lliG SOulls puy SlClhl ~ llluNHs oht liAlhS :,
perhaps, influences me; | always loved
usefulness in a man; DIR. Elfenstein la
bors for the welfare Of others; young
Glendenning Is an idle spendthrift, liv-
ing merely to crafty the pleasures of his
own handsome self One. constantly do
ing good, the other--I should judge by
his looks and acts evlly disposed, and
reckless in all his ways"
While thus thinking she passed the
willow grove and the railroad track, and
soon reached the stores. where the pur-
chases were made to her entire satisfac-
ton. Then she retraced her steps, walk
ing slowly, in order more fully to enjoy a
cooler breeze that was springing up; but
as she neared the railroad she quickened
her steps, for she knew that a train was
nearly due.
Soon the place was reached, and in
stepping over it, to her horror she found
the heel of her shoe fastened tightly in
one of the frogs. With desperate haste
she strove to loosen it; in vain! Every
struggle only made it, as it seemed, more
firmly wedged.
Hank! What was that rumbling? With
pallid lips and trembling form, she heard
distant whistle tell of the swiftly com
ing train.
In despair she stopped to unbutton the
shoe; but it was a new one, and therefore
hard to manage, while her trembling fin
gers sought to undo the fastening, but
she found them powerless to accomplish
the task.
On, on came the engine. She could
| feel tho rails vibrate with their motion,
and still her foot was fast and she could
not move. Then, one wild shrek of ter
ror rang out upon the air, and even be-
fore it died away a mans feet came run
ming to the spot
BE calm! | will save you! Do not
struggle-stand perfectly still" said O
voice in her ear.
On came the cars; even then they could
be seen in the distance. One moment
more and she would be under the fearful
wheels; but strong hand caught the
foot, wrenched open the buttons, then
as the hot breath of the engine was al
most upon her, she was drawn from the
perilous position and knew no more.
When she opened her eyes. she was ly
ing on the green grass, a short distanc,
from the spot, while her head reclneC
upon some gentleman's shoulder, and tn,
same person was gently tanning her will
n folded newspaper. Looking up, sh
met the earnest eyes of DR.. Elfensteil
bent' upon hers, and saw that he wa
thus kindly supporting her.
at Is all right now, Miss Neyergail
You are safe and will be yourself in on
moment" he said.
"Oh, but that was terrible, terrible!
she murmured, with a shudder, as he
eyes closed again, at the mere remenl
brance.
ut was, trulyl While | got to you i
time, thank heaven, there was not
second to spare!'
"Oh, doctor, l can never thank yol
for know now that it was you who say
ed me-"
DO not try, Miss Nevergail; will nc
be thanked. My fright, | assure yol
was nearly equal to your own"
How did you get the shoe OFF," 81
asked. at length, as she raised herse
from his arm, and glanced ut her foot.
: 81 never can tell; it was so stiff an
; tight it took all my strength. But nov
since you are better, | will see VIII
has become of that obstinate little boot
In few moments, he smilingly retur
ed with its dilapidated remains in b
hand.
t You will scarcely know your ov
7 property" he remarked. sit is so crush
) and torn. The action of the heavy ira
J. loosened it, and thus l came off wi
the spoil"
o My poor poor shoe" said Ethel,
d faint smile lowering around her pale lii
$ well, it may better be crushed tn
2 my foot; but, really, though scarce
!, wearable, l must put it on" and S
a reached out her hand for the torn
II ject.
'e NAY, allow me to restore 1t to
n place" said the doctor, kneeing best
{, her, MY poor child, you have scarce
"a strength enough yet for such task"
VI With the greatest tenderness and ca
he drew the boot over one of the small
little feet he had ever seen supporting
woman, and as he finished buttoning
he very few buttons that remained, he arc
ke and begged her TO keep seated until
he brought hither his horse and gig, as
N told her he should insist upon carry