The Lamar register., 1903-09-30


seemed capable of getting one up at
almost any moment.
My dear Dolores" he said, Dora
is waiting for us. Why do you bother
the doctors?'' They know much bet
ter than we do what is best to be done.
Come like good girl. let us go; we
are only hindering the Others"
why should | hinder them?" she
asked. eravely They are strangers
here; he is my father"
Yes. of course he said, brusquely.
'Of course. Dolores. We all know
that. but they know much better than
we do what is best to be done. Dora
is waiting for you-it is better in
every way for us to 60"
She stood erect and slender among
them. her print gown falling around
her to her feet, her face catching the
shadows OF the storm upon it.
Did not say" the voice was al
most solemn in its grave earnestness,
that will not leave him-ever-
while he lives-not for any one?"
None of them spoke for n moment:
not one of them was capable of de-
ceiyinS her as she stood so grave and
quiet waiting his reply. That she had
right to know. a better right than
they, could not be denied. She had
spoken the truth: she vas woman
capable of enduring much, of suffering
much; she was not child to be put
of with evasive replies.
DIR. Grey stood at the bedroom door:
he had not moved since the girl spoke;
she impressed him as she impressed
the others. Young Green looked trou-
blcd: he started as though he would
go to Dolores. and checked himself.
Even DR.. Dunwiddie was somewhat
disquieted; he looked beyond the girl
otu of the opposite window.
They waited for him to speak; the
girl knew he would tell her: the 9TH
ers were sure he would do what was
best. AS his gaze left the window and
he turned to Dolores, he caught the
look on young Green's face. His own
cleared instantly: he was himself
again, grave. practical, thorough ply.
scian and gentleman.
My dear Miss Johnson" he said
he was grave, courteous. her eyes did
s.
eyes-"when your father fell-fully
twenty feet it was--he struck the
ledge with great force had he dropped
it might scarcely have hurt him.
though it is evident that the ledge
below is rocky and the bushes scrub
by and sharp; as it was. he lost his
balance and slipped down suddenly
with force | wonder did not kill him
outright
"As it is. he broke both legs and an
arm. besides internal injuries which
cannot be determined upon at once"
She watched him steadily: instinc-
lively she knew he had not told her
all. Her lips were white and set in a
straight lire. Mrs. Allen crossed over
and touched her hand. but she paid
no heed to her: she was waiting to
know tho worst.
You know how he was brought
home" continued DR.. Dunwiddie. You
were the one who found him; to you
he owes his life-you and Charlie. His
right leg was broken below the knee:
we set that and his arm yesterday.
but his left leg"
ms Noltt was Sttdus grave.
Mrs. Aliens face was blanchng: how
the girl would take it she did not
know; she was used to many affecting
scenes. but this was totally different.
His left leg is broken in two PLACES,
Miss johnson. We did not wish to
tell you till the worst was over, but it
is best you should know. Your father
remained so long in that position in
the night dampness. in his exhausted
state. that we dared do nothing yes
terday. We wished to save this limb
If it were possible; it would be worse
than folly 10 attempt it; it is best that
it should go, Then, with careful nurs-
ing. we may bring him around all
| right"
Still Dolores did not move: she
wished understand 1t thoroughly, as
yet the truth was but slowly dawning
| upon her.