Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1903-10-06

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 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
enc of the frogs. With a desperate haste
she stroye to loosen it; in vain! Every
struggle only made it, as it seemed, more
firmly wedged
Hark! What was th at rumbling? With
pallid lips and trembling form, she heard
a distant whistle tell of the swiftly COM
ing train.
In despair, she stopped to unbutton the
shoe; but it was new one, and therefore
hard to manage, while her trembling fin
gers sought to undo the fastening, but
she found them powerless to accomplish
1 the task.
! On, on came the engine. She could
feel the 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 mans feet came run
ming to the spot.
BE calm! | will save youi Do not
struggle-stand perfectly stillr' said a
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 a 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 ~
ing on the green grass, a short distance
frcm the spot while her head reclined
upon some gentleman's shoulder, and the
same person was gently tanning her with
folded newspaper. Looking up, she
met the earnest, eyes of DIR. Elfenstein
bent upon hers, and saw that he was
thus kindly supporting her.
1T is all right now, Miss Nevergail.
You are safe, and will be yourself in one
moment" he said.
"Oh, but that was terrible, terribler'
she murmured, with a shudder, as her
eyes closed again, at the mere remem-
l.
brance.
1T was, truly! While 1 got to you in
time, thank heaven, there was not a
second to spare'
"Oh, doctor, / can never thank you,
for know now that it was youxyho say
ed met
DO not try. Miss Nevergaii; l will not
be thanked. My fright, l assure you
was nearly equal to your own"
How did you get the shoe Off" she
asked, at length, as she raised herself
from his arm, and glanced at her foot.
Il never can tell; it was so stiff and
tight it took all my strength. But now,
since you are better. | will see what
has become of that obstinate little boot -
In a few moments, he smilingly return
ed with its dilapidated remains in his
hand.
You will scarcely know your own
property" he remarked. 1T is so crushed
and torn. The action of the heavy train
loosened it, and thus l came off with
the spoil"
MY poor, poor shoe" said Ethel, a
faint smile lowering around her pale lips.
We'll it may better be crushed than
my foot; but, really, though scarcely
wearable, l must put it on;' and she
reached out her hand for the torn OBJ
ject.
Nay, allow me to restore it to its
place" said the doctor, kneeling beside
her. My poor child, you have scarcely
strength enough yet for such task"
With the greatest tenderness and care,
he drew the boot over one of the Smallest
little feet he had ever seen supporting a
woman and as he finished buttoning the
very few buttons that remained, he arose,
and begged her TO keep seated until he
brought hither his horse and gig. as he
told her he should insist upon carrying
her home, as she was he knew, still
weak from fright.
Looking around, Ethel saw, for the
first time, his horse standing quietly by
the roadside, a short distance from the
track. where he had left him, to rush TO
her assistance.
Bringing the animal and conveyance to
her side, Earle turned, and before she
fairly understood his intention. gathered
her in his arms from the ground. and lift
ing her into the seat sprang lightly to
her side.
"You must not be startled at my pre-
sumption, Miss Nevergail. Remember
physicians have privileges others have
not. You are my patient now, and until
see the color re-established op your
lips and cheek, l am in duty bound to
care for you. You are not offended"
He bent to gaze into her eyes as he
asked the question, and his earnest look
brought the tell-tale blood back to her
cheeks
"Oh. no, no. That would be migrate
ful indeedr' was the low reply.
The ride really revived her. and as the
doctor took her quite a roundabout way,
in order to prolong it, assuring her il
would be beneficial TO do so. she was able
to give a natural spring as he held out
his hands to assist her to the ground,
when at length they drove up 10 the
entrance of Glendenning Hall.
There was a happy smAe still upon
her lips as, after thanking and bidding
her kind friend adieu, and seeing him
lift his hat as he drove off. she ran up
the piazza steps to pass TO her room.
But the smile vanished instantly as
Belle came forward from beh4ld the
; heavy screen of vines, and with an angry
look in her eyes, exclaimed:
What does this mean? l wish to
know if Sir Reginald pays you a salary
10 ride around the country with young
men? l shall inform him of this ride. .
'As you please. Miss Glendenning. 1t
certainly is not my intention TO keep
secret the fact that have just narrow
IL escaped death by being crushed by
the cars. As Or. ElfenStein risksd his
life TO drag me from danger, and then
employed his skill 10 bring me from a
dreadful swoon. he certainly thought ];
no harm TO restore me safely 10 your
uncle's aid as l was too weak from fright
to walk"
So saying. Ethel passed on. leaving the
angry, but astonished girl 10 her own re-
Elections. That these were not of a very
pleasant nature, the following whisper
gave evidence:
1T is always the way. Wish 10 keep
one person away frrm another. and some
thing Is sure TO happen to bring them
Together One thing | am determined,
however, he shall never marry Ethel
I ~ 4 n - .