Okolona messenger., 1904-05-04

comnence again and be 50 happy. But
there IS the whistle" with sudden dis
tress n her voice as the dlseordant /
shrek again came through the window. /
and you haven't eaten a bit"
you can leave II on the bed. grimly. /
4 can eat slowly. and Il VIII heipto XIII /
time. But you have not eaten anything
yourself"
Il will take some along. reassuringly.
"Good-by, dear" She stooped and
kissed him, then hurried through the
kitchen, snatchihg up piece Of bread as
she ran. Fortunately the button factory
was only a few rods away. and she could
reach It before the whistle stopped blow
Ing. She must not risk losing her Job
now, for everything depended on the few
dollars she could earn.
After she left the man continued gar
ing for some mpments toward the door
through which she had disappeared, his
face still grim, hard despairing Then
a convulsive tremor ran through his
features, through his frame. and sud
denly he turned his face TO the pillow and
sobbed as only a strong man who has
given up wholly can sob.
4 wish Molly could know my real part
fn that hold-up," he choked, though ]
couldn't tell her myself II wasn't much,
but 1t was about the only white spot
she could put her finger on and look glad.
lid like for her to think we'll Of me
when it's over, for, Of course, I've got to
change the doctors word some way.
She must 60 home to her people"
After a time the heaving Of the weak
ened frame grew quiet, and the stead
fast, burning gaze returned to the CELL
ing The breakfast remained unnouced.
The forenoon passed, and half OF the
afternoon, and still he stared at the
ceiling. Then suddenly the outer door
was flung open, there was swift rush
Of joyous feet across the floor, his wife
was by the bedside, kneeling, her face
pressed against his. her arms around his
neck, her eyes wet, her lips trembling.
her voice full Of Joy, and reproach.
"Oh, Harold" she cried. why didn't
you tell me you got hurt in saving the
stage coach? A passenger who was in
the hospital has got wen, and is at the
factory. He is the owners brother, and
is very rich, they say. He seemed to
have heard your name, and was inquir-
ing about you Some OF them sent him
to me. He asked If had any relatives
by the name of Harold, and I told him
about you being sick. and that you had
been a miner and prospector. He has a
mine somewhere up the country and
wants you to take charge of it. lie Will
be here soon. He says you saved his
life, and got hurt doing It, Oh. Harold. ("
The sick man stared at her with burn
ing eyes.
wants me to take charge Of his
miner" he asked, hoarsely. Are you
sure? VIII he trust me?"
"rrust you" happily. "Oh. Harold, he
will do anything in the world for you
know from the way he spoke"
The invalid's features began to work
"You may sing that little song, Molly"
he whispered, "the one I stopped you at
this morning. IL would like to hear
it now. Thank God for this, and-and
for something else that I cannot tell
you"
She steadied her tremulous lips for Q
moment, then sang the little songshe had
loved in her school girl days, when they
had first met, and only a short hall
dozen years before. When she finished
his face was again turned to the pillow
and he was sobbing convulsively