Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-02-18

zone.
The return ride is q merry one, and
it appears that all has gone well-un-
til the next morning, when Agnes's
grandmother presents herself at the
sehoolhousa Goor fairly shaking with
indignation. Miss Helen is startled
and shocked to learn that her uncle
lhas somehow managed TO leave her
behind on the day before AMI that the
little creature walked those 10 miles
through the deep snow. attended only
by the faithful Sheka, and reached
home after dark, half.frozen and all
but exhausted. OF course the man is
to blame. but none the less is the
white woman" reviled in choice
=, Dakota by all of yellow Stars rela,
tons, to the third and fourth genera.
ton, and neither explanation nor re-
greet will in any wise atone for this
misfortune, She shall never. never,
never so to school again."
Shall she not, indeed? Poor little
heroine No sooner has she recover.
ed from her frost.hites and her
fatigue, than she steadily announces
her purpose, and quietly returns to
school She is SO self.possessed and
undemonstrative a child that petting
is not to be thought of, but it may be
imagined that she is no less tenderly
regarded than before by her teacher,
who cannot forgive herself for the
innocent hlunder which leo to such
hA is 80 q
INDUCES in many dreams of her
! further education and future develop,
ment
But there comes a day in March
when, for the third time since the
school bell rang out in the Indian viii
lage, Agnes does not answer To her
name at roll-call Miss Helen Visits
the cabin, and finds her fayorite
curled up on that same pile of ragged
quilts where we first found her, with
Sheka lying watchful at her feet, and
regarding her with his great. sympa,
thetic eyes,
She does not complain. but she is
unable to- rise. She has a slight dry
cough. Miss Helen gazes at the child
with sort of terror Has she not
grown smaller and thinner than she
used To be? Is there not a feyerish
flush on her cheeks--a glitter in her
eyes? She sends for her pony. mounts
him, rides to the agency and asks the
agency doctor to come down and visit
little yellow Star.
He comes the next day while she
is in school, and Miss Helen does not
see him until two days later. She
asks anXiously concerning the child.
THAT little girl? oh, she has quick
consumption-no hope whatever"
"What--no hope? You don't mean
that she is going to die?"
The debonnair young doctor looks
surprised at her tone, and a trihe
sorry Tor his abruptness.
Were you especially interested in
the child? I am afraid she cannot re,
cover | have left medicines Beef
tea and nourishing food, with good
care. might possibly save her"
Never was more devoted and in.
telligent nurse than Miss Helen to
little Agnes, during every moment
which she can conscientiously spare
from her school duties, The aunt and
grandmother are subdued and humble
but incapable Of giving the medicines
at regular intervals, or of making the
boef-tea and gruels. even after they
have been carefully taught Miss
Helens method.
The little girl herself is quite silen,
and accomplishing merely wasting
away day by day like the snow in the
early spring sunshine She fixes her
sad eyes on Miss Helens sympathetic
face when the gentle white lady
enters her poor room, and they follow
her every motion as long as she re
mains but she seldom speaks, and
then only in monosyllables.
One afternoon in April, the lady en-
tiers with a more rapid step than
usual, and a lovely doll. daintily
dressed in a yellow cashmere frock
edged with lace. her crisp curls tied
with yellow ribbons, is laid in the
childs arms. She smiles-a smile OF
exquisite fabric. Miss Helen hastily
leaves the cabin, and the tears roll
down her cheeks.
I Several days later, a barrel full OF
pretty sailor hats are distributed
among the schoolgirls. Miss Helen
thinks of Agnes. Of course. but de.
cides not to sadden the child by the
gift of hat which she can never hope
to wear, But when she goes up to the
bed as usual, little Yellow Star. who
has seen one of her classmates ar,
rayed like lily of the field looks UP
into the dear face with irresistible ap.
peal The wide. brimmed blue-rib.
boned bit Of vanity is hung over the
foot of the bed
In days afterward, it is placed in
her rude coffin, and the smiling doll
is laid in the little emaciated arms
Miss Helen sheds tears. and the aun,
and grandmother cut off their hair
and mourn In Indian fashion. As for
Sheka, he disappeared, and has never
been seen again