The Colfax chronicle., 1904-05-21


not live as a failure If it had not been
for that wretched affair of the stage
coach, you would never have known.
You would have thought | died in
Alaska"
Blessed stage coach," she exclaimed
fervently, ''even if you-you-" She
stopped suddenly, flush coming to her
face But he understood. She believed
he had helped in the hold-up, and his
| face again became grim. She caught her
breath a little, then looked at him
squarely. Even if you did have some
thing to do with it, DEAR" she went on
bravely, 'for that was what brought me
ing that several men had been hurt in
a stage coach hoId-up, and your name
was among them. My people objected;
but had the money you sent, and came
straight here. Now you will get well,
and we will go away somewhere and
commence again and be SO happy. But
there is the whistle" with sudden dis
tress in her voice as the discordant
Shrek again came through the window,
"and you haven't eaten bit.
You can leave 1t on the bed," grimly.
Il can eat slowly, and it will help to kill
time. But you have not eaten anything
yourself"
Il will take some along" reassuringly.
"Good-by, dear" She stopped and
kissed him, then hurried through the
kitchen, snatching up piece of bread as
she ran. Fortunately the button factory
was only few rods away. and she could
reach 1t 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 gaz-
ing for some moments 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 strong man who has
given up wholly can sob.
Il wish Molly could know my real part
in that hold-up," he choked, though ]
couldn't tell her myself. 1t wasn't much,
but 1t was about the only white spot
she could put her finger on and look glad.
I'D like for her to think well of me
when it's over, for, of course, I've got to
when it's over, for, Of course, I've got to
change the Doctors word some way.
She must go home to her people"
ened frame grew quiet, and the stead
fast, burning gaze returned to the cell
ing. The breakfast remained unnoticed.
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.
ooh, 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 we'll, 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 l told him
about you being sick, and that you had
been miner and prOspector. He has
mine somewhere up the country and
wants you to Jake charge of it. He 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? Will he trust me?"
Trust 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 stopped you at
this morning. IL would like to hear
it now Thank God for this, and-and
for something else that | cannot tell
you"
She steadied her tremulous lips for
moment, then sang the little songshe had
loved in her school girl days, when they
had first met, and only short half
dozen years before. When she finished
his face was again turned to the pillow
ard he was cobbing convulsively.