The indicator., 1904-10-01
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arything stood still for a moment.
-,med impossible. Two days ngo
~ life. now on the way out.
~, crowded in upon me thoughts of
hOmc: his mother. whose letters he
10 show me full Of anxious love;
lid life here. with all Its generous
uclses. It's mistakes. its folly.
|sHow long will he last?" asked,
INV lips were dry and numb.
sperhaps twcnty-four hours, perhaps
rr He cnn't throw or the poison"
n, old doctor proved a true prophet.
N, another day Of ngonIzcd dellrium
sank into a stupor which lasted
rough the night.
&rhen the change came. AS the light
I'm TO grow at the eastern rim of
I. prairie and tip the far mountains in
I, west Bruce opened his eyes and
ksed about upon us. The doctor had
NJ. the Duke had not come back;
Eore and We're alone. He Sazed at
steadily for some momenls; read
& faces. a look Of wonder came
h his eyes.
|1s II eoming?' he asked in n faint,
rd voice. "Do you really think 1
Ist gof"
The eager appeal in his voice and
y wistful longing In the wide open.
krled eyes Were too much for
Ioore. He backed behind mo and |
|Iud hear him weeping like n baby.
luce heard him too.
lis that the Pilotf" he asked. In.
hn,ly Moore pulled himself up. wiped
: eyes and came round TO the other
Ne of the bed and looked down, smil-
-Do you say l am dyingi" The
he was strained In Its carnestness.
felt n thrill of admiration go through
X as the Pilot answered In sweet,
lar voice: "Thcy say so. Bruce. But
70 are not afraid?"
Bruce kept his eyes on his face and
swcrcd with grave hesitation:
-No-not- afraid-but I'd like TO live
little longer. I've made such Il mess
II I'd like to try again" Then he
used and his lips quivercd a little.
heres my mother. you know" lie
led apologotically. and jim" Jim
Is his younger brother and sworn
um.
Yes, know, Bruce, but II won't be
. long for them. too. and it's good
ice"
Yes, believe 1t all-always did
he'd rot-you'll forgive me that?'
Don't, don't" said Moore quickly.
ih sharp pain in his voice, and
ucc smiled little and closed his
es saying, I'm tired" But he i'm
'diatcly opened them again and
'ked up.
What is lt3' nsked Moore, smiling
wD into his eyes.
The Duke" the poor lips whispered.
He is coming" said Moore conf.
nty, though how he knew could
tell, But even MS he spoke. looking
Of the window. saw lingo come
inglng round the bluff Bruce
lrd the beat OF his hoofs. smiled,
ened his eyes and waited. The leap
Joy In his eyes as the Duke came in,
an cool and fresh as the morning
nj to my heart.
ma caf "a
X hold of the Dukes hand in both
bis. He was fast growing weaker.
'ave him brandy and he recovered
lie strength.
! am dying, Duke" he said quietly.
sumlse you won't blnmeeyourself."
I can't, old man" said the Duke,
h shudder. Would to heaven l.
lld."
You were too strong for me and you
mt think. did you?" And the weak
Ice had carcss in it,
No. no! God knows" said the Duke
rriedly.
|here was long silence, and again
uce opened his eyes and whlsperedi
The Pilot"
Moore came to him.
Read THE Prodigal.' lie said faint
and in Moore's clear, sweet voice
E music of that mntcbless story fell
on our ears.
Agaln Bruce's eyes summoned me. l
ut over him.
Ny letter." he said falntly; ''in my
at'-
brought to him the last letter from
mother. He held the envelope be-
re his eyes. then handed it to me,
hispering:
Read"
opened the letter and looked at the
'rds MY darling Davie." My tongue
uck and not sound could l make.
core put out his hand and took 1t
ON me. The Duke rose to go out,
Hing me with his eyes, but Bruce
otloned him to stay, and he sat down
ID bowed his head. while Moore read
e letter.
HIS tones were CHAR and steady till
came TO the last words. when his
' 'ce broke and ended in a sob:
And, oh. Davie, laddie, If ever your
ar turns home again remember the
" "r Is aye open, and it's joy you'll
ing with you to us ALL"
bruce lay quite still and from his
"ed eyes big tears rnn down bis
seks. 1t was his last farewell to
: whose love had been to him the
aenor to all things pure here and to
aVen beyond.
~. ae took the letter from Moore's
~ put 1t with difficulty to his lips,
v =. .neh, touching the open Bible, be
'a between his brenths: