Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-02-23

1t was near shutdown when | cam,
q brook and falls | could not rene
Der passing. | looked about me. Son
where I had gone of the old trail
everything was new to me. II widene,
as ! rode on, up a steep hill. Whel
the tree-tops opened. the hill was co,
cred with messy turf and there wer,
fragrant ferns on each side of me
The ground was clear of brush and
dead timber Suddenly I heard a voice
singing--a sweet girl voice that thrilled
me, do not know why, save that |
always lorged for the touch of a wo-
man II badly hurt. But then I have
felt that way having the pain of neither
lead nor steel The voice rang In the
silent woods, but could see no one
nor any sign Of human habitation.
Shortly came out upon a smooth
roadway carpeted with sawdust II
led through grove, and following it,
! came suddenly upon a big green man
sion among the trees, with Doric pill
lars and great portico where ham,
Knocks hung with soft cushions in
them, and easy-chairs of old mahog-
any stood empty. have said as little
as possible Of my aching wound: |
have always thought 1t bad enough
for one to suffer his own pain. But
must say was never so tried
To keep my head above me as
when l came to that door. Two
figures in white came out to meet me.
AT first did not observe-l had enough
to do keeping my eyes open-that they
were the Miles, de Lambert.
God save u.s." heard one of them
say He is hurt; he is pale. See the
blood running of his bootleg"
Then, as one took the bit, the other
eased me down from my saddle. calling
loudly for help. She took her hand
kerchief--that had a perfume have
not yet forgotten--as she supported
me, and wiped the sweat and dust from
my face. Then I saw they were the
splendid young ladies' | had seen at
the counts table. The discovery put
new life In me; it was like q dash of
water in the face. lifted ny hat
and bowed to them.
Ladies, my thanks 10 you," said
in as good French as I knew. II have
been shot May l ask you to send
for dcctor?"
A butler ran down the steps: a gar.
dener and a stable-boy hurried out OF
the grove.
ITO the big room-the Louis.
Quinze," said one of the girls, excited.
ly, as the men came to my help.
The fat butler went putting upstairs
and they followed. on each side OF
me.
Go for doctor, quick" said one oil
them to the gardener, who was coming
Observation-Disclosures who prayed TO q
saint as he saw my blood.
They led me across great green rug
in a large hall above-stairs to a cham
Der Of which saw little then save its
size and the wealth of it's appoint.
ments The young ladies set me down
bidding one to take off my boots, and
sending another for hot water. They
asked me where I was hurt. Their
they took of my blouse and waist.
coat.
Mon Dieu!" said one to the other
What can we do: Shall we cut the
, shirt"
Certainly. Cut the shirt" said the
other. I'VE must help him. We can
not let him die
God forbid" was the answer See
the blood. Poor fellow! 1t is terri
ble::"
They spoke very tenderly as they
cut my shirt with scissors, and barred
my back. and washed my wound with
warm water. I never felt a touch SO
caressing as that OF their light fingers
but, gods of war! it did hurt ME. Thu
bathing done. they bound me big with
bandages and left the room until the
butler had helped me into bed. They
came soon with spirits and bathed my
face and hands. One leaned over me
whispering, and asking what would
like to eat. Directly team Of horses
came prancing to the door.
"The colonel" one of them wills.
pered, listening.
"The colonel, upon my soul" said
the other. that sprightly Louison. as
she tiptoed to the window. They used
to call her "Tiptoes" at the Hermitage
The colonel! I remembered she was
none other than the Baroness de Fer
re; and thinking Of her and the CRATE
full feeling Of the sheets Of soft linen
I fell asleep.