Durant weekly news. (Durant, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 190?-1944, 1905-04-21


charge this was settled. and much to
Jacks disgust he was told he would
have TO remain for six weeks by him.
self at Pomona House Tho tears
came into his eyes at this act uf in
justice, for be had looked forward to
going to what he had right to con
slider his home. All the boys were fun
OF animation and jollity. He alone
was somber and downcnst. No wonder
that he was so Nothing can be more
crushing to the spirits of schoolboy
than to be kept behind when all the
rest are going home to mothers. fathers
sisters and friends.
He had one companion, however.
This was Fisher. Ever since the ter
rible scene IN the river he had been
Ill and dropping His constitution was
too weak TO stand the shock. and he
caught severe cold which settled on
his chest.
Frequent were the visits Of his
mother and father to his bedside. and
they would have gladly taken him
to his London home. but the doctor
strongly advised them to let him re.
main in the fresh country air. This
was how Jack Harkaway came TO have
companion in misfortune.
The holidays dragged themselves
along with provoking slowness. Mr..
and Mrs. Crawcour departed for n tour
In Switzerland. taking their children
with them. Mr. Mole went to his re-
lations. who were merchants at Bristol.
The other masters might have been
heard Of at Margate. The housekeeper
and servants alone remained: so that
Jack had pretty well his own way.
A holiday task which had been given
him to do did not occupy much OF his
time, as he didn't let It. To Fisher he
behaved like q brother. and tn poor
little fellow was very grateful to him
for his unselfish kindness He sat by
his bedside for hours and read to him
or talked with him upon various sub.
Jects interesting to boys. but Fisher
was a peculiar boy and did not care
much for those amusements in which
lads Of his own age usually revel Even
to Jacks inexperienced eyes 1t seemed
as If death had marked him for his own.
His face was so pale and his eyes were
so unnaturally bright; his thin. trans
parent hand would lay on the coverlet
like wax, and his breathing was la
bored and difficult.
All sorts of luxuries and nice things
were sent him by his friends, of which
he pressed Jack to partake. OF books
he had large store. but he did not like
travels and biographies unless they re-
lated to missionaries and good men.
Jack used to read aloud the adven.
lures, perils and hardships of party of
missionaries in Madagascar, Fishers
eyes would glisten still more brightly
and an expression of almost divine en-.
thusiasm cross his eloquent features as
he listened with greedy ears.
"Ah" he would say, with a sigh
'"That is what should like to have
done. Gladly would give up every
thing for my Saviour, but fear shall
be called away before long"
"Oh, nD. you won't You are i'll and
feel weak. Youth soon be strong and ,
on your legs again." Jack said.
do you really think SOP asked the J
invalid thoughtfully. 81 wish I could. |
and yet | don't know why should |
wish 1t. 1t Is nice to die young Jack
| mean before one has been exposed to
my great temptation. 1t is very hard
% try and keep steadfast in the faith"
"The doctor thinks you will get bet
er," said Jack, passing the back of his
land over his eyes,
Whether | do or not, shall never
orget you, VIII you read to me now?
Take the New Testament; open it any
where; you are sure to find something
Omferting. 1t is only when we are i'll,
lack. that we know the value of the
Bible"
Have something more lively" sug-
,ested Jack, Robinson Crusoe now"
ITO me there is nothing so interesting
IS the Bible. You are strong and well,
nd perhaps don't think as I do. The
'oys say you did not know your
Mother. Oh, Jack. il you had mother
Ike mine, you would-but you seem
aimed. Have said anything to hurt
ou?" Il
NO" replied Jack. But didn't
hink you would have a fling at me for
That said incautiously to Hunston.
{ did not know my mother, is it my
ault?"
Certainly not; it is your misfor.
une."
Il have a firm belief that she is
live, and that | shall see her some
ay"
Il did not mean any harm: you know
ne too well to think that" said Fisher.
Sit down and talk TO me: you are u
tile upset. You will be yourself ,
You are my friend. you
now, Iack-my dearest friend on
lrtb, except my father and mother. ,
ecause you saved my life" !
Jack was very much attached 10 his
Orng friend. II he went out fishing,
G brought him the choicest fish that he s
lught, and he purchased things for 1
i'm In the town. as far as his slender '
ock OF pocket money would allow I
i'm. But ne amount of kindness could /
vert tho una vnl Al hIa anil fsbo, ,aof. | 4