The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-06-19
RENTS ANGEL.
BY CHARLES SLOAN REID.

DA ShAAtAIASC SGOAN Copyright. 1905, by Daily Story Pub.
 Company
 Kent sat with his chin in his hands and started at the little colorless face on the pillow A small lever clock on the mantel shelf licked softly, and be- room, save the occasional hushed cracking of the embers in the fire place, from which faint uncertain glow spread away through the cabin, walls, the puncheon stools. the bare joists overhead-and the face of the child on the bed. Kent had removed his shoes and set them at one. corner steps might be noiseless, should he chance to move about the floor. Oc- casionally, the sound of rain pattering upon the roof reached the mans ears; outside he shuddered. Up on the side of the hill was a new-made mound heaped above the mother of the child; and Kent wondered if "MaEth" could her grave. They fell upon his heart distinctly enough and chilled his frame. The little girl was ill when Marth Mar died and she had had, grown gradus; scarcely to breathe. Rents fingers clawed into his cheeks. and his eyes stood bleared He could not under stand how it should all happen thus.
 
 comprehensive forces, rose in his breast. but the impotence of human effort appalled, him. He had resorted to every home remedy of which he feet. And now he was waiting, just waiting for--he know not what.
 A gust of wind swept through the cat hole under the cabin door and viciously. A flame leaped up and for moment lighted the interior brightly. The child's eyes opened and the blue 9ros 9g6s st stared red for mon moment into the was extended weakly from under the covering. Kent slipped from the stool to his knees and caught the little wasted hand to his lips. while two big it sign for the better. or was it to be the one bright moment before the last, just as Martin had had? But the eyes of the child still stared. though now at the joists overhead, and a faint red glow had appeared in either cheek
 At this moment the latch string at the door was gently pulled from the outside. and the door was opened. It beautiful face and sad eyes who stood in the opening. For a moment she stared at Kent and the child then she closed the door softly behind her and came slowly forward to where the man knelt at the bedside He had not turned his head, though he had been conscious of the entrance of some one. for the draft from the doorway had famed his cheek. The woman laid il ev hand upon Rents shoulder tenderIy, and spoke.
 How is the child, Joe?" She had bent forward and was looking into ;he little girls face as she asked the ques- tion.
 Kent looked up. The voice was like Marth's, the face that he gazed into was like Martins. the tenderness that beamed from the eyes was like that which had beamed from the eyes of Martin.
 "oh, it's you. Marget?" said Kent.
 Yes. me. Joe couldn't sleep think in bout you an the. child
 Seemed to me Martin was whisper in that ye needed some'un here to- night so come' she added.
 Kent caught her hand in both his and stroked. His lips moved; but no sound issued from his throat for some
 We're good. Marg'et, we're an angel. ies' ben settin an waitin'. wonder in what I'd do if the little 'un there went after Martin Reckoned I'd go too, somehow Marg'et. Wouldn't reel like entin' no more. gal-an' 1t would mt take long that way would II. Mar
 He turned a beseeching look toward the face above him, while he still held the wOman's hand.
 "Twouldnt hardly be Christian. Joe. reckon, jes' to stop eatin that way
 No. reckon not, Marg'et. But some
 Margaret had touched the ohilds brow with her free hand, then she turned to gently withdraw the otner .frop Rents grasp.