Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-05-16
with instant revolt of his assurance.

with instant revolt of his assurance.
He felt the impersonal rebuke of her
manner and replied simply: "He is bet
ter this afternoon, SO hear. 1 have
not had time to call. 1t is pleasure to
see you again." He fixed his eyes on
her companion. II don't think 1 know
you," he said, with challenging in
Election in his voice.
II am DR.. Braide Of Valley Springs"
Ann explained, CDR. Braide comes to
attend my brother"
Munro's face lost its reckless smile,
and he looked worn and pale. "Doc-
tor, Pm glad to meet YOU"
1--WE must hurry on" interrupted
Ann, warmly impatient of Munro's
glances.
Braide chirped to his horses and
after. AT the foot Of the hill lie called:
Keep that winding road. 1t will bring
you to the top near Kelly's. I'll meet
you there"
\ The peak was more than quict-it
was silent. 1t was as if palsy had
kuiiSA upon SNSlS MOIhlNtut
causing n swift devouring decay to set
in.
"What n changed" exclaimed Braide.
II was here just before this trouble be-
| gan and these hills teemed with mem
"There is one smoking chimney. 1t
must be the Raymond & Kelly mine"
Ann pointed away up the hill.
"How do they keep going?"
"The strikers fear them, and, besides,
Munro and Raymond are old acquaint-
ances. 1 think he protects Them"
Raymond was standing Mt the Kellys'
door us they drove up, his face sombcr,
his eyes clouded. He could not speak
so deeply was he moved, but with a
nod Mt Braide and without word
threw back the robes and reached n
hand to help her. How is he?" she
asked, with catching of the breath.
HE Is very ILL., but 1 think"- His
voice failed him for moment "I'm
glad to see you, doctor. He needs you
Everything whirlcd before Ann. "Ii
he should dic-Oh, If he should die
It's all my faultw she walled. Its al
my faultv' and her numb limbs rcfus
ed to move.
Don't say that" he urged. eve
gone over it thousand times. dom,
see that any one is to blame. l know
you are not. Come we must go t.
him."
In that instant something seemed tt
1 hot fhop,-cn,nn In, lot IL,
tangible bond was established. AM
put out her hand, and he took it gentl,
between his palms. BE brave, dea
GIRL" he sal. tendcrly.
She suddenly reused herself and hui
ried toward the cabin. Mrs, Kell
came to meet her with arms opcne
wide, her sweet face pale with pity
"Oh, Ann, darlin', were nccdin' YEP
Ann went to her for an instant, the
put her aside and knelt beside the bee
Her heart grew icy cold With the hol
ror and the pity of seeing that blitht
boyish face set and liv!d. the brow
grave with the gravity of battle. HI
eyes were closed, and, at the momen
he appeared to be dying. She caugl
his lax hand and kissed 1t passionate
ly. Louis, speak to me! Speak I
sister!"
Her low cry pierced Raymond
heart, and Willie lie stood helpless, sic
with sympathetic pain, the doctor too
Ann gently by the arm. "please leay
me alone with Louis for few minute
Trust him to me-"
Raymond turned comforter. 9Th
doctor is right. His case is not decide
yet. You must remember how stron
and well he has been. He's not til
pale slip lie was when lie came her
Please go over to the house and Il
Nora make some tea for YOU" he pleat
ed, and at last she yielded and, wit
final look at the sick boy, went GU
with Mrs. Kelly.
With that half superstitious conf
dence which even the most intelligel
feel when the doctor is present, Ra.
} mOnd soon followed. He was tired
tired! His long ride to the valley an