Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1906-02-07
9S M e. Rose

Tered. Did you hear me tn first
time?'
II guess 1 did," the stranger an
swered. He drew a chair beside the
couch. Isn't there something 1 can
do for you
Il feel better just to have you here"
said the boy. when there amt no.
body but only me an the pain in tn
room it always seems like it was big
ger an worser than it is. Amt in no
great hurry, are your?
NO." the stranger answered. I'm
in no hurry. But why are you left
alone?"
He reached forward as he spoke and
softly stroked the boys thin hand.
"'Course I'm alone most all day,
cause sister goes out SEWN, an I'm
alone tonight cause when sister came
home she said I was worse an so she
went right after some medicine It's
tn districk doctor, an it's quite a
ways, an most always he amt at
home. Did you ever rub a persona?
NO." the stranger answered, ''but
I'd be glad to learn"
The boy drew a quick breath and
shut his teeth together.
cts in my back" he family ex-
planned. Yes, there A little more to
the side. Harder, please. No. you don't
hurt me-" He drew another long
| breath, but this time he followed if
with a quick smile. That's better al
ready. You're a splendid rubber
You're hand is so smooth an YOU
bear down so firm. Sister is a good
/ one, too, but she amt very strong. an
she most always comes home pretty
tired. Amt you tired yet?'
ooh, no." laughed the stranger
''This is easy. Sure 1 hit the right
spot?"
Il feel most we'll. The paint there
now. Please don't rub any more"
The stranger Strengthened up and
looked down at the white face of the
lad.
whats your name?"
''Joe, Joe Arnold"
well, Joe, what next?"
what next?"
what else can 1 do for youT
Cant stay any longer, can you?"
eyes"
'Not till sister comeSY
If you want me to stay"
Want you! Say, Fd-Fd just love
to have you"
His voice trembed
"Of course I'll stay" said the stran-
ger hastily.
II don't like to be alone in the dark"
the lad seemed to find it necessary to
explain. AN, an'-no, I amt a baby
don't think it. But 1 guess 1 get
kind O. ratified in the dark-you saw
how 1 was. An'-weI, 1 amt good
company for myself"
That's all right" said the stranger.
Il guess there are times when we all
feel the same way. What do you say
to lighting the lamp?"
Yes said the boy. do you know
how?'
DO l look as stupid as that?'
No, no. said the boy hastily. 81
meant that you look as if you was
man who was used to 'Iectric lights.
That's all l meant"
The stranger laughed as he bent
over the lamp. When he had it light
ed he looked around The room was
neat and clean, and a low fire burned
in the stove.
Getting hungry?' he asked.
Eyes, l am" the boy answered.
when | had the pain l didn't think
of it. You see, when sister goes away
she leaves something for me where L
can get it. Crackers an milk, maybe.
or maybe just bread an butter. But
I've drank all my milk an eaten all
my crackers, an now I'm ready for
somethin' more. You won't mind if 1
don't try to get up, will your"
Certainly not replied the stran-
ger. You can lie there and tell me
what to do
The boy stared at him.
What can you do?"
make myself useful, perhaps"
But how can you work in those
clothes?"
Watch me-" He took off his coat