Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-10-13

of five weeks, he just lies on his bed as weak as a newborn babe, as the saying is, and doesn't take no notice of nothing. have succeeded in bringing him down to the coast, which we hope to reach tomor- row, and when we get to Loango-a poor sort of place-I shall at once obtain the i best advice obtainable-that Is to be had. However, I may have to send for 1t, but, money being no object to either master or me, respectfully beg to say that every care will be took. Master having kind friends at Loango, l have no anxiety as to the future, but, honored sir, 1t has been near touch in the past-just touch and go, so to speak Not being in posi- ,, ton to form a estimate of what Is the matter with master, I can only respect fully mention that 1 take it to be Q gen- eral kerlapse of the system. brought on. no doubt, by too long a-living in the un- healthy platters of central Africa. When gets him to Loango shall so straight to the house of Mir. and Miss Gordon, where we stayed before, and with no fear but what we will be received with every kindness and the greatest hospitality. Thank God, honored sir, I've kept my health and strength wonderful and am therefore more able to look after master. When we reach Loango I shall ask Miss Gordon kindly to write to you, sir, seeing as I have no great facility with my pen. am. honored sir, your respectful servant | to command,
 JOSEPH ATKINSON,
 Late Corporal Two Hundred and Seven-
 teenth Regiment.
 With feeling of considerable satis- faction Joseph approached the bunga- low at Loango three days later. The short sea voyage had somewhat re- vived Meredith, who had been desirous of walking up from the beach, but after short attempt had been com pelled to enter the spring cart which Joseph had secured.
 Joseph walked by the side of this cart with an erect carriage and suppressed importance suggestive of ambulance duty in the old days.
 As the somewhat melancholy cortege approached the house, Meredith drew back the dusky brown holland curtain and looked anxiously out. Nor were Joseph's eyes devoid of expectation. He thought that Jocelyn would pres ently emerge from the flower hung trellis of the veranda, and he had re- hearsed over and over again a neat, respectful speech, explanatory of his action in bringing a sick man to the house. -
 But the hanging fronds of flower and leaf remained motionless, and the cart drove unchailenged round to the prin- cipal door.
 A black servant-a stranger-held the handle and stood back invitingly. Supported by Joseph's arm, Jack Mere dith entered. The servant threw open the drawing room door; they passed in. The room was empty. On the table lay two letters, one addressed to Guy Os- card, the other to Jack Meredith.
 Jack Meredith fumbled rather feebly at his letter. It was distinctly an ef- fort to him to tear the paper.
 | My Dear Meredith-Just line to tell you that the bungalow and it's contents are at your service. Jocelyn and I are of home for two months change of air. have been a bit seedy. leave this at the bungalow. and we shall feel hurt if you do not make the house your home when ever you happen to come down to Loango. have left a similar note for Oscard. in whose expedition to your relief have all MAURICE GORDON.
 "Here," said Meredith to his servant; you ruay as we'll read 1t for yourself" :"
 He handed the letter to Joseph and leaned back with a strange rapidity of movement on the sofa. As he lay there with his eyes closed he looked remarkably like dead man.
 At that moment Marie came into the room, dignified. gentle. self possessed.
 "Ah, missis," said Joseph, "rm glad to see you. You're wanted badly, and that's the truth. Mir. Meredith's not at all we'll"
 ' Marie bowed gravely. She went to Meredith's side and looked at him with a smile that was at once critical and encouraging. Ncstorius, holding on her ! skirt, looked up to her face. and, seeing the smile. smiled too. He went fur ther. He turned round and smiled at i Joseph as If to make things pleasant all round.
 ] Marie stopped over the sofa. and her clever dusky fingers moved the cush- Ions.
 You will be better fin bed" she said.
 T will get Mir. Gordon's room made ready for you-yes:" Then she turned .o Joseph with that soft. natural way which seems to run through the negro blood however much it may be d. Mted.
 i Help Mir. Meredith she said, '-to Mir. GorLion's room. I will go at once md see that the bed is got ready" By daybreak next morning Joseph was at sea again. steaming south in q .oastIng boat toward St. Paul de Dosn- Ia. He sent on telegram to Maurice f Gordon in England. announcing the
 sgccess of the relief expedition. ana then proceeded to secure the entir' { services of a medical man. With thi. youthful disciple of Esculapius he re turned forthwith to Loanzo and set ted down with characteristic energJ to nurse his master.
 Meredith's progress was hmentabll slow. but still 1t was progress and il | the riztt direction The doctor. vhl
 was wise in the strange naladies o' the west coast. stayed for tvo day.
 and promised to return once q week
 He left full instructions. and partic
 uizriy impressed upon the two nurse'
 the fact that the recovery would neces
 sarily be 70 s,o~ thst their unpracticet
 eyes coun hardly expecf to tr.cs itI