The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1907-02-20
Jacks Left
Hand
BY Louis Joseph Vance


I
luster eyes at the sleeping young
man, and walled. "P'moaner,'
Murchison shifted uncaslly in his
seat but slept on until the brakes
screeched protest as the train glidct
TO a smooth stop.
bling his suitcase. he heard the con
ductor's cry. "All-la board The
train began to move, and swinging
lantern glided past the window. Nun
Gibson sped down the aisle--only e
be confronted at the door by an enter
ing feminine figure
The train was now plunging desper
ately through the night. 4 sudden
strident whistle rent the night, III
! train gave two or three convulsivt
( quivers, while the air-brakes Kissed
madly. and came to full stop. Muir
/ Gibson was thrown backward and for
! ward through the aisle
lie made remark in an undertone
and staggered to his feet, ruefuly rub
I bling his left wrist which had been Sc
verely wrenched The girl had been
thrown forward. but was uninjured.
oh" she cried Il hope
ITS nothing thank YOU
He looked a fraction of a second full
in her face. You" he said in his
heart. She was exceptionally wonder
full
Perhaps If you'll pardon the pre-
sumption he made apology, diving
into his pocket for worn leather
case, I'm introduce myself" He extri
Gated a card with fingers that trem
hled. Murchison--John Murchison
Of the steamship Afridi in the eastern
trade"
Captain Murchison,' Her face
cleared msgically. Why | know you!
You are Jack 5 captain
He bowed -ris.;s. 4
Then / can tell you something,
eagerly.
Tell me. he pleaded, avoiding her
gaze, digging his nails into his palms
to control himself
I'm running away" she continued.
Running away for all the world like
scatter,brained schoolgirl"
"F'rom--Jack Murchison heart
jumped. and grew cold; he gripped
the arm OF the seat until his knnckles |
stood out white and panied. Why
ne asked breathlessy
Well" her voiced tIailed OF, hest |
tant then was uplifted once more, |
petulantly speaking rapidly, challeng' |!
ing his criticism You see, Jack |
and I've haven't seen each other |
Tor eight years. It's long time
eight years" She flashed to him a
swift glance, entreating.
ITS long" he conceded, heavily.
And YOU"
But 1t wasn't my fault she de-
Tended herself. with sudden spirit. |
AT least not entirely | believe
1t was so long before he wrote to me
"a whole year didn't mind he
cause | knew he was-was seeking
his fortune. That's what we called
It between ourselves, for tit sound
ed more romantic But when he
did write Such letters! They were
long, you know: about his life, his
luck his hopes-eyerything except
me-"
She stopped, but Murchison did not
encourage her; he was gravely watch
ing the play Of his fingers as he slow
.y knitted and strained them apart
Except me- she went on. They
we're not-not sentimental, you I'M
And that was what |
wanted: | was-hungry for it. I
was waiting and patient | think, but
longing We were very young when
he went away. and hs left me token
we called it that-a sort OF tails.
nan. II was pin-his college pin
4 little gold enameled flag. II !
wanted him at any time--if felt
hat / must have him with me- was
o send him the flag, nothing more.
Shc sighed softly. But when Jack
would write. way down at the
CRY end of the letter he would speak
II that How about the token he
you'd ask Aud that was all She
hook her head most tragicslly.
Yes" Murchison used the rising
Infection.
She resumed There came a
.rcat change Jack You know
low he had that accident
Fell down hatchvsy and broke
hree ribs. was first mate then. and
le was second"
She shuddcrcd. lie didn't write
not for some time Then he began ,
gain. Only il VAS 30 different lie
ouldnt use his right arm, and had
o write with his lett. and IL seemed
lcft-hand eloquent. Il vas as II an /
thcr Jack was writing to me-a ;
carer Jack. The most wonderful
ctters," She caught her breath Z
Nth q swift INTAKE. and light came ,
nto her eyes. whcrea- the heart OF
lurchison lesped Wonderful The n
ind a girl wants. must have. Oh. 4
ho dearest Ct letters" In her on
hHsiasm she forgot the man. They +
rought IT, all back tn 2 great food !,
INV caring for him. mean And !,
rr token didn't vpr-y me any longer IN
'uiy hon he urntc that bis steamer
.ss to be IN san Francisco for