Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1907-09-26

4
you to the farm mentioned"
The soft gray eyes were lifted to
his face with a glow of trust and
gratitude that would have repaid the
speaker for far greater offer.
"Oh, cannot tell you how grateful
should be" she said, fervently, land
perhaps l could sit here in the store.
till you have made inquiry"
Undoubtedly" replied Leonard,
promptly, and escorting his protege to
a seat within, he fastened away in
her service.
The ready sympathy and aid accord
ed her in her dire need, had quickly
won the confidence of his fair COM
panion, and her ardent appreciation
of the kindness thus bestowed, in
spired the desire to render herself,
as agreeable and as little burdensome
as possible; and ere a mile Law ne
hind them, her little story had been,
briefly confided; how her father. BEL
ing in adverse circumstances, had left
her three months before in N-ville,
with friends, while he had gone out
AS the villagers had informed him,
the road was neither difficult nor OBJ
scure, and in little more than an hour
he drew rein before the comfortable
looking country house known as Red
bank Farm.
Almost before. he could assist her,
his eager companion had sprang light
w 70 oil of
door, while Leonard more deliberately
secured the horse. He could not
bring himself to leave her thus alb
ruptly, without at least learning the
result of her fears for the one so dear
to her.
Advancing therefore to the door
through which he had seen her disap-
pear, he was met by woman whose
kind face betokened unmistakable
gravity.
1T is fortunate you have brought
her." she said, with the ready COM
municativeness common to rural dis
tricts, and evidently supposing that
Leonard had accompanied her young
visitor as friend or relative. "The
and night, and l hope now he'll die
peaceful"
What" cried Leonard, with
startled emotion that surprised him
self, do you mean to say he is so ill
as that?"
$50 ILL.," repeated his hostess. "Why,
he cannot last more'n an hour,
should say. Why was his girl so slow
in comm? | wrote a letter for him
myself, when he was first took, near
three weeks ago, and took care to
write on the back Of 1t: in haste!'"
For the simple reason that the let
ter did not reach her till yesterday"
replied Leonard, almost resentfully.
How could it go through the mail
with no stamp upon it?"
mo stamp!" repeated the woman, a
look Of deep contrition suddenly over
spreading her countenance. "Deary,
deary! l never thought o. that
haven't wrote letter since / was a
girl, when they used to be paid for
at the other end. / never thought o.
the stamp!"
She turned hastily away, and
Leonard instinctively followed to the
room near by, where as she softly
opened the door, they both stood
motionless on the threshold.
1t was truly scene to move the
stoniest heart. With a reckless hand
the girl had tossed her hat aside, and
kneeling on the floor at the bedside,
|, her head was buried on the breast
of the sick man, his wan hand resting
caressingly but helplessly on the soft
brown tresses. But on his pallid face,
worn by illness and many trace of
sorrow, beamed now a smile of in
effable peace and satisfaction, while
in whispers came the words
81 knew you would come, my dar-
ling; l knew l could not go without
seeing you once more"
Heart-broken sobs convulsing the
slight young form alone answered
him, till at last came the cry:
ooh, father, do not leave me! You
will not die and leave me all alone!"
The piteous appeal seemed sudden
ly to disturb that rapture of peace
which the fulfillment of his ceaseless
| prayer had brought, and over the dy-
ing face crept a visible shade.
Helplessly he gazed upon the head
pillowed on his breast and then as
with mute supplication he raised his
dim eyes; they fell by chance as it
were, full on Leonard's plying face.
In a moment the latter stood beside
| him.
l am stranger to you and your
daughter" he said, soothingly, "but
if | can do anything for you, you have
only to ask"
"Only be a friend to her il you can"
whispered the dying man, with pain.
ful effort, increased by the emotion
stirred within him, and with one more
glance Of utterable love upon her he
was leaving, his eyes closed, and the
stiffness of death fell softly upon the
sick room