Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1908-10-22

nun ihso buo Gar. Inc SUFFERER ulOAneo
unconsciously. and Esther tried to be-
lieve that he knew nothing OF his pain.
-Four more men appeared with , laden
blanket: this was a winding-shset. The
men spoke no word. and we're uncov.
cred. Their burden. too. they bore On TO
the last car. Three more fOllsHed
one walking feebly. supported b. the
others, the conductor and brakeman
Of the supply train. He was pale, hat.
less and coatless, with a scarlet stain
on neck and collar Yet he was con.
scious. speaking freely.
Don't mind me-" he was saying.
Alfred" Esther sprang toward
the trio, and caught one limp hand
swinging by his side.
He Strengthened with sudden vigor:
n wave OF color warmed his pale
cheek. stella! stella!" he repeated,
and stood still gazing at her.
Put him in here!" she cried, now
awake, and ready for action. "I'll
take care OF Mr.. Vincent-mako him
comfortable"
I'm not hurt" Alfred interrupted,
its scarcely scratch! l must help
the boys in the other car. They"
The conductor interposed. "Obey
orders, Vincent. You're used up.
We've help enough in there. You've
done your part"
The two men, not needing his pro-
test. lifted him into the cabbage-car.
Now. Miss Anthony, let me help
you in"
NO. not now. thank you. I've
something TO do FIRST. You're not
ready to start. are your"
NO. II will be halfhour anyway;
we must make one more trip to the
wreck"
Il can get In by myself Don't
think about me-" Even the conductor.
accustomed to command yielded 10
the finality in her voice, and hurried
on.
Can you sit against the car side
few minutes. Alfred? You won't
iaint?"
Faint" he secuted. Indeed. no.
But where are you going? Don't
leave me. Stella!" he called n little
wildly as she stepped back pace.
Perplexities, embarrassments, were
forgotten. In this solemn moment Of
tragedy they resumed their old rela.
| tons. unquestioning.
I'm he back In a minute. Here!
You may keep this for mel" She
! tossed him her hat. "A hat Is a pretty
sure anchor for a woman. isn't it,"
she said smiling up at him, and was
out OF sight around the end Of the
! train.
She could not help the gayety in her
voice. The world was alive once
more. Life was beautiful in spite of
the grewsome sights in the car be.
yond. Since she could do nothing for
them she would not think of them.
Alfred was here; hurt. yes, but not
unto death. not even to great pain.
For one little moment she would self
ishly hug her 10y.
Down in little swale. Just before
they had halted. she had noticed the
bunch grass growing long and rank.
She flew at 1t, tore II up. handful by
handful till she had high pile, which
she gathered in her arms and carried
to the car. Pitching II In, she was of
again. Needless Of Alfred's protest.
Three times she made the short jour
ney. pausing at the door after the
third load to catch her breath.
Aren't you coming in this time
You must Let me help you" he said,
partly rising. but falling back.
NO, no! Don't move! You aren't
able to; and II you do won't comet"
she replied emphatlcally. though her
face was shining. Turn your head
away, and don't look till say
'Here!'"
Il can't turn away from you. Stel
la" he said whimsically. yet tender
ly; and her eyes dropped. sim, she
did not move.
"Oh, come. dearest. won't you?
Don't wait so long. rll-I'l turn
My true love sent me a letter to turn
back my head Did you ever play
Green Gravel when you were a little
tad? My head is turned back"
Esther never knew how she man
aged the climb through the great
| baHAhh httAs gAAAo oboN' Ahg HltllNA
, ground; still, she was there. standing
before him.
! He spoke no word, but gazed up into
/ her tender. bending face. Ligh,
speech that had bridged the first tense
moments was impossible now. Pain
/ misunderstanding, pride, prudence
} even the years. fed. She loved him
loved him. Nothing else counted.
Lean down. Stella. sweetheart"
he whispered at last. his eyes draw
, ing her with his words.
[ She knelt beside him. The lonl
} separation melted into the land OF the
aforementioned.
[ The engine whistle startled then
shortly, and a brakeman came with q
blanket for Alfred, his coat, anC