Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1908-10-10

the doctor came downstairs with
grave face, and, closing the door be-
hind him, came over to Shil and laid a
hand upon his arm.
Brain fever" he said calmly.
s"There is no need to be alarmed, but
at the same time I may as we'll tell
you that it is a serious case. don't
believe in doctors telling lies to rela-
tives and friends. She must have per-
feet rest and quiet and constant at
tention. Pm going to stay here to-
night. Mrs. Dowsett will sleep in the
patients room, and Dowsett on the
smack. If I get time for any sleep
there'll be bed for me-"
John Shil held out his hand and
said nothing. 1t was simple way OF
expressing his thanks.
"Would you like TO stay here?" con-
tinued the doctor, cor will you return
to Black Hall?"
81 must return" Shfl replied in a
low voice. 81 cannot explain every
thing to you, doctor, but can tell
you that this lady's husband will look
for her at Black Hall, and that, If |
am absent-well, you can understand
what he VIII tnlnk.
~ understand the doctor replied
with a slight frown. He was a clean
living man, and he had a poor opinion
of men who took wives away from
| their husbands. 4es
"You misunderstood me-" Shil con-
tinued, eff you think that I am en-
gagged in a common intrigue; that
am mixed I'D in a vulgar scandal.
| This lady is as good and sweet as
my own mother But she loathes her
| husband. | cannot explain the facts
| to you. nor can | explain why |, for
certain other reasons, am bound to
protect her from her husbands
violence" He spoke earnestly, and
looked the doctor full in the face as
he spoke.
81 believe you" DR.. Hardy replied
simply.
IF you require any further proof OF
my intentions" Shil continued. 81
will tell you that l am shortly to be
married to another woman, and that
! I have always passed rs an honour
able man.
DR.. Hardy held out his hand.
"These matters do not concern me, '
he replied, "but like t. deal with
straight people. Go home, Mr.. Shil
and well do all we can. You can dc
no good here. Come down tomorrow
on the first ebb, and l hope l shall
have good news for YOU
May l see her before go:." asked
Shil. 81 should like to, If may, il
Case" He paused; he vas afraid &c
put his fears into words.
He followed the doctor upstairs, and
when the latter had opened the door
he entered, and, crossing over to the
bedside, looked earnestly at Laura's
face. 1t was scarcely visible in the
darkened room, but he could see tha
/ The eyes were closed. Then he turn
ed abruptly on his heel and left the
room.
! A few minutes later ne was sailing
down the creek, but wnel he hat
crossed the broad estuary, he 'owere'
the sail, and bent to his oars will
furious energy. With the help Of the
flood tide he reached the quay by the
park in an hour and half, and walk
ed up to the house with his gun unde1
his arm, and Pat meelSly trotting a
his heel.
After a cold bath and shave anC
a change Of clothes, he felt refreshed
in body and mind, and did full justice
to cold luncheon which was await
ing him in the dining-room. 1t was
half-past four in the afternoon, and HI
had not tasted food since his break
fast on Conasea Island.
When he had finished his meal, HI
retired to the smoking-room, and Ii
pipe He was tired, but more cas-,
in his mind than he had been TO
hours. Under the soothing infiuenc'
of good food and wine and tobacco
things appeared in more rosy light
Laura had fine constitution, ant
} was in good hands. Undoubtedly sh
would pull through this illness. AL
she wanted was rest and quiet an
skillful nursing. Such influence ha
a mans bodily comfort on his mind
| After all, hope and despair are largel