The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1908-11-14

He had Fought %valiantly. even exult-
antly, in the pass that morning, her
face ever before him. her words Of
praise the best spells Of the victory
should they win. lie had come down
to the village with JOY and confidence
in his heart, only to find that he was
not and could never be anything 10
her while the life or memory Of this
fallen comrade stood as a barrier.
Bcay's hour following the discovery
that she had deliberately sought out
and found this stricken private was
the most bitter in his life. His pride
suffered a shock that appalled, him
His unconscious egotism. born of he
reditary conquests, revolted against
the thought that his progress toward
her heart was to be turned aside by
the Intervention Of a common soldier
in the ranks. Gentleman though he
was, he could not sublue the feeling
Of exultation that came owe him when
she approached with her plea. He
knew that it was a base sense Of
power that made him feel that be
could punish his pride's offender by
either denying or granting her appeal
The attitude Of self sacrifice appealed
to his wounded vanity He was tempt
ed to profit by an exhibition Of his
own pain and generosity.
He went with her into the convent
and to the pallet on which was stretch.
ed the long, still figure of GraydOn
Bansemer. A surgeon was standing
near 10y studying the gray face with
thoughtful eyes. Bray's first glance at
the suffering face sent a thrill of en-
enlargement through his veins. The
man was beyond all human help. The
grip Of death was already upon his
heart.
Then the true manhood that had
been his through all generations re-
volted against the thought that was in
his mind. The man should not die II
it was in his power to prevent. No
matter what the cost to him. he would
give his aid TO her and hers. He tried
to put aside the feeling that death
was certain, and very soon Mt that
He sought honestly to justify himself
in the hope that Bansemer's life could
be saved after all.
leave me alone with the doctor,
Miss Cable" he said. She was kneel-
ing beside the man on the cot. With
out n word, but with a dark, appealing
look into the V~irginian's eyes, she
arose and went swiftly away. "What
chance has this poor fellow, doctor?'
None whatever, sir. He'll be dead
in an hour. I'm sorry on her account
Strange case. I've heard she belongs
to a fine family in the east. Poor
devil, he's got an awful hole in his
side"
Have you made a careful eXamlna-
ton? Is it possible that no vital spot
has been touched?"
1--WE haven't had time for a thorough
examination. 1t was better not to
waste the time on him when there
were others whom we have O chance
to save"
you will obllge me, doctor, by Civ
ing him the quickest and most careful
attention. There may be a chance. He
is one of the bravest men in the army,
Don't let him die If there is a chance
for him. Miss-er-the nurse-has
asked If he can be moved today"
mo. But wait; l don't see why, If II
will satisfy her. He will die anyhow,
so why not tell her that we will start
south with him tomorrow
1T isn't fair. She should be told the
truth"
He'd die, that's all-anyway you
put it,
"You win make the e~xamlnationT
"Yes, mat once"
"But you-you feel that it is hope
lessT'
Certainly, sir"
"Tm-Fm sorry" said Bray, walking
away. The doctor looked after him
with a queer expression in his eyes
and then called his confrere to the pal.
let.
Bray found Jane waiting for him out
side the door. Teresa Velasquez was
standing beside her, holding her hand.
what does he say?' cried Jane,
gray with anguish,
He cannot be moved, There is no
but little hope, Miss Gable. They are
to make another examination"
He must be saved! He must! Let
me go to him now. I will help. l will
give my life to save his she cried
Bray stood between her and the door.
his arms extended.
Don't go in now, l implore. Wait
There may be good news
He is everything in the world L
mel" she moaned.
"Come with me-" whispered Teresa
Bray looked at the Spanish girl, anC
a new light broke in upon his under
standing. What was this refugee (
Bansemer? The answer shot into hii
brain like a flash, and he turned cold.
Miss Cable, l think l understand