The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1908-07-02


thony?" he asked. "I'm glad you've
come. Hope you can grant his desire
whatever 1t may be. To see you tc
speak with you, seems his only wish.
Esthers strained face touched him
Don't give way" he said kindly. He
doesn't suffer. I've done what little
could to relieve him. He'll 60 withou,
pain. l."
"Oh, must he-is there no chance
for" she hesitated anxiously
None, Miss Anthony. And there
are only minutes. Go in-give him his
wish, If you can. III stay near; call
me If you need me-"
She entered, and he shut the door,
leaving her alone with Gideon.
He turned his head feebly at her
step.
"Moppett!"
She was down beside him, tears fall.
ing unheeded.
Don't cry, Star! I'm not sorry. I'm
glad to die"
'Ch, Gideon, don't say that! You
must live-must-"
Little Star!" His voice was trem-
ulous with weakness. Il wasn't
you'll be happy. l won't have to see
him" Each word was more difficult
and he waited for strength, Is Vim
cent here"
She nodded.
Call him, Stella"
But when she moved to obey, his
weak fingers closed over hers de-
tainingly. mo, no! can't do it," he
cried out with sudden strength. After
you rode out of town yesterday,
watched you q while through the
glass, then went that way, Star-out
that way-in time! Yes, in time!
And before l saw you enter the cut"
he was silent an instant, his waiting
soul in his eyes; land ever since, toe,
I've said-Td tell Vincent myself"
Gideon! Don't! It's past. You
need not"
Sweet Star!" The tenderness in
his faint words smote Esther. Il can't
tell him. l can't spare the time from
you-you'ye been SO long-coming!
But you'll tell him, Stella, won't you?
Tell him that I-I-tried to be white
at last; but I'm only-oh, Stella! only
an Injun! Oh, Star!" The last word
was despairing cry. almost inarticu.
late.
mo, no, Gideon! You've atoned.
You've been brave and"
Hsi face was turned away. His eyes
were closed, and Esther leaned closer,
listening for his waning breath. Was
this the last? She must call-no, he
breathed more deeply. She laid her
hand on his forehead, kissed his cheek
softly
At that he opened his eyes and
smiled. One promise, Stella. Will
you?" He reached feebly for her
hand.
She nodded. IF l can"
Bury me-bury me out here-out
"Oh, Gideon, don't ask that! It's
so far, SO lQnely!"
mo; its-I love it! No mummery,
only little song and some words from
the Book. In that spot where the
posies-where you sat yesterday-only
yesterday" he moaned family.
Gideon, dear, how can we" She
took both his hands in her own.
Promise. Star"
She bowed her head, her tears fall
ing fast.
Don't, Stella! can't dry" He
paused, a new thought claiming him.
'El Rancho Guerrero is yours"
She shook her head.
Yes. Your fathers brother was my
you must. You'll love it?" He
searched her face anxiously.
She remembered the Doctors words,
and acquiesced. Yes, I'll love it
love 1t for your sake. Gideon, for the
sake of the old times"
His eyes warmed almost to smiling.
She freed one hand and gently
smoothed back the dark hair; and for
time he was quite still, content.
THE little arrow. did you-ever
wear it," he asked family. Il wish
could-see 1t in-your hair" The
whispered words came with more ef-
fort.
did you send 1t, Gideon?" Her face
lighted, 1T is so beautiful"
He smiled his reply. and his satisfac-
tion.
MY room is next to this. Shall
get it?"
Yes. But don't let-any one come.
You-alone-I want"
Esther rose, wondering at such q
fancy at such moment; wondering