The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-08-17
Copyright rsus. by George Matthew Adams)

Mania ~n-n 1i1e wuuGued. supporting
her extraordinary request with the
opinion that they could not receive
proper care from the two young sur
geons. Bray was surprised and dis
tressed; he could not misunderstood
her motive.
He had gone on caring for her with
out suspecting that there was or had
been another man. She had not con-
fided in him during those weary, pleas
ant months since they left San Fran
cisco behind them. To learn the true
situation so suddenly and unexpected
ly stunned his sensibilities. He found
difficulty in grasping the importance Of
the change an hour or two had made.
He had fought valiantly, even exult-
antly, in the pass that morning, her
face ever before him. her words Of
praise the best spoils of the victory
should they win. He 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 to
her while the life or memory OF this
fallen comrade stood as a barrier.
Bray'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 q common soldier
in the ranks. Gentleman though he
was, he could not subdue the feeling
of exultation that came over him when
she approached with her plea he
knew that it was a base sense of
power that made him feel that he
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 standint
near by studying the gray face with
thoughtful eyes. Bray's first glance
the suffering face sent a thrill of en-
coura cement 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.
VOTED against the thought that was in
his mind. The man should not die II
it was in his power to prevent Nc
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 at that
He sought honestly to justify hImseli
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 word, but with dark. appealing
look into the virginian'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. Poo
| devil. he's got an awful hole In hi:
side"
Have you made a careful examina
ton? Is 1t possible that no vital spo
has been touchedT'
I'VE haven't had time for thorough
examination. 1t was better not Il
waste the time on him when ther'
were others whom we have a chanc'
! to save"
you will oblige me, doctor, by Civ
ing him the quickest and most careful
| attention There may be chance. Ill
is one of the bravest men in the army
Don't let him die IL there Is ehanc'
! for him Miss-er-the nurse-hai
asked If he can be moved today"
NO. But wait; don't see why, Ii
| will satisfy her. He will die anyhow
so why not tell her that we will star
south with him tomorrow
1T isn't fair. She should be told tn
tufh''