Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-10-15
CHAPTER w


Alison passed an anxious and solitary
afternoon, and as she sat alone at her
needle work she could not divest her mind
of all sorts of gloomy anticipations. She
know her father to be a man of strong
passions; she dreaded the effects of his
displeasure on Mabel. His severity would
be tempered with justice, but still the
weight of his anger would be crushing
Alison's tender heart was full of com
junction and pity for poor Missile.
Toward evening she seated herself I'm.
der the lime trees within view of the
gate. Poppie had come home from her
walk, and was playing about the lawn
Now and then Poppie claimed her atten.
ton. The time passed UNDECIDED and she
woke up with a start to the conviction
that it was nearly eight, and the early
autumn twilight was creeping over the
garden.
SO late, and they had not arrived, and
what could have become of Roger? She
called to Poppie hurriedly to run into
the house. as it was bedtime and her
supper was waiting in the school room
and the little girl had hardly left her
before the latch of the gate was raised
and in another moment Roger came rap
idly toward her.
He looked heated, as though he had
been walking fast, but it was a white
heat, and it struck Alison suddenly that
thing.
Don't be frightened, Allie" he said
in quick, nervous voice, that certainly
did not reassure her, neither did the
touch of his cold, damp hand. Il have
come first to prepare you; be as brave
as you can, for your help is wanted"
Something dreadful has happened
Oh, Roger, be quick
II have no time to tell you much" he
returned, still more hurriedly. They
came back by train-oh, why did he not
send me?-there was an accident. l was
down at the station and saw them come
in. They are both hurt; at least, 1 an
afraid Missile is, only she will not say so
but father is the worst
"Oh, Roger :" and Alison's figure sway
ed for a moment on his arm until he
made her sit down, for the sudden shock
had turned her lips white. She could
not say more at that moment.
I'VE do not know yet" he half whis.
pered there are two doctors with him
| and they are bringing him home. He
had blow. and was inSensible, but they
can not tell yet: there is no wound
There, l hear them coming Allie; pull
ourselves together: we must not think OF
anything but him.
NO, no. and she gave quick gulp
and the color came back to her lips. The
sparrows were twittering sleepily in the
| icy. And one of them shall not fall
| on the ground without your Father,
seemed to come into her mind, like the
sudden flash of sunbeam out of a pass
| ing cloud He was in the Divine hands
she must remember that. As Roger went
| down to open the gates she compelled
| herself to return to the house.
Sarah. there has been an accident,
she heard herself say, only her voice dir
not seem to belong to her. Send Eliz;
70 the school room, to keep Miss Poppi'
| out of the way. and you and Nanny b,
| n readiness for what is wanted. Ho
water-I suppose they will want that
and l don't know what besides" AnC
here her voice suddenly failed, for wheels
| were evidently coming up the gravelet
| sweep. The next few minutes were sim
| ply horrible to Alison. The two doctors
! and Roger. and some man from the rail
way, were all helping in removing he
| fathers inanimate figure from the vehicle
Alison recognized the family practitioner
| DR.. Greenwood, but the other was
1 stranger. There was nothing to do; he
| fathers room was in readiness, and Roge
was there to show them the way. Sh
could only lean against the wall as the.
passed with feeting consciousness tina
her fathers eyes were still closed, an'