Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1908-12-31

rOuT mOTo men appodTeQ WIN b IaQen
blanket; this was a winding-sheet. The
men spoke no word, and were uncov.
cred. Their burden, too, they bore on to
the last car. Three more followed,
one walking feebly, supported by the
others, the conductor and brakeman
of the supply train. He was pale, hat
less and coatless, with a scarlet stain
on neck and collar. Yet he was con
scious, speaking freely.
Don't mind me-" he was saying.
"Alfred!" Esther sprang toward
the trio, and caught one limp hand
swinging by his side.
He Strengthened with sudden vigor;
a wave of color warmed his pale
cheek. stella! Stella!" he repeated,
and stood still. gazing at her.
Put him in here!" she cried, now
awake, and ready for action. "Ill
take care of Mr.. Vincent-make him
comfortable"
I'm not hurt" Alfred interrupted,
Its scarcely a scratch! l must help
the boys in the other car. They"
The conductor in~terposed. "Obey
orders, Vincent. You're used up.
We've help enough in there. You've
done your part"
The two men, not needing his pro-
test, lifted him into the cabbage-car.
Now, Miss Anthony, let me help
you in"
mo, not now, thank you. I've
something to do first. You're not
ready to start, are your"
"No, it will be a half-hour VIVA
we must make one more trip to the
wreck"
81 can get in by myself. Don't
think about me-" Even the conductor,
accustomed to command, yielded to
the tinality in her voice, and hurried
on.
Can you sit against the car side a
few minutes, Alfred? You won't
faint?'
"Faint?" he secuted. Indeed, no.
But where are you going? Don't
leave me, Stella!" he called a little
wildly as she stepped back a pace.
P%erplexities, embarrassments, were
forgotten. In this solemn moment of
tragedy they resumed their old rela-
tons, unquestioning.
"Ill be- back in a minute. Here!
You may keep this for mel" She
tossed him her hat. "a hat is a pretty
sure anchor for a woman, isn't it?"
she said, smiling up at him, and was
out of sight around the end of the
train.
She could not help the gayety in her
voice. The world was alive once
more. Life was beautiful in spite of
the grewsome sights in the car be-
yond. Since she could do nothing for
them she would not think of them.
Alfred was here; hurt, yes, but not
unto death, not even to great pain.
For one little moment she would self
ishly hug her Joy.
Down in a little swale, just before
they had halted, she had noticed the
bunch grass growing long and rank.
She flew at it, tore it up, handful by
handful, till she had a high pile, which
she gathered in her arms and carried
to the car. Pitching it in, she was off
again, needless of Alfred's protest.
Three times she made the short jour
ney, pausing at the door after the
third load to catch her breath.
aren't you coming in this time?
You must let me help you," he said,
partly rising, but falling back.
mo, no! Don't move! You aren't
able to; and if you do | won't GOMEZ"
she replied emphatically, though her
face was shining. Turn your head
away, and don't look till 1 say
'Here!'"
Il can't turn away from you, Stel-
la!" he said whimsically, yet tender
ly; and her eyes dropped. Still, she
did not move
"Oh, come, dearest, won't you?
Don't wait so long. Tll-Ill turn
MY true love sent me a letter to turn
back my head Did you ever play
Green Gravel when you were a little
tad? My head is turned back"
Esther never knew how she man
aged the climb through the great,
gaping door, yards above the sloping
ground; still, she was there, standing
before him.
He spoke no word, but gazed up into
her tender, bending face. Light
speech that had bridged the first tense
moments was impossible now. Pain,
misunderstanding, pride, prudence,
even the years, fed. She loved him,
loved him! Nothing else counted.
Lean down, Stella. sweetheart"
he whispered at last, his eyes draw
ing her with his words.
She knelt beside him. The long
separation melted into the land of the
aforementioned.
The engine whistle startled them
shortly, and a brakeman came with a
blanket for Alfred, his coat, and
Esther's bags and cloak.
(TO BE CoNTINUED)
80 AS~