Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1908-10-10

unconsciously. and Esther tried to be-
iieve that he knew nothing of his pain.
Four more men appeared with laden
blanket; this was windfng-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 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;
wave of color warmed his pale
cheek Stella. Stella," he repeated,
and stood still. gazing at her.
Put him in herei" she cried, now
awake, and ready for action. I'll
take care of Mr.. Vincent-make him
comfortable
I'm not hurt" Alfred interrupted,
its scarcely scratch 1 must help
the boys in the other car. They
The conductor interposed. "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
mo, it will be a half-hour anyway;
wreck
Il can get in by myself Don't
think about me-" Even the conductor,
accustomed to command, yielded to
the finality 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, SteIlai" he called a little
wildly as she stepped back pace.
Perplexities, embarrassments, were
forgotten. In this solemn moment of
tragedy they resumed their old rela-
tions, unquestioning.
I'll be back in a minute HereI |
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 wa.
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 |
ishly hug her joy.
Down in a little swaIe, 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 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, mol Don't novel You aren't |
able to; and if you do 1 won't comet"
she replied emphatically, though her
face was shining. Turn your head
away, and don't look till 1 say
Herei''
q 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. P1-F1l 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
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
melted into the land of the
aforementioned.
The engine whistle startled them
shortly, and brakeman came with
blanket for Alfred, his coat, and
ssther's bags and cloak
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