Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1909-06-25


valid, for she was - ls{ls-d =
her father, and, alas there was ST.
cause to be anxious for him.
DR.. Greenwood never told Alison what
he had feared: but after a few days,
when he and another doctor had consult
cd together over the case, he told her
and Roger that there was certainly some
degree Of mischief In connection with the
spine; 1t would be many months-per-
haps a year or two-before he could
rise from his couch.
1--WE certainly hope for his complete
recovery in the future" he continued, re-
assuringly, as Alison turned pale and
Roger looked unhappy. Another inch
and he would never have moved his limbs
again; but now things are not so bad.
Mr.. Merle will have his books, and they
will 70 far to console him in his enforced
inaction."
DR.. Greenwood was right In his con-
lecture; Mr.. Merle took the tidings very
quietly.
II told you your broad shoulders were
made for something" he said, looking at
his son with smile. He and Alison had
come to bid him goodnight.
The nurse had not been dismissed,
though 1t was already arranged that
Roger should take her place In his faith
er's dressing room.
IT shall have to leave the mill in your
hands. Greenwood gives me no hope Of
being at for business for the next year
or two"
'T will do everything l can, father"
returned Roger, sorrowfully; but | feel
awfully cut up about 1t all"
There IL no need for that, my boy"
returned Mr.. Merle. II should not WON
der II you do better at business than 1,
Roger. Perhaps this will be less trial
to me than you suppose. 1 do not deny,
Of course, that it Is a trial; but still,
with my books and children l shall try
to be content"
eve shall do everything In our power
TO ease your mind" returned Roger,
bravely. But he said no more, and short
" afterward left the room, leaving his
father and Alison together.
Roger feels this dreadfully," she said,
anxious that her father should not mis-
understand his sons lack Of words.
Eyes, my dear, know he Does" re-
turned Mr.. Merle, with a sigh. Il am
fortunate to have such a son. To think," "
he added, with emotion, "that l could
ever have been 30 blind as to believe that
Villains innuendos against him-and now
the whole business Is In his hands"
"You can trust him fully, papa"
Eyes, better than l can trust myself,
Alison that boy 10 true as steel, and
will not fail me. I wish l had found
It out before. l remember your aunt
Diana once saying to me that II l stud
led my children as well as l did my
hooks I should be rewarded for my pains.
By the bye, Alison, what does your aunt
say to all this unlucky accidentT
1--WE have not heard from her." re-
turned Alison, In a low voice. Roger
wrote the very next day after the acci-
dent. and wrote the next day. but we
have had no reply"
'grhat L. very unlike Diana" observed
Mr.. Merle, In a surprised tone.
Roger says that she can not have re-
ceiyed our letters, papa; you see she Is
in Switzerland, mad perhaps she has
Aeviated from the proposed route-that Is
just her way; If she takes fancy to a
place she will stay there for a day or
two. and then she does not get her letters
for DAYS. If we do not hear from her
noon. Roger thinks had better write to
Mr.. Moore. 1t does seem 20 strange
her eyes filing with tears-"that Aunt
Di should not know how unhappy we
have BEEN"
81 believe you are fretting after her,
AlIsOn-you are quite thin and fragile
looking"
But Alison denied this with a great
deal of unnecessary energy. She was
only a little tired; but now Mabel was
getting better she would be able to have
a walk sometimes
"But you must not talk any more.
papa" she finished; you are looking
rather exhausted. Nurse Meyrick will
be here directly; may read to you 4
little until she comesT
Mr.. Merle shook his head sadly.
"My dear, should like It Of all things,
but you know DR.. Greenwood has for
hidden any kind of study for the next
few weeks, and never cared much for
works Of fiction, except Sir Walter Scott"
81 meant a chapter or two out of the
Bible before you went to Sleep" re-
turned Allison, blushing with timidity.
A sudden shadow passed over Mr..
Msrle's face.
Il did not understand ,0u, my DEAR"
~ said. with little effort. ''Well, ChIld