Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1909-01-14
CHAPTER xxxu.
CHAF ER NNNII.
In the Little Spot Where the Posies

1TOWs biz
"Stella, dear, Gideon's dying!" Sally
B. said solemnly as Esther walked by
her side to the hotel. Come to him
quick's you can. He amt done nothin'
but call fur you"
Speeches., Esther hurried upstairs
close behind Sally B.
They found him with a bullet in
him down by Big Bend Cut" Sally B.
went on, as she led. the way to Gid
cons room. Some O. the woodmen
found him. His horse bucked when
that Gus fred at you. That's how he
got the drop OF Gid; that, an Gid's
fear at first that he'd hit you"
rs he c%onscious?" Esther whispered.
Yes. Minds clear as a diamond.
Jest wants you. He amt sufferin'
none, honey" she added hastily as she
saw Esther's cheek pale. Hunt yer
pluck, child, fur Gid's sake" She
clasped Esther in a warm embrace
and left her at Gideon's door.
The physician, who had been sum.
moned by special engine from Elko,
came out to meet her. Miss An
thony?" he asked. I'm glad you've
come. Hope you can grant his desire,
whatever it may be. To see you, to
speak with you, seems his only wish
Esther's strained face touched him.
Don't give way" he said kindly. "He
doesn't suffer. I've done what little ]
could to relieve him. He'll go without
pain. l."
"Oh, must he--is there no chance
for" she hesitated a~nxiously.
None, Miss Anthony. And there
are only minutes. Go in-give him his
wish. if you can. I'll stay near; call
me if you need me-"
She entered, and he shut the door,
leaving her alone with Gideon.
He turned his head feebly at her
step.
"Moppett!"
She was down beside him, tears fall
ing unheeded.
Don't cry, Star! I'm not sorry. I'm
glad to die"
"Oh, Gideon, don't say that! YOU
must live-must-"
Little Starr His voice was trem.
ulous with weakness. Il wasn't
you'll be happy. / won't have to see
him" Each word was more difficult
and he waited for strength. IT'S Vim
cent here?"
She nodded,
Call him, Stella"
But when she moved to obey, his
weak fingers closed over hers de.
tainingly. mo, no! I can't do it," he
cried out with sudden strength. after
you rode out Of town yesterday, ]
watched you a while through the
glass, then went that way, Star-out
that way-in time! Yes, in time!
And before | saw you enter the cut
he was silent an instant, his waiting
soul in his eyes; 'and ever since, too,
I've said--Td tell Vincent myself
Gideon! Don't! It's past. You
need not
Sweet Start" The tenderness in
his faint words smote Esther. Il can't
tell him. | can't spare the time from
you-you've been SO long--coming!
But you'll tell him, Stella, won't you?
Tell him that I-I-tried to be white
at last; but I'm only-oh, Stella! only
an Injun! Oh, Starl" The last word
was a d~espairing cry, almost inarticu-
late.
mo, no, Gideonl You've atoned.
You've been brave and"
Hsi face was turned away. His eyes
we're closed, and Esther leaned closer,
listening for his waning breath. Was
this the last2 She must call--no, he
breathed more deeply. She laid her
hand on his forehead, kissed his cheek
softly.
At that he opened his eyes and
smiled. zone promise, Stella. Will
your He reached feebly for her
hand.
she nodded. III 7 San"
Bury me-b"ry me out here-out
''oh. Gideon, don't ask tnatl It's
90 far. 50 lonely