Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-06-19
could not bear to look upon another
victim Of the. headlong-

could not bear to look upon another
victim Of the. headlong-
"Too badv broke in the physician |
on the self condemnation. at is really |
too bad. He was going home with a |
years hard earnings with which to
surprise his wife"
The slender hands trembled. and the
basin came near falling to the ground.
Jack could have saved. too, if he had
loved his wife, but he hadn't.
} The doctor was SO interested In his
patient that he did not notice her agi-
tatioD. so he followed his thoughts
audibly and continued: "Engle is fine
fellow. I'll warrant his wife is. proud
Of him."
A low, smothered cry startled the
man of medicine, and the basin fell to
the cinder parched sward, spilling the
contents over the. blue and white
| gown.
"You must be Drawer than that" said
he sternly. ut may be that my friends
life depends on your quiet courage"
With a desperate effort she refilled
the basin and resumed her position.
but ROW her gaze was fixed on the up
turned face so familiar III every out
line.
II depended on her. did 1t? Surely
this was the atoning hour. Heaven
heard Jonah In his extremity. Would
her petition Of agonized silence pre-
vail:
As If in answer the man to be proud
of slowly opened his eyes and made an
attempt to rise.
"Ah. Jack, old boy, you're coming
around all right cried tlfe doctor,
supporting him and giving him a re-
viving draft.
After q few minutes, when the other
grew stronger, the physician con:::::--.,,,-
in tender, kindly tone: Il am glad
was with you. seeing we were booked
for casualties. Some one might have
taken your money and left you to die.
AS it is, everything is all right"
"Oh. Horton. | am SO glad. too, for
my wifes sake- And Jacks hand
sought that of the doctor.
The blue ard white gown drew back
into the shadows.
Here we arew exclaimed the doc
tor as the rumbling Of the relief train
came 10 their ears. Now let us see
how well you can walk"
The blue and white gown. torn and
bedraggled. followed closely in the
wake of these devoted friends. and
little Mrs. Engle climbed up the steps
of the homeward bound coach behind
them.
After Jack was comfortably settled
| his friend said. Now | must look
after the lady who so bravely helped
bring you back from the borderland."
| The gown with the medicine spashes
on it slipped into the seat just behind
| them, ard Rose looked up as DR.. Hor-
ton rose to go.
"Ah.' he said. Pardon me. madam;
for my seeming neglect. | was SO
II taken up with Jack that ! nearly for
II got you
II She smiled family in answer. and he
resumed his seat. Presently a hand
II was laid timidly on his shoulder, and
III he looked around.
II Would a surprise-a glad one-hurt
him?" she asked TREMENDOUSLY.
The wondering doctor shook his
head in the negative and waited for
her to go on. Leaning forward tri-
te. she whispered something in his
ear.
With misty gladness shining in his
: eyes DR.. Horton grasped the situation
i as best he could ard asked, You don't
expect to meet your wife on this train
, do you. Jack:"
l "Oh. no; she is safe at home" was
the quick reply.
"But suppose now," continued the
doctor. that she is here somewhere
Would you know her. old fellow, if
you saw her in this carp
, Horton. what makes you talk that
4 wayw queried the other, sitting erect
u and growing curious.
A movement behind them drew
Jacks attention. and his question was
answered. so Dr. Horton simply chang
ed places with the owner of the blue
: ard white gown. leaving his friend tc
i solve the problem Of Mrs. Engle's
presence at his own sweet Will
When Aunt Nykirk opened the door
at midnight for her niece she grum
hled in sleepy disgust. But little Mrs
l. Engle threw her arms around hel
:, neck
i "Hush!' she whispered imperatively
Here comes Jack"