The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-10-15
Convict and Child
BY IVAN p. GORE

0cy passed me Dy dozen CmeS, out
none Of them had the sense to look in
the shadows or probe into the bushes
against the walls. They thought II
was as big a fool as the rest, and
would make straight for the open
country
AS he spoke he pushed her back
ward into the study where the lamp
still burned dimly. Turning it up. he
glanced at her with look almost OF
admiration. in his haggard eyes; then
| struggling his shoulders. he looked
round the snugly furnished room.
What do you want?"
"A suit Of your husbands clothes
and money to get me out Of this
Quick now" the convict continued.
II don't wish to burden with an unin-
vited guest longer than is absolutely
necessary. No. leave the door open,
I can hear what you're doing then"
In a few moments she returned with
the clothing he required.
Thanks. Now wait outside while
change. I'll leave these things here
as keepsake for your husband. At
forwards. we'll, l dare say you will be
able to find some cold meat or some
thing" he laughed grimly. Il assure
you I'm not at all fastidious.
She turned to obey his orders. but
he sprang in front of her as a low
whimpering cry sounded from the 9TH
er room.
| whats that?" he Kissed.
"My child."-she forgot her fear.
| and tried to push past the man-"he
is ill. Oh, for PHYS sake. let me go
to him. / must. will go!"
| But he thrust her back and walked
warily towards the sick room, while
with clasped hands, she followed.
! With trembling lips. from which no
sound came she watched the convict
as he bent over the cot. With a pecu.
liar readiness. he moved the light
closer and bent lower over the flush
ed face. gently raising first one discol-
ored eyelid. then the other. then, he
turned to her sharply
| Bring me some hot water-a lot
Immediately" he said, and as he
spoke his whole manner seemed to
change: even the hunted look left his
eyes. Hurry, woman, the child's life
depends upon your speed. You need
not fear. I know what I'm doing.
was doctor-a distinguished one,
some said-before I went in there"
Duly bewildered. she fastened to
obey his bidding; then. as he waved
her impatiently aside. crouched on the
floor watching, as with def fingers,
he worked about the child.
Many times she staggered to her
feet to obey his imperious orders, then
Once he paused in his work, flung
aside the hideous, drab. arrow-covered
jacket which he wore, then returned
to his errand Of mercy.
/ The storm slowly died away, and as
the first tinge OF dawn showed
through the window he raised his
head with smile.
We've won.'' he whispered. won
this time. The child needs watching
now. careful watching-only that"
He glanced towards the mother,
who, worn out with watching and anx.
iety still crouched upon the floor,
then struggling his shoulders. but with
a smile still playing round his mouth.
sat OOWu Wy Tie uSdu VI Tue COT.
4 A few hours later. when Major Mill
bank. tired and sick at heart, entered
the sick room, accompanied by the vii.
; lage doctor, who had been delayed by
the violence of the storm, and some
members Of the search party who had
Joined them at the door. he gasped
with establishment, while the wardens
brought their rifles sharply to their
!. shoulders.
His wife sat crouched against the
foot of the bed. sleeping the deep
sleep of utter exhaustion, and at the
head. the sick child's hand in his, sat
the man for whom they had vainly
sought throughout the night.
"Hush." whispered the convict,
warningly. as the major was about to
) speak. Hes doing we'll. and will
, soon be playing in the sunshine"
Then, with last look at the sleep
. ing child, he rose to his feet. and
, turned towards the astonished ward
, ems.
, All right-the sooner we get back,
. the heffers"