El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1910-10-25
CONVICT AND CHILD
The Herald's
Daily Short Story

passed me by a dozen times, but none
of them had the sense TO look in the
shadows or probe into the bushes
against the walls. They thought 1 was
as big a fool as the rest, and would
make straight for the open country.
AS he spoke he pushed her backward
into the study where the lamp still
burned dimly. Turning it up, he glanc-
ed at her with a look almost of admi-
ration 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
81 don't wish to burden you with an
unlimited guest longer than is abso-
lutely necessary. No, leave the door
open; 1 can hear what you are doing,
them
In a few minutes she returned with
the clothing he required.
Thanks. Now wait outside while l
change. I'll leave these things here as
a keepsake for your husband. After
wards, well, daresay you will be able
to find some cold meat or something,
he laughed grimly. Il asure 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 other
room.
What's 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.
1 must, I will
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 pecu-
liar readiness, he moved the light clos
er and bent lower over the flushed face,
then ne 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 childs life depends
upon your speed You need not fear, I
know what I'm doing. 1 was doctor
"a distinguished one. some said-be-
fore I went in there"'
Duly bewildered. she FASTENED to
obey his bidding; then, as he waved her
impa tiently aside, crouched on the
floor watching, as with deft fingers he
worked about the child.
Many times she staggered to her
feet to obey his imperious orders, then.
returning, continued her dumb watch.
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 a
smile
- - %I,;
time. The child needs watching now,
careful watching-only THAR
He glanced towards the mother. who,
worn out with watching and anxiety,
still crouched upon the floor then
struggling his shoulders. but with
smile still playing around his mouth,
sat down by the head of the cot.
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 against
their shoulders.
His wife sat crouched against the
foot of the bed, sleeping the deep sleep
of utter exhaustion, and at the head,
with the sick childs hand in his, sat
the man for whom they had vainly
sought throughout the night
HUSH" whispered the convict, warn
ingly, as the major was about to speak.
He's doing well, and will soon be
playing in the sUnshine!"
Then, with a last look at the sleep
ing child, he rose to his feet and turn
ed towards the astonished wardens.
"All right-the sooner we go back
the betteri'