Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1910-04-15
]. MOTiOn'S Sentence


drawn and hasgard. his square jsws
set as If in defiance TO the awful sem
torce which had been imposed uron
hin. for it had been a death blow to
all Of John Morton's hores and ambi-
tons. His gradually failing eyesight
had become worse. ard. with grim de-
termination. he had at last decided to
learn his fate. with wildly beating
heart, but with outward calmness, he
had dropped in one the world famous
specialist. After a careful examine
ton, tho doctor gravely shook his
head
Tell me truthfrliy. what you
think Of my case. doctor the young
man had commanded. and the SEN
tence OF doom that was pronounced
rang in his ears to his dying day.
within year you will be totally
blind. l can do nothing for you. Your
continuous study has been an addi-
I tiOnai strain on your eyes and only by
/ giving up your practice and going out
into the open. On a farm or ranch, can
/ you hope to retain even a vestige Of
sight"
But even at that. eventually will
become blind?" The doctor hesitated.
Tell me-" again insisted the young
man.
= am afraid the sge Of miracles is
past" the doctor said sadly. John
pad his fee. donned his hat and coat
and stumbled out into the crisp au-
tt:mn air. lie WINGED as the brilliant
sunshine fell on his uncovered eyes.
With a groaa he placed his gloved
hand before them to shield them from
the direct rays.
OF what consequence. he thought
bitterly. were his early struggles, his
devotion 10 his WORK. The applause o;
his admir!ng friends Woald he nov
gladly give all now to be abe 70 sep
down into the ranks Of those blessed
with Gods most wonderiUl-good
sight?
The one oasis in the dreary desert
OF his mind was the thought a new
terror came gpon HIN. How could he
eErect her to share the future living
death that was before him. and yet
how could he live without her? He
paused 10 wire the respiration from
his brow with a hsnd that trembled
like a woHan's.
If Evelyn learned how seriously he
was afflicted her loving generosity
would prompt her to give up every
thing which made life dear. to sacri-
dce herself for hopeless case like
this. But she must not know. He
would strlighten out his affairs as
best he could in a day or two. and
then he would go away-somewhere
and maybe-some time-he would
lell her ALL but not now. She
would not grieve long Women never
To- she would eventually marry some
one who would protect her better
han he, a helpless blind man. could.
Fe had come to the bridge that
spe1ned the sparkling river. He
eaned YEARLY against the iron rail-
ng and watched the turbulent, tossing
waters flowing swiftly. beneath. Soon
he dark night OF blindness would be
Ipon him. shutting forever from his
ficw the beauties OF the day. Mutely
he raised his eyes to the blue heavens
bending over him. He fancied he
could see his mothers sweet, sympa-
.he,ic face framed in the leecy clouds,
ard an indescribable peace stole upon
him. With a heavy sigh he turned
ard walked toward the city.
On leaving the doctors office he
lad not noticed across the street a
Young woman with wind-tossed hair
nd rosy cheeks, who seemed to be en-
Dying to the fullest extent the long
walk she had taken into the suburbs,
che had seen him and was startled by
his hsggard appearance. Her first in
.lination was to call out to him. but
,ee,ng the hopeless gesture when he
| -Giced his hand to shield his eyes. the
e-rible truth dawned upon her start
ei brain. Johns rapid strides had
a5en him well mp the street when she
Tossed swiftly and entered DR.. Kings
festibule. Soon she was ushered into
is presence
"Dr. King" she began excitedly
John Morton was here Just now
Shat did you tell him?" The doctor
vas startled by her vehemence. but
,c vas an old friend Of the family and
rev Evelyn since her childhood,
Won't you be seated?" he asked
Ter In a kindly tone The girl de
llned. You're engaged to John.
believe" The girl nodded in the az
irmative. impauently waiting the in
'ormauon she sought. Poor chap,
was sorry had to tell him, but he de
marded the whole truth and there:
no h12ti~g around the bush with a
nan lie 'ohn.
= told HIM within a year he would
le totally blind, unless he gave VI
lis profession and went on a ranci
or farm" Evelyn's face had turned
slowly white. Blind" she gasped
catching at the chair for support. "Oh
I must 90 to him." she said with 4
low wall Of anguish in her voice. "H'
VIII need me now"
The midday Angelus was ringing
In a nearby church as Evelyn stepped
on the elevator before Johns Office
Noiselessly she stepped in. John sa
II his desk. his face buried in hi
? sands. Evelyn moved forward softll
nd laid q light, caressing touch upol
,s bowed head. John" The youn.
p aan started to his feet. The gi'
e ed braYely through fast gathering
--7. Il know all, dear, and | cam'
3 O tell you I want TO share you
--rch."-MARY DAVIS.
p. Aus4ria 20 Puild AIrshins.