The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1911-07-28

Il do, not think there will be any immedi
ate change
The girl looked at him with troubled
eyes.
No doubt you have guessed that this
man is my fathers brother" she said
lie was always of Maynard disposition
He embittered his father, he quarreled with
his brother. But this door has never been
shut against him, and / am trying TO dc
Just what father would do if he were
here"
and when does your father return
Not for ten days He is looking al
some timber land at a considerable dis
lance from the railroad"
And is there no man you can rely
upon?'
will get along somehow"
He took his threadbare coat from the
wagon and slipped it on
Then you will let me stay"
No, no, she said hurriedly. I'VE have
no claim on yon,
II am going to stay" he said firmly.
1T will not be for long. A man is needed
here. The wanderer likes me. | can
handle him better than a stranger could I"
She looked at his dusky garb his un.
shayen and grimy face.
lou are very kind to this stranger, she
slowly said, but are you kind to your
selfg''
He flushed little at this.
No doubt | treat myself quite as well
as | deserve to be treated" he said. "But
here, who is going for the doctors | think
you can be better spared"
She was back with the old doctor in
little while: She had met him on the
roadway. They found the young man sit
ting beside the wanderer. A liberal use
of water had freshened his appearance.
There has been no change" he said
as the doctor approached.
The old physician looked at him dis
approvingly When he went out he shook
his gray head.
It's hopeless collapse" he said. He
looked around. The young man was not
man. He had been hidden by the vines
that sheltered the porch
Good, growled the old man. Il want
a little talk with you"
They stepped into the driveway. Pretty
soon the doctor came back.
You can trust this vagabond," he said
to the girl in his gruff way. Hes not as
worthless as he looks. I'll take the re-
sponsibility for him." He looked back
as he stepped into his phaeton. IT have
given him full instructions" he said.
When he had disappeared down the road
the young man came forward.
You will let me take charge here he
said. Il think | know just what to do
AND, the doctor says it will not be long
And-and you must not worry about my
appearance"
The girls face Redeemed.
Il should not have said what T did tb;S
morning" she murmured. ut was I'm.
kind"
mo, no." he protested II did not take
It that way. thought it kindness. It
showed an interest in my welfare. Tt
was gentle reproof, reproof that l fully
deserved not one that I could question.
But bark, hear my patient"
For three days and nights the tramn
watched beside the vagabond. They were
lays of WEAKNESS and sleepless nights. The
Did man was restless and at times deliri.
GUS. But the tramp's voice soothed him.
he tramp's strong hands held him when
his mind wandered
On the third morning he was on the
1orch when the girl came down stairs. |
The sun was clearing the fringe of woods |
IN the eastern hills.
The girl looked at his haggard face. He
nodded gravely.
He passed away just at daybreak."
There was brief silence.
"Quietly?" she asked.
eyes. He came out of his stupor and
NEW me. / saw that he wanted to saw
As / bent down a smile broke
cross his face. He whispered Homeland
vas gone"
The girl turned away. Presently she