Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1912-02-20
CHAPTER xxxII.-(continued.)

Il did, Christie; you bet did"
broke in the delighted doctor, every
nerve tingling. I'D "a cleaned out
that whole, gang If you'd only said
so, but reckon now il was better to
let them tell all they knew 1t was
like a thunder storm clearing the at.
mosphere."
"Oh. it was, indeed Now | know
who | am-who am Isn't that sim
ply glorious? Sit down. Doctor Fair
balm, there in the big chair where
can see your face. | want to talk, talk.
talk; want to ask questions, thou
sand questions: but It wouldn't do any
good to ask them of you, would it?
You don't know anything about my
family, do your"
Not very much. | am afraid, only
that you have got an almighty pretty
half-sister, admitted the man. en-
phatically, and old Waite possesses
the vilest temper ever given hui
man being. He's no blood kin to you.
though"
No, but he is awfully good under
meath. isn't hep
Got a heart of pure gold, old
Waite. Why. I've seen him cry like
baby over one of his men that cot
hurt"
Have you known him. then, for
long while?"
Ever since the Spring of 81. [
was brigaded with him all through the
war, and had to cut a bullet or so
out OF his hide before 1t ended. II
there was ever fight. Willis Waite
was sure to get his share. He could
swear some then. but he's improved
since. and reckon now he could like
ly claim the championship"
"Did-did you know my mother
also?" and Christie leaned forward
her eyes suddenly grown misty. II
haven't even the slightest memory
of her"
The doctors heart was tender, and
he was swift to respond. reaching
forth and grasping the hand nearest
him. He had made love before. vet
somehow this was different; he felt
half afraid of this woman. and il was
a new sensation altogether. and NOT
unpleasant.
Il saw her often enough I'm those
days, but not since She was freouent
ly in camp. very sweet-faced won.
an; you have her eyes and hair as /
remember Waite ought to have rec
ognized you at first sight. BY Heay.
ems! that was what made me so in
formally mad. the mulish obstinacy OF
the old fool Your mother used 10
come TO the hospital tent too; one
OF the best nurses ever saw.
thought she was beauty then. bur
she's some older by this time. he
paused regreuuily, You see, I'm no
spring chicken. myself"
Her eyes were upon his face. a
slight flush showing in either cheek.
and she made no effort to withdraw
her imprisoned hand
You are just nice age. with firm
conviction. Boys are tirescme and
think little gray in the hair is an
Improvement. Oh. you mustn't i'm.
agine say this Just to please yoq--I
have always thought so. since-well.
since | grew up. Besides. feshy men
generally look young. because they
are so good natured. perhaps How
old are you. Doctors"
at isn't the gray hairs I mind, eth
er." he admitted hesitatiugly. ~hut I'm
too darned bald-headed, Oh | amt
so old, for was only thhty-fye when
the war broke out I was SO thin
then could hardly cast shadow
I've changed some since, costing his
eyes admiringly downward ~and got
quite a figure. was forty-three last
month"
That isn't Old. that's Just right
i've been afraid ycn looked on me
as being an old fogy,'
= should say not" Indignantly.
Why should you ever. think that
Wen. there We're SO many young
fellows hanging about"