The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1912-02-16
CHAPTER xxXll.-(Continued.)

did, Christie; you bet | did"
broke in the delighted doctor, every
nerve ungling. I'D "a cleaned out
that whole gang if you'd only said
So but | reckon now it was better to
let them tell all they knew 1t was
like 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 here in the big chair where
can see your face. want to talk, talk,
talk; want to ask questions, thou
sand questions; but 1t 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
naf-slster," admitted the man, en-
phatlcally, and old Waite possesses
the vilest temper ever given a hui
man being. He's no blood kin to YOU.
though"
NO. but he is awfully good under
meath. isn't he?"
NIot neart or pure gold, old
Waite. Why, I've seen him cry like
a baby over one of his men that got
hurt"
Have you known him, then, for a
long while?"
Ever since the Spring of 81.
was brigaded with him all through tho
war, and had to cut a bullet or so
out OF his hide before 1t ended. If
there was ever a 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 -
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 it was
new sensation altogether. and not
unpleasant.
l saw her often enough In those
days, but not since She was freouen,.
ly In camp. very sweet-faced WON
az you nave her eyes and hair, as |
remember. Waite ought to have rec
ognlzed you at first sight. BY Heay-
ems! that was what made me. so in
1ernaily mad, the mulish obstinacy of
the old fool. Your mother used IN
come 70 the hospital tent, too: one
OF the pest nurses | ever saw.
thought she was beauty then. but
she's some older by this time " he
paused regretfully. You see I'm no
spring chicken. myself"
Her eyes were upon his face a
slight flush showing in either check
and she made 40 effort to Withdrew
her imprisoned hand
You are just a nice age" with firm
conviction. Boys are tiresome and
/ think a little gray in the hair Is an
Improvement Oh, you mustn't in.
agine say this just to please you'll
have always thought So since-weIi
since grew up. Besides, feshy men
generally ieok young, because they
are so good natured, perhaps. How
old are you. Doctor?"
1t isn't the gray hairs l mind, eth
er, he admitted hesitatingly. but I'm
TOO darned baid-headed. Oh. | ain't
SO old, Tor ] was only thirty-five when
the war broke out l was so thin
then | could hardly cast a shadow.
I've changed some SINCE" casting his
eyes admiringly downward. land got
quite figure. | was forty-three last
month"
That isn't old; that's Just right"
I've been afraid you looked on me
as being an old fogyi"
l. should say not Indignantly.
''Why should you ever think that?"
Well, there were SO many young
bellows hanging about"