River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-02-08
CHAPTER xxxlI.-(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 it was better to
let them tell all they knew 1t was
like a thunder storm clearing the at
mosphere."
'Oh, 1t 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 you?"
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 a hui
man being. He's no blood kin to you,
though"
No, but he is awfully good under
meath, isn't hep"
Hot d uedIJ Oh pure gold, Old
Waite. Why. I've seen him cry like
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 the
war, and had to cut a bullet or so
out of his hide before it 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
~ 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 it was
new sensation altogether. and NOT
unpleasant.
saw her often enough in those
days, but not since. She was freouent.
iy in camp. very sweet-faced WON.
an; you have her eyes and hair as
remember. Waite ought to have req
ognized you at first sight. Bv Haav.
ems! that was what made me 81 in.
iernally mad the mulish obstinacv Of
the old fool. Your mother used IN
come to the hospital tent, too. one
of the best 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 cheek
and she made no effort to withdraw
her imprisoned hand
You are just a nice age with firm
conviction. Boys are tiresome. and
/ think little gray in the hair is an
improvement. Oh. you mustn't i'm
agine say this just to please you-l
have always thought so, since-wen.
since | grew up. Besides, fleshy men
generally look young. because they
are so good natured, perhaps. How
old are you. Doctor?"
1T isn't the gray hairs mind. eth
ct. he admitted hesitatingly. but I'm
too darned bald-heRded. Oh, | amt
go old, for was only thirty-five when
the war broke out. was so thin
then | could hardly cast a shadow.
I've changed some since" casting his
eAes admiringly downward. land got
quite a figure. l 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 fogyl"
Il should say not" Indignantly.
why should you ever think that?"
We'll, there were so L.any young
fellows hanging about"