Putnam patriot., 1912-12-27
CHAPTER XIX.
In Which the Minister Receives a
Letter.

In Which the Minister Receives a
Letter.
John Ellery was uneasy. Physically
he was very much better, SO much
better that he was permitted to sit
up a while each day. But mentally
he was disturbed and excited, exactly
the condition which the doctor said
he must not be in. Keziah and Grace
had gone away and left him, and he
could not understand why.
Mrs. Higgins. Ike's mother. was at
the shanty and she did her best to
soothe and quiet him. She was a
kind soul and capable, in her way. but
she could not answer his questions
satisfactorily.
He rose from the chair and started
toward the living room. He would not
be put off again. He would be an
swered. His hand was on the latch
of the door when that door was
opened. DIR. Parker came In.
The doctor was smiling broadly.
His rudy face was actually beaming.
He held out his hand, seized the min
listers, and shook it.
Good morning. Mr. Ellery." he said.
Its a glorious day. Yes. sir, bully
day. Hey? isn't it,"
Ellery's answer was question.
Doctor" he said. why have Mrs.
Coffin and-and Miss Van Horne
gone? Has anything happened? I
know something has. and you must
tell me what. Don't try to put me of
or give me evasive answers. l want
to know why they have gone"
Parker looked at him keenly.
"Humph," he grunted. I'll have to
get into Mrs Higgins's wig. You sit
still No. I'm not going to tell you
anything You sit where you are and
maybe the news'll come to you. II
you move it won't. Going to obey or
ders? Good I'll see you by and by,
Mr. Ellery."
He walked out of the room. 1t
seemed to Ellery that he sat in that
chair for ten thousand years before
the door again opened. And then
"Gracel" he cried. 20 Grace! you
you've come back"
She was blushing red, her face was
radiant with quiet happiness, but her
ewes were moist. She crossed the
room, bent over and kissed him on the
forehead.
Yes. John" she said; I've come
back. Yes, dear, I've come back to
to you"
Outside the shanty, on the side
farthest from the light and its group
of buildings, the doctor and Captain
Nat Hammond were talking with Mrs.
Higgins. The latter was wildly excit-
ed and bubbling with joy.
It's splendid" she exclaimed. ITS
almost too fine to believe. Now we'll
keep our minister, won't we?'
Mrs. Higgins turned to Captain Nat.
TITS kind of hard for you, Nat" she
added. But it's awful noble and self
sacrifcin' and everybodyll say SO. OF
course there wouldn't be much salts
faction in havin' a wife you knew
cared more for another man. But still
it's awful noble of you to give her up.
The captain looked at the doctor
and laughed quietly.
Don't let my nobility weigh on
your mind. Mrs. Higgins" he said.
I'D made up my mind to do this very
thing afore ever / got back to Trumet.
That is. if Oracle was willin'. AND
when | found she was not only willh
hut joyful. well, I decided to ofrer
I'D the sacrifice right Off.
"You did? You did? Why, now
Won talk! I never heard OF such a
thing in my born days" =.
"Oh we'll L What is It, Grace
She was standing in the doorway
and beckoning to him. Her cheeAs
were crimson. the breeze was tossing
her hair about her forehead, and she
made a picture that even the prac-
teal unromantie doctor appreciated
The captain went TO meet hef.
.Nhat is it," he asked.
.fNat." she whispered, will you
y coma inq He wants to see you
Iohn Ellery was still seated IN the
ohair nv the window, but he no longer
,aorad like an invalid. There was no
worry or care in his eountehanee
now. merely a wondrous JOY anu
serene happiness. -. am.
Ia held out his hands and the cap
:. ts,n shook them heartily.
~ ~ aMr. Ellery." he said, as they useu a
~ 70 saw at the circus. Here we are
nt sgain' And you and / have Deen 10,
uI .e@ al Kinds of circus acrobaties since
~ ~ w., NE Shook last, hey? I'm glad you r
he We nigh out Of the sick bay-ano
tbe doctor says you are"
40 scantain." began Ellery. HammoA'
.at interrupted him .,,h,
a as Hold on" he said. @Beiay ,i rlsn =
-. j.. .bers If you and l are to erul ss. =
pea me-. INC same family-and that's Wnse
did sns 'd IS likely to happen-I calla g
mH u wsu heave overheard the cap - n,a az
y pdt , NJ My names 'Natnan's.
om. Nat for short" :, .Iobn.
IAN right. And mine Is san
~ Vat. | mesn-hoW can
ever thank you" = vor want t,
dnt nam na for tor' only handed owe e
g.. NAM hin, that wasn't mine IN sns s,nns
s S1acs and belonged to you al u. '' Opi
sted ! didn't know it. tha' sa'