The Mena weekly star. (Mena, Ark.) 1904-1977, 1912-05-09

ed her slight figure completely. Leav.
ing her sodden garments where they
had fallen, for she was not equal to
anything else, she wrapped herself in
/ the folds OF the big gown and man
aged TO get into bed. For all its rude
appearance IL was very comfortable
sleeping place: there were springs and
good mattress. The unbleaehed
sheets were clean, although they had
been rough dried; there was a deli
cious sense of comfort and rest in
her position. She had scarcely com
posed herself when he knocked loud
upon her door
May / come IMP he asked.
| When she babe him enter she saw
he had in his hand saucepan full of
some steaming broth. She wondered
how he had made it In such a hurry,
but after he poured 1t into a granite
ware cup and offered It to her, she
tooS it without question. II was thick,
warming and nourishing. He stood by
her and insisted that she take more
and more. Finally she rebelled.
Well perhaps that will do for to-
night" he said; now let's have look
at your foot"
She observed that he had laid on
the table lorg roll of white cloth /;
she could not know that he had torn
UP one of his sheets to make ban
dages, but so 1t was. He took the lit.
tie foot tenderly in his hands.
Il am going to hurt you he said.
II am going to find out If there is
anything more than a bruise, any
bones broken"
There was no denying that he did
pain her exquisitely.
81 can't help it," he said as she
cried aloud. Il have got to see what's
the matter l am almost through
now"
] Go on. l can bear it," she said
family Il feel so much better, any.
way, now that I am dry and warm. y
$50 far as l can determine" said
the man at last. ut is only bad, ugly
bruise; the skin is torn, it has been
battered. but It is neither sprained
nor broken. and | don't think it is 60
ing to be very serious. Now am 60
ing to battle It in the hottest water
you can bear, and then l will bandage
1t and let you go to sleep"
| He went out and came back with a
kettle of boiling water, with which he
laved again and again the poor, torn
battered little member Never in her
life had anything been so grateful as
these repeated applications of hot wa
ter. After while he applied heal
ing lotion of some kind then he took
his long roll of bandage and wound
it dexterously around her foot, MOI
drawing it too close to prevent circu
lation, but just tight enough for sup
! port, then as he finished she drew Il
back beneath the cover.
Now" said he, there is nothing
more 1 can do for you tonight, IL
there?"
Nothing"
Il want you to go to sleep now, yot
will be perfectly safe here. am go
ing down the canon to search"
NO" said the girl apprehensively
Il dare not be left alone here; be
sides know how dangerous 1T woul,
be for you to try TO descend the canol
in this rain; you have risked enough
| for me, you must wait until the morn
ing; shall feel better then"
But think of the anxiety Of you
| friends"
Il can't help it." was the nervous
reply. 81 am afraid to be left alon,
here at night"
Her voice trembled; he was fearful
she would have a nervous breakdown
VERY WE'LL" he said soothingly, "
will not leave you till the morning"
where will you stay"
'I'll make shakedown for myseI
in the store ROOM" he answered,
shall be right within call at any time
It had grown dark outside by thi
time and the two In the log hut coul,
barely see each other.
Il think l shall light the fire." cor
tinued the man, at will be sort q
company for you and it gets cold VI
here nights at this season. l shouldn'
wonder If this rain turned into snow
Besides. It will dry your clothes 70
you"
Then he went over to the fireplace
| struck a match, touched 1t to tbs
kindling under the huge logs alread.
| prepared, and In a moment Cheerful
blaze was roaring up through tbs
chimney. Then he picked up from thu
| floor where she had cast them in |
heap her bedraggled garments. HI
Strengthened them out as best Ia
could. hung them over the backs o
chairs and the table, which he drew
as near to the FIRE as was safe. Hav
ing completed this unwonted task h'
turned to the woman who had watch
ed him curiously and nervously thu
while.
rs there anything more that cal
do for your
Nothing, You have been as kim
and as gentle as you were stroug an,
brave"
He threw bis hand out with depre
eating gesture.
Are you quite comfortable?"
eyes"
"And your foot?"
Seems very much better"
Good night. then. l will call yo'
in the morning."
Good night" said tie girl & ate
fully. "and ccd bless y-l for tra
and noble man"
Continued in next issue.)
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