The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1912-02-16
CHAPTER xxxll.-(Continued.)

Il did. Christie; you bet | did,"
broke in the delighted doctor, every
nerve tingling. I'D a cleaned out
that whole gang il 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, 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. land old Waite possesses
the vilest temper ever given a hu.
man being He's no blood kin to you,
though"
No. but he is awfully good under
meath. isn't he?"
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 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. 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 fell
half afraid of this woman, and il was
new sensation altogether. and not
unpleasant.
saw her often enough I'm those
days. but not since. She was freouept.
ly in camp, a very sweet-faced WON.
an; you have her eyes and hair az
remember Waite ought to have rec.
ogmzed you at first sight BY Heay.
ems, that was what made me so in.
ieInally mad. the mulish obstinacy OF
oil
come to the hospital tent. too; one
of the best nurses ! ever saw.
thought she was a 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
have always thought so. since-well,
since | grew up. Besides. fieshy men
generally look young. because they
are so good natured. perhaps. How
old are you. Doctor?"
1T isn't the gray hairs ] mind, eth
sr." he admitted hes;tatingly. but I'm
too darned bald-headed oh, amt
SO old, for l was only thirty when
the war broke out was SO thin
then could hardly cast a shadow.
I've changed some SINCE" casting his
eyes admiringly downward, "and got
quite figure. l was f1rty-three last
month"
That isn't old: that's Just right"
I've been afraid you looked on me
rs being an old fogyi"
Il should say not" Indignantly.
why should you ever think THAR"
We'll. there. were so r-any young
aslloys hanging about"