Putnam patriot. [volume] (Putnam, Conn.) 1872-1962, 1912-11-15

anu shawl. one was about to
blow out the lamp when she heard
rapid footsteps, the sound OF some
one running along the sidewalk
II front Of the house. As she listened.
J-- footsteps sounded on the path.
" hoeYer the runner was he was com
A1g to the parsonage. She stepped
% the door and opened it.
The runner was a boy. Maria Hig-
gins boy Isaac, whose widowed moth
er hted down by the shore. He did
the chores at the Hammond tavern.
Ills frecAled face was dripping with
perspiration and he pulled and blew
Ike stranded whale.
Have ye-naye We" painted Ike.
4 have We seen the doctor anywhenes.
Ms Coffin 2"
Who? Dr. Parker? Have seen
what in the world are yea comm here
after the doctor for?"
'Cause-cause didn't know where
else 10 come. l been to his house and
he amt TO home Nobody amt to
home. His wife, Mis- Parker, she's
gone up to Boston yes'day on the
coach, and-and it's all dark and the
house doors open and the shay's gone,
So
Who's sick? Who wants him ?"
"And-and-all the rest of the
houses round here was shut up cause
everybodys TO meetin'. l peeked in
at the meetin' house and he amt
there. and I see your light and
Who's sick? Tell me that, won't
you?"
"Cap'n Eben. He's awful sick.
callate he's goin' to die. and Oracle
f she"
"Cap'n Eben? Eben Hammond!
Dyin'? What are you talkin abous?'
HUH HUH" pulled the messenger
impatently. Didn't l tell We? Cap'n
Ebens adyin, I seen him. All white
and sill and-and awful. And Oracle,
she's all alone and"
Hold on Stop! I'll tell you where
The doctor is most likely. Up to Mrs.
Princes. She's been poorly and he's
prGo'y been called there. Run! run
fast as ever you can and get him ard
III GO 10 Grace this minute. The poor
thing! Don't tell anybody. Not a soul
but the doctor. Half this town1l be
runnin' to find out if you do, and that
poor girl must be distaa cted already.
III go TO her. You get DR.. Parker and
tell him to hurry
I'll tell him; don't you fret"
He was gone, running harder than
ever A moment later Keziah fol-
lowed him, running also.
AS she ran on, rattle OF wheels
and the thud of hoofs came from be
hind her Then a rocking chaise,
drawn by galloping horse, shot by.
DR.. Parker's carriage, she was sure.
The Higgins boy must have met the
doctor and delivered his message
The horse and chaise were standing
by the front gate of the tavern as she
pantingly drew near it, The side door
of the house was ajar and she opened
it softly and entered. The dining
room was empty There was a light
on the sitting-room table and low
voices came from the little bedroom
adjoining Then, from the bedroom,
emerged DR.. Parker and Grace Van
Horne. The girl was white and there
were dark circles under her eyes. The
doctor was very grave
Keziah stepped forward and held
out both hands Grace looked, recog-
nized her. and with a cry ran toward
her. Keziah took her in her arms and
soothed her as if she were a child.
We'll. well. dear" went on Mrs.
Coffin hurriedly He will be better
soon. wen hope You mustn't give up
the ship, you know. Now you go and
lay down somewheres and I'll get my
things off and see what there is TO do.
Some good strong tea might be good
for all hands. guess likely. Where's
Hannah Poundberry?"
She's gone to her cousins to stay
all night. | suppose / ought to send
for her, but L"
NO, no, you hadn't. Nights well
send for a poll parrot, the critter
would be just as much good and talk
less III look out for things, me and
the doctor Wheres-where's Nat?"
"He came in just after | sent the
boy for the doctor He's in there with
with him." indicating the bedroom.
Poor Natl"
Keziah looked longingly toward the
door
Yes" she said slowly Poor fell
low. it's an awful shock to him. He
and his father are But there! you
la,, 5ou,n IN thar loungpi"
Grace. protesting that she couldn't
sit down, she couldn't leave uncle, and
there were so many things to do, was
at last persuaded by Keziah and the
doctor to rest for a few moments in
the big rocker. Then Mrs. Coffin went
into the kitchen to prepare the tea.
As she went, she beckoned to DIR.
Parker, who Joined her a moment
later
We'll. doetor?" she asked anxiously
The stout, gray-haired old physician
he had practiced in Trumet for near
lv thirty years-shook his head.
mot a single chance" he whispered
~He may possibly live till morning,
hut | doubt II be lasts an hour. It's
his heart. I've expected it at any
time"
Captain Nat was standing at the
door OF the bedroom. His face was
drawn and he had seemingly grown
years older since noon
Hes come TO himself. doc" he
whispered. He don't remember how |
Il happened or anything And he
wants us all Why! why. Keziah' are
vou hereg You can come in. too
know dad likes you and ! guess
Wait a minute: I'll ask him" He
stepped back into the bedroom. Yes"
he nodded. returning, you come. too.