Gilpin observer., 1913-03-27
CHAPTER XIX.

NAT. i've come nome again..
CHAPTER XIX.
In Which the Minister Receives Q
Letter.
John Ellery was uneasy. Physically
he was very much t...ter. 30 much
better that he was permitted to sit
up q 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, 1ke'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 of again. He would be an
swered. His hand was on the latch
Of the door when that door was
opened. DR.. Parker came in.
The doctor was smiling broadly.
His ruddy face was actually beaming.
He held out his hand. seized the min
ister's, and shook 1t.
Good morning. Mr.. Ellery," he said.
TITS glorious day. Yes. sir. a 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?
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. "Ill 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 1t won't. Going to obey or
ders? Good! I'll see You by and by.
Mr.. Ellery."
He walked out Of the room. It
seemed to Ellery that he sat in that
chair for ten thousand years before
the door again opened. And then
0idCe! u0 CIleu. " 0TdCc' you
you've come back"
She was blushing red, her face was
radiant with quiet happiness. but her
eyes 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.
IT'S kind of hard for you. Nat" she
added. But it's awful noble and self
sacrificin' and everybody'll say so. OF
course there wouldn't be much satis-
faction in havin' 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. II Oracle was willin'. And
when found she was not only willin
but joyful, well, l decided to offer
up the sacrifice right or"
you did? You did? Why, how
you talk! never heard OF such a
thing in my born days"
"Oh. well, / What is It. Grace?"
She was standing In the doorway
and beckoning to him. Her cheeks
were crimson, the breeze was tossing
her hair about her forehead. and she
made picture that even the prac-
teal. unromantic doctor appreciated.
The captain went to meet her.
What Is it?" he asked. a..
Nat" she whispered, will you
come in? He wants to see you"
John Ellery was still seated in the
chair by the window. but he no longer
looked like an invalid. There was no
worry or care In his countenance
now. merely wondrous Joy and
serene happiness.
He held out his hands and the cap
tain shook them heartily.
"Mr. Ellery," he said. "as they used
to say at the CIRCUS. Here we are
again And you and l have been do
ing all kinds Of circus acrobatics since
we shook last. hey? I'm glad you're
pretty nigh out of the sick bay-and
the doctor says you are"
Captain" began Ellery. Hammond
interrupted him.
Hold on!" he said. "Belay right
there II you and are to cruise In
the same family-and that's what I
hear IL likely to happen-I calIate
We'll beave overheard the cap'ns and
Misters. MY names Nathaniel
Nat for short"