The state herald., 1913-05-23

ing poles, past lobster-pot buoys and
little bug-lighthouse, threading their
way into the harbor and up to the
dock. Agatha appealed to the doctor
with great earnestness.
Surely, Doctor Thayer, It is a
Providence that we came In Just here,
where people will know me and will
help me. need shelter for little
while, and care for my sick friend
here. Where can we GOT"
Doctor Thayer cast judicial eye
over the landscape, while he held his
hat up into the breeze. ITS going to
clear; It'll be fine afternoon" said
he. Then deliberately: why don't
you go up to the old red house? sallie
Kingsbury's there keeping 1t, Just as
she did when Hercules was alive;
waiting for you or the lawyer or some
body to turn her out. l guess. And
IT'S only five miles by the good road.
You couldn't 60 to any Of these sailor
shacks down here, and the big sum-
mer hotel over yonder isn't any place
for a sick man, let alone lady with
out her trunk"
| Agatha looked in amazement at the
doctor. go to the old red house
10 stay?"
why not? II you're Agatha Red
mond, It's yours, isn't TT And
guess nobody's going to dispute your
being Agatha Shaw's daughter, look
ing as you do. The house is big
enough for all creation; and. besides.
they've been on pins and needles walt
Ing for you to come, or write. or do
something" The doctor gave a grim
chuckle. Hercules surprised them all
some, by his will. But they'll all be
glad to see you. guess. unless 1t is
Sister Susan. She was always pretty
hard on Hercules; and she didn't ap-
prove of the will-thought the house
ought to go to the Founding Asylum
Agatha looked rs II she saw the
gates Of Eden opened to her. But
could really go there? Would 1t be
all right! I've not even seen the law
yer" There was no need of answers
to her questions; she knew already
that the old red house would receive
her. would be refuge for herself and
for James. who needed refuge 80
sorely.
The doctor was already making his
plans. I'll drive this man here" in
dicating James. and he'll need some
one to nurse him for while. too.
You can go up In one of Simon Nash's
wagons; and I'll get nurse up there
as soon as ! can"
The launch had tied up to the
larger dock, and Hand and Little 81.
mon had been waiting some minutes
while Agatha and the doctor con
ferred together. Now. as Agatha hesi'
tated. the businesslike Hand was at
her elbow. Il can help you, Made
moiselle. II you will let me. have
had some experience with sick men. "
Agatha looked at him with grateful
eyes, only half realizing what II was
he was offering. The doctor did no,
wait. but Immediately took the ar
i-rsisemcnt for granted. He began Civ
ing orders in the tone OF man who
knows Just what he wants done. and
knows also that he will be obeyed
You stay here. Mr.. Hand. and helT
with this gentleman; and Little 81
mon, here. you go up to your fathers
livery stable and harness up. quick rs
you can. Then drive up to my place
and get the boy to bring my buggy
down here, with the white horse
Quick. you understand? Tell them the
doctors waiting"
Agatha sat In the launch while the
doctors orders were carried out. Lit
tie Simon was on getting the vehi
cles; Doctor Thayer had run up the
dock To the village street on some
errand. saying he would be back by
the time the carriages were there
and Hand was walking up and dowr
the dock. keeping n watchful eye OF
the launch. James was lying In the
sheltered corner OF the boat, ominous
ly quiet. His eyes were closed. ant
his face had grown CHASTITY In his III
ness. Tears came to Agatha's eyei
az she looked at him. seeing how
mucn worse uts conuition was tnhL
when he had talked with her. almost
happily. in the night. She herself
felt miserably tired and III: and rs sh,
waited, she had the sensation on,
sometimes has in waiting for n train;
that the waiting would 30 on fol
ever. would never end
The weather changed. rs the doc
tor had prophesied. and the rail-
ceased. Fresh gusts OF wind from tn,
sea blew clouds OF fog and mist In
land. while the surface OF the watcl
turned from gray to green. from greer
TO blue. Tho wind. blowing agains
tho receding tide. tossed the foam
back toward the land in fantasti,
plumes. Agatha. looking out over th'
sea, which now began to sparkle In tn,
light. longed in her heart to take thu
return OF the sunshine as an omen o
good. It warmed and cheorcd hor
body and soul.
A. A.. .v.. surn,d fr,v, th. ... .,