Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1913-03-22
CHAPTER XIX.
In Which the Minister Receives /;
letter.

i IN winch the minister receives q
Letter.
John Ellery was uneasy. Physically
he was very much better, so much
better that he was permitted to sit
up 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, Ike'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
satisfa ctorily.
He rose from the chair and started
toward the living room. He would not
be put off 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 it.
Good morning, Mr.. Ellery," he said
TITS a glorious day. Yes, sir, bully
day. Hey? isn't it?"
Ellery's answer was a question.
Doctor he said, why have Mrs.
Coffin and-and Miss Van Horne
gone? Has anything happened? 1
know something has, and you must
tell me what Don't try to put me off
or give me evasive answers. 1 want
to know why they have gone"
Parker looked at him keenly.
.'Humph," he grunted iii have to
get into Mrs. IIiggins'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. If
you move it won't. Going to obey or
ders? Good! I'll see you by and by,
Mr.. Ellery''
He walked out of the room 1t
seemed to ElIery that he sat in that
chair for ten thousand years before
the door again opened. And then
'Grace!" he cried. 20 Grace! 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
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 wen
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'n say so. OF
course there wouldn't be much salts
faction in havin' a 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, If Oracle was willin' And |
when I found she was not only willin' |
but joyful, well, decided to offer |
up the sacrifice right, off,"
You did? You did? Why, how |
you talki 1 never heard of such a |
thing in my born days.
''Oh, well, L What is it. Grace?"
She was standing in the doorway
and reckoning to him. Her cheeks |
were crimson, the breeze was tossing
her hair about her forehead, and she |
made a picture that even the prac-
teal, unromantic doctor appreciated.
The captain went to meet her
What is it?" he asked
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 a wondrous joy and
serene happiness.
He held out his hands and the can
ain shook them heartily.
Mr.. Ellery," he said, "as they used
% say at the circus, Here we are
again And you and 1 have been do
ng all kinds of circus acrobatics since
We shook last, hey? I'm glad you're
pretty nigh out of the sick bay-and
he doctor says you are"
Captain" began Ellery Hammond
him
Hold oni" he said. Delay right
here. If you and 1 are to cruise in
he same family-and that's what /
lear is likely to happen-I cal1ate
veil heave overheard the cap'ns and
listers My names .Nathanfel'-t
Nat for short"