The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1913-03-15

| was all, out IL was enough, for in that
dispatch was explosive sufficient to
dow TO atoms the doctors plans and
hezlah's, the great scheme which was
to bring happiness to John Ellery and
Grace Van Horne.
DIR. Parker heard 1t. while on his
way to Mrs. Princes, and, neglecting
that old lady for the once, he turned
his horse and drove as fast as posi-
bic to the shanty on the beach. Fast
as he drove, Captain Zebedee Mayo
got there ahead of him. Captain Zeb
was hitching his white and ancient
steed to the post as the doctor hove
in sight.
by mighty" the captain exclaimed
with a sigh Of relief, I'm glad enough
you've come, doctor. hated to 20
In there alone. You've heard, of
course"
Say, amt it wonderful, I'm
tlckled all up one side and sorry all
down tother. Mats a true-blue Teller,
and I'm glad enough that he amt
shark bait: but what about the minis
ter and her? She's promised to Nat,
you know. Are you goin' to tell Mr..
Ellery?"
Certainly not. And hope he
hasn't been told. He's getting well
fast now, but he mustn't be worried,
or back he'll go again. We must see
Mrs. Coffin. Keziah is our main hold.
That woman has got more sense than
all the rest of us put together"
But 1t was Grace, not Keziah, who
opened the shanty door I'm answer to
their knock. She was pale and greet
ed them calmly, but it was evident
that her calmness was the result OF
sheer will power
Won't you come in, DOCTOR" she
asked. Good afternoon, Captain
Mayo"
DR.. Parker entered the building. but
Captain Zeb remained outside. STAN
mering that he cal'lated he'd better
stay where he could keep an eye on
his horse. This was such a trans
parent excuse that 1t would have been
funny at any other time. No one
smiled now, however.
Isis Mrs. Coffin-er-Keziab
aboard?" the captain asked.
mo, she isn't. She went to the
parsonage few hours ago. Mr.. Ellis
brought the mail and there was a let
ter In 1t for her. She said it was i'm.
portant and that she must 20 home
to see about some things. She'll be
back pretty soon. l suppose"
Parker found his patient sleeping
soundly and had not disturbed him.
Returning to the living room he spoke |
to Grace
Humph!" ne sruutru, watching horl
from under his brows, everything |
seems to be all right in there. He
be told anything that will up
set him. He's getting well fast and
want 1t to continue"
Yes, | understand"
Hum! Er-have you heard Has
anyone been here?"
Yes. | have heard. The telegram
zane and | answered It,"
You did? Well, it's a miracle and
we're all thankful. of course. Did
Doctor, must go home | mustn't
tay here any longer. You know why
lot. / must be at home when he
'omes. You must get some one to
axe my place. Aunt Keziah will stay,
Il course. and perhaps Mrs. Higgins
would come"
But stay through tomorrow, at any
ate. Nat won't get here until Thurs
ay. and l may be able to find anoth-
r nurse by that time. And what
hall say to him." motioning toward
he other room, Il don't know"
Must you say anything? Just say
hat l have been, called away for a
ew days on-on some business. Don't ,
oil him. Don't tell him the truth, ,
octor, now. He Is too weak and / ,
m afraid"
She stopped and turned away. The ,
octor watched her pityingly. He :
ould have liked to say much more,
ut he could not, under the circum- ,
.ances. He stammered a good-by =
nd, with a question concerning Mrs. :
offin's whereabouts, went out to Join r
aptain FEB. s
"Well?" queried the latter anxious d
;. How is It? What's up? What's
le next tack!"
We'll go to the parsonage" was
lie gloomy answer. IF anybody can n
e a glimmer In this cussed muddle o
eziah Coffin can" =
Keziah was on her knees in her .
'om, beside trunk, the same trunk n
lie had been packing the day of the G
arrival in Trumet. She was r
orking frantically, sorting garments b
ON a pile, rejecting some and keep a
g others. She heard voices on the a
ak below and went down to admit b
e callers. n
What's the matter, Keziah?" asked q
;. Parker sharply, after look at her s.
&c. You look as II you'd been D
rough the war Humph! l suppose O
1--WE heard the news?
Keziah brushed back the hair from
r forehead. Yes" she answered
,wly. I've heard it." b;
Well. it's great news. and IL 1t st
ISN'T for-if things weren't as they fe
3, I'd be Growing hallelujahs this in
mute. Trumet has got a good man a
'e and sound again, and the Lord ell
ows 1t needs all Of that kind 1t can st
l." tb
Yes" T.