The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1914-12-11

WucIcWitu uc was SOuS, duu Hill
without stopping to ponder upon the
content of this odd reply, set himself
to carrying Mia up the stairway. AT
the first landing he stopped and
knocked. The door was presently
opened by Beau-Jean, scantily clad
colossus, silhouetted in the aperture
against the light of single candle
With an exclamation of dismay, the
man stepped back to admit Hill and
his burden. and the painter. staggering
across the tiny room, deposited Mia
upon a ragged bed that stood beside
the cook stove.
Holy Mother!" breathed Beau-Jean
"Is she dead?"
mo! Where are the women" asked
Hill.
In response to the question Gune-
Were raised herself from her pallet
of quilts in the opposite corner, a
sturdy, unmodern figure, with head
swathed for sleeping. With entire un.
concern for her negligee, she arose
and came to the assistance of the
older woman.
God save us! she is too ancient to
survive such INJURY" she exclaimed,
examining a swelling which was now
quite obvious on the crone's forehead.
"Hermania! Anna. comet"
From a tiny inner closet came Her.
mania, clad as for the day, save for
the absence Of shoes, and her forehead
band Of coins, which was at this mo-
ment reposing in her bosom for
greater comfort with no less safety.
After her came Carlos, sleep-stupid
and annoyed. In a moment both WON
en- were busy over the Frustrated form
Of the injured one; and to the men
Hill was giving an account Of the adj
venture that had brought them to such
pass. They listened without being
able to throw the smallest light upon
the subject, nor identify the enemy
who had assaulted the old lady in so
cowardly fashion.
(Which of you has ever heard Of her
enemy?" Hill was asking. None,
really? And has she no kin whom we
should call upon for help?"
may" said Beau-Jean, the ponder
GUS, "she is from the America-of-the-
South. If she hath kin, they are too
far away to levy claim upon"
"America-of-the-Sout What do you
mean?"
Venezuela, I think" said Rico.
But how is 1t possible that no one
knows anything further about her?'
cried Hill. you have all been with
her for years. Surely you must know
or the women will, perhaps"
mo one but Pedro knows" said
Rico positively. "They came together;
we all know that much. But beyond
that"
He waved his hand with gesture
expressive of infinite vagueness.
"Then, IL anything threatens her.
1t may also affect Pedro" said Hill.
Perhaps the Old One will speak
soon," suggested Beau-Jean, land then
we can find out"
1t was a hope to which they all
agreed, but which was not to be full
filed during the watches of that night.
AS it became evident that rest was the
most important thing for her, and that
little or nothing could be done until
the morrow, the watchers, one by one,
betook themselves to bed.
The next day doctor came and pro.
nounced that there was nothing alarm
ing in Nita's injuries. but that she
must rest for few days and have
great care. Then he took most of
their money, and having drugged Nita,
after the custom of certain beasts who
prey upon the not infrequent victim
to be found among the tenements, pro-
ceeded to make a case for himself
whereby he could come daily until his
patients finances were exhausted. And
for several days his little plan succeed.
ed, for Guneviere was faithful to the
nursing, and administered the drug
with great regularity. On the days
when Hermania remained at home to
care for the old woman, she, too, was
painstaking and vigilant. But there
came a time when 1t was Annals turn
to watch, and Anna forgot to give the
medicine" For poor little Anna wept
at being separated from Rico, and
weeping, fell asleep. When she awoke,
the day was gone, and what was more,
Nita was gone also. The bed was
made, the old woman's clothing had
disappeared. and on the table the
empty coffee cup and plate, showed
that Nita had not gone hungry!
Now the doctor had been a severe
drain upon the resources of these peo-
pie, and just at present Hill was bring
ing in the most money, for he added to
his exhibition, sketching portraits at
25 cents apiece. He was usually the
first to step out, and last to return, and
this was more regularly the case since
Nitas illness. for the two older wom-
en- were much occupied. 1t so hap
pened. then. that on the day just re-
corded above, he had gone forth even
before II was decided that Anna should
remain with Mia.
AMI so on mast tef1eusents naa,