Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1914-10-17

Wherewith he was gone, and Hill,
without stopping to ponder upon the
content of this odd reply, set himself
to carrying Nita up the stairway. At
the first landing he stopped and
knocked. The door was presently
opened by Beau-Jean, scanttly 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 Nita
upon a ragged bed that stood beside
the cook stove.
Holy Motherl" breathed Beau-Jean.
Us she dead?"
mol Where are the women?" asked
Hill. y
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 I'M
concern for her negligee, she arose
and came to the assistance of the
older woman.
God save usl she is too ancient to
survive such injuryl' she exclaime ed,
examining a swelling which was now
quite obvious on the crOne's forehead.
''HermaniaI 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 wom-
en- were busy over the Frustrated form
of the injured one; and to the men
Hill was giving an account of the ad-
venture that had brought them to such
a 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 a 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?"
Nay" 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 herr"
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 a gesture
expressive of infinite vagueness.
Then, if anything threatens her,
it may also affect Pedro" said Hill.
Perhaps the Old One will speak
soon," suggested Beau-Jean, "and 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 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 it 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 daN was gone, and what was more,
Mia 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
| rs cents apiece. He was usually the
| first to step out, and last to return. and
this was more regularly the case since
| Nita's illness, for the two older WON
en- were much occupied 1t so hap
| pened. then, that on the day Just re
| Cd oh he hnl