Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-08-22

40. And the Lord said unto Moses,
Bring Aaron's rod again before the tes-
timony to be kept for a token against
the rebels; and thou shalt quite take
away their murmurings from me, that
they die not"
"Oh. Aunt Boynton," cried the boy.
81 love my name after I've heard about
the almond rod! Aren't you proud that
it's uncle's name that was written on
the one that blossomed:"
He turned swiftly to find that his
aunt's knitting had slipped on the
floor; her nerveless hands dropped by
her side as if there were no life in
them, and her head had fallen against
the back of her chair. The boy was
paralyzed with fear at the sight of her
closed eyes and the deathly pallor of
her face. He had never seen her like
this before, and Ivory was away. He
few for bottle of spirit, always kept
in the kitchen cupboard for emergen-
cies. and throwing wood on the fire in
passing. he swung the crane so that
the tea kettle was over the flame. He
knew only the humble remedies that
he had seen used here or there in i'll
every moment that he might hear
Ivory's step. He warmed a soapStone
in the embers and, taking off Mrs.
Boynton's shoes. put it under her cold
feet He chafed her hands and gently
poured spoonful of brandy between
her pale lips Then, sprinkling cam
phor on a handkerchief, he held it to
her nostrils, and to his joy she stirred
in her chair: before many minutes her
lids fiuttered, her lips moved. and she
put her hand to her heart.
Are you better. aunt dear?" Rod
asked in q very wavering and fearful
voice.
She did not answer; she only opened
her eyes and looked at him. AT length
she whispered family, Il want Ivory:
l want my son."
Hes out. aunt dear Shall / help
you to bed the way Ivory does? If
you'll let me. then I'll run to the bridge
cross lots like lightning and bring him
back
She assented and, leaning heavily on
his slender shoulder. walked feebly
into her bedroom off the living room.
Rod was as gentle as a mother. and he
was familiar with all the little offices
that could be of any comfort-the
soapstone warmed again for her feet,
the bringing of her nightgown from
the closet and when she was in bed
another spoonful of brandy in hot
milk; then the camphor by her side. an
extra homespun blanket over her and
the door left open so that she could see
the open fire that he made into
cheerful huddle, contrived SO that it
would not snap and throw ont danger
Gus sparks in his absence.
All the while he was doing this
Mrs. Boynton lay quietly i'll the bed
talking TO hersel: itfully in the faint
murmuring tone that was habitual to
her. He could distinguish scarcely
anything, only enough 10 guess that
her mind was still on the Bible story
that he was reading to her when she
tainted. The rod of Aaron was
among the other rods he heard her
say, and a moment later, Bring Aa.
ron's rod again before the testimony"
Was IL his uncle's name that had so
affected her? wondered the boy. nj !
most sick with remorse, although be |
had tried his best TO evade her com |
mand TO read the chapter aloud. What !
would Ivory, his hero, his pattern and |
example, say? II had always been |
Rods pride TO carry his little share OF /
every burden that fell to Ivory. to be |
faithful and helpful in every task Civ
en- to him. He could walk through |
Gre without fiinching, he thought. If !
Ivory told him 10. and he only prayed |
that he might not be held responsible
for this new calamity.
IL want Ivoryr' came in a feeble
voice from the bedroom.
Does your side ache worse?" Rod
asked, tiptoeIng TO the door.
mo. l am quite free from pain"
would You be afraid to stay alone
just for awhile If lock both doors
and run to ind Ivory and bring him
back
mo. I will sleep" she whispered.
closing her eyes. Bring him quickly
before l forget what l want to say to
him"
Rod sped down the lane and over
'Aa fields TO the brick store where