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

Ivory usually bought his groceries
His cousin was not there. but one d
the men came out and offered to tah
his horse and drive over the bridge q
see if he were at one of the neighbors
on that side of the river. Not wort
did Rod breathe Of his aunt's illness
he simply said that she was lonesom,
for Ivory. and so he came to find him
In five minutes they saw the Boyntof
horse hitched to tree by the roadside
and in a trice Rod called him and
thanking Mr.. Bixby. got into Ivory
wagon to wait for him. He tried BIZ
best to explain the situation as the,
drove along. but finally concluded B!
saying: Aunt really made me read To-
chapter TO her, Ivory. 1 tried not D
when l saw uncle'S name in most ey
ery verse. but l couldn't help it
"Of course you couldn't! Now ya
lump out and hitch the horse while
run in and see that nothing has hap
pened while she's been left aloDs|
Perhaps you'!l have to go for Dr. Per
ry."
bling. for there was no sound save d
ticking of the tall clock. The fire s1n|
ed low upon the hearth. and the dO
was open into his mothers room h
lifted q candle that Rod had left reed
on the table snd stole softly TO her bed
side. She was sleeping ike a child.
but exhaustion showed itself in eve!
1ir1n Of n o. hands
and feet and found the soapstone IL
the bed. saw the brandy bottle AID
the remains of a cup of milk on tts
light stand. noted the handkerchief
still strong of camphor. on the counter.
pane and the blanket spread carefully
over her knees. and then turned aF
provingly to meet Rod stealing into the
room on tiptoe. his eyes big with fear.
I'VE won't wake her. Rod. I'll watch
awhile. then sleep on the sitting room
lounge"
Let me watch. Ivory. I'd feel oef
ter if you'd let me, honest l would.
The boys face was drawn with anI'
iety. Ivory's attention was attracted
by the wistful eyes and the beauty o.
seemed something more than the cnha
of yesterday-a care and responsinlhl!
and expense for ali his loving ooedi I
ence: he seemed all at once difere1l
tonight-older, more dependable. moN
trustworthy-in fact, positive comlon'
and help in time of trouble.
Il did the best l knew how was
a,
Ivory stood regarding him with
friendly smile.
Nothing wrong. Rod. DR.. zen!
couldn't have done any better VIII
what you had on hand. don't XIV"
how l should get along wi'1out YOU
boy Here Ivory patted Rods snour
der You're not a child any lonse.'
Rod: you're man and n brother. mas
what you are. and 10 prove 1t III IA,
the first watch and call you up
o'clock 10 take the second so tDat
can be ready for my school wols
morrow How does that suit you'
"Tiptop," said the boy. huShlns VIZ.
pride. IN lie down with my eio.ns
on: it's only o'clock and III get Nv.
hours sleep; that's lot more 'D
Napoleon used to have =. !
He carried the Bible upstairs
just before he blew out his canaF
looked again mt the chapter In NJ.
bers. thinking he would show
Ivory privately next day. Again ~
story enchanted him, and again. ~
a child. he puts his own name anu ~
living self among the rods IN tne
ernacle
Ivory would Ice the prince OF M
house" he thought. "oh, how 80
to be Ivory's rod and have II oe "a
one that was chosen 10 blossom
keep the rebels from murmuring!