The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1915-04-23

he attempted to turn on his other side
He was surprised to find himself very
weak. Lying in bed without using
his muscles had taken his strength
| While on his back he opened his eyes
still seeing nothing but the ceiling
Hearing a step in the room. he turned
so that he could see a young woman
sitting beside a window reading. She
was unknown to him. When Johnny
as a boy had awakened In the morning
and did not have to go to school he
usually lay in bed reading.
lis this Saturday." he asked.
The. girl started, and Johnny was as
tonished at the sound Of his voice. The
girl rose excitedly, came to his bed.
side, then ran Immediately out Of the
room. Johnny in his amazement
thrashed about and while doing so put
his hand to his face. 1t was covered
with hair.
What in the WORLD he began.
And, sitting up in bed, he saw in a mir
ror the reflection Of q man. He was
dumfounded. He moved. and the re-
Election moved. After 1t had followed
several Of his movements he covered
his face with the bedclothes and gave
way to q nervous chill.
Hearing persons hurrying into the
room. he threw OF the clothes. His
mother, looking much older than 1.-The
night BEFORE" ran into the room. fol-
lowed by the young woman, who had
gone out Of it. and. taking him in her
arms. sobbed:
MY dear boy! Heaven be thanked!'
"What is It. mother7" cried the at
frighted John. Something strange has
happened! How big I am! How rough
my voice! seem to have grown to be
q man overnight"
"You have grown to be a man. dear,
but not overnight. You went to bed
one night when you were a boy and
have slept continuously ever since"
There was silence for some time
while a realization Of this singular an.
nouncement was working its way into
Johns brain. Then he asked a dozen
questions 80 rapidly that his mother
found dificulty in answering n be
fore another came forth. Finally be
pointed to the girl, who seemed as
much affected by his recovery az his
mother. and asked who she was. /.
"She is-was-your best chum. Lucy
Treadwell.
Good gracious" exclaimed John
wonderingly. "is that, LucyT
Eyes. I'm Lucy. I've prayed for your
waking ever since your long sleep be.
gan"
"she has been here nearly every day
since your slumber began said Johns
mother.
"And happened to be here. when !
woke" said John. and he put out both
hands to her. what a woman you've
grown to be! How old are you'll
mean how old am II"
you're twenty-one. and you know
that I'm a year younger. than you.
That makes me twenty. Can you see
any trace OF your best chum' in meT'
"A trace only" replied John. "You
were a pretty little girl then: you are
a beautiful woman now"
Mrs. Hoxey said she must 60 and
call the doctor at once. John must not
get excited and take no action what
ever till the doctor had seen him and
given directions concerning him.
John obeyed the nrst injunction. but
soon forgot all about the last Hia
mother had no sooner lsft the room
than hs reached for Lucy's. hand and
drew her to d seat beside him.
"eo you have been here constantly
since I have been in cumberland.
Why did you come 90 regularly
Lucy turned away her bead.
.'You wsrs my best chum,' and you
have proved yourself worthy Of the
name. I don't seem to know whether
I'm boy or man. I remember the kiss
1 gave you yesterday-I mean before !
went to sleep. l wonder. should I. kiss
you now. would 1t taste the same7'
"a don't know" was the reply. the
2face still averted,
John put his arms about her. drew
bel, down to him and kissed her.
ITS worth a thousand Of the 9th
ers.. he said.
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