Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1915-04-30
AN UNWELCOME VISITOR

S you have come at last"
1t was with effort that George Rose
raised himself to a sitting posture
in his bed, yet his eyes shot defiance
at the visitor who appeared in the
doorway.
1T is like you," he continued coldly.
TO come to ME at this time, when l
am sick and helpless. Don't think
that l don't recognize you, although
you are clothed as l never saw you
before. When l was we'll and strong
l defed you; several times l fought
you and beat you but now-now / am
weak. You are a coward to come TO
me now"
The patient settled back in his bed
for he was very weak, but there was
no sign of fear on his countenancc.
He closed his eyes as though to shut
ont sight of the hated enemy before
him.
George Rose had been a perfect
specimen of physical manhood. Ma
ture had been kind to him, for he
was endowed with a perfect physique
and a strong mentality. On the col
lege athletic field he had been the
popular hero, and in his class he rank
ed first. On the paper with which he
took a position he was soon recog-
niZed as the most active and reliable
reporter, and when the government
undertook the digging of the Panama
Canal he was selected TO furnish
stories of the operations. 1t was
strange that he was one of the first
to be attacked with yellow fever, re-
sultant from the then unsanitary con.
ditions. Now his eyes were sunken.
his face was pale and haggard, his
body was emaciated.
Slowly he opened his eyes again and
looked squarely at the visitor who had
not moved from the doorway.
Yes, it is like you to come 10 me
now when you know that the contest
will be eve Smile if you will.
Sloat over my weakness, but know
this-even now l am not afraid of
you"
\ sudden strength seemed to come
to the patient. He seemed to summon
every energy, ven as he had done on
the college field when about to make a
mighty effort. He rose straight up in
bed II pointed his finger at the WISH
tor before him.
You have followed me ever since
you stole away my Alice. Great God!
In another week she would have be.
com1e my bride. What have you done
with her" Where is she? Ever since
then l have hated your name. and you
know that | have defied you. Didn't
| defy you that day when crossing
San Francisco bay you caused thai lit
tie golden haired girl to fall from the
ferry? Didn't defy you when | ear.
ried Tom Carriers body from the
building which you set on fire? You
infamous coward. You wouldn't meet
me when was strong. you waited I'M
til ow-now when you know that !
am stick and weak"
The visitor smiled sadly as he ap-
preached the bedside. You wrong
me-" he said, "as you have always
done, and as many others do. | EAR
ried away your Alice to save her from
a life OF pain, of torture which she
could not endure. l did not cause that
child to fall from the ferry, and did
not set fire to that building. l am
a minister of Love, o of Hate. as
so many believe me. l have no
come to gloat over your Weakness, but
to help and relieve you. Your Alice
longs for you and l have come to take
you to her"
yes, l have wronged YOU" replied
the patient. Alice said you were kind
and gentle, but l could not believe it.
Forgive me, please, and take me to
her"
The visitor claspcd the proffered
hand, then gently raised the patient
and bore him away-to his Alice. The
visitor was death.
Anonymous.