River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1915-06-03

CHAPTER XVII.
Brain Fever.
a FTER a week a good deal OF
kA the excitement had Gained
Il "a down, and Ned Rowlands was
in charge as editor, although
he was assisted daily by Mr.. Graham,
who spent large part Of his time in
the newspaper office
The city administration made anoth-
er apparently successful effort to ban
lsh open gambling and vice, but this
second display of reforming zeal was
much less convincing than the first,
and the reformers began to organize
for new city ticket at the fall cleo
ton.
During these days Reginald Nelson
lay helpless in his room at the Cam
eron home The blow on his head,
combined with the mental shock which
he had received on the evening of the
fatal July 4, produced an attack OF
brain fever which wasted the young
man day by day. The charges against
him at police headquarters had been
dismissed, but his condition was pitt
able He was altogether without mon
ey, having failed to draw his salary
from the Courier treasury during his
term as editor, and judgment for the
amount of his note to the newspaper
company having been found against
him. His reputation seemed lost, as
every day his enemies gained ground.
and the stories which had been scat
tered broadcast were now commonly
believed.
Il fear that was a fatal blow" said
the doctor about two weeks after the
encounter.
DR.. Gracely and Allan Rutledge were
discussing the case in the front room
of the Cameron home.
"What does he need to help him.?
asked the minister. with moist eyes,
HE is discouraged in body, soul and
spirit" replied the doctor. IF he could
be moved out of Bronson to some quiet
country place for a month or two there
is chance that he might begin to re-
gain his faculties"
IL know what we will do respond
ed Allan Rutledge. "Mr Derwent was
here yesterday inquiring for him. l
was afraid to allow him to see Reg
inald. but he seemed greatly interest
cd in the young man. l happened to
be here when he called. He mention
ed that he wished he was we'll enough
70 go home with him to the farm"
Il know Derwent's place we'll. That
would be just the place for him." said
the doctor quickly.
For several days previous to this no
me had been allowed to see Reginald
except Allan Rutledge and the doc
tor, but that morning Joy Graham APP
Deared at the Cameron home. Mrs.
Cameron greeted her sadly, telling how
poorly the young man was. They
have just murdered the BARN." said
the Scotchwoman. beginning to cry,
land those awful lies they are telling
about him. People are beginning to
believe them" Mrs. Cameron covered
her face and wept silently.
Let me see him. Joy pleaded.
Il will ask the nurse"
In a few moments she returned and
led Joy upstairs. When the girl saw
the wan face of the invalid she was
startled at the awful change which two
weeks had wrought. He put out his
hand feebly.
You will get well. Mr.. Nelson. and
you will finish your work in Bronson
vet
The light in the sick mans eyes
grew brighter as she spoke. Il believe
in YOU she whispered, with all my
heart and soul"
From that day hope began to spring
up in the heart of the stricken man.
A few days later Allan Rutledge spoke
TO Reginald about his removal to the
Oerwent farm.
Take me out there" he said feebly.
Il want TO get well. l will fight my
battle in Bronson to a finish yet
The minister was pleased to see the
rising spirits of his friend. The day
before he was removed to the country
Mr.. Townley called to see him.
Il hope you don't think l made
mistake in inviting you to Bronson"
said Mr.. Townley as they talked to-
gether.
mo, no." Reginald replied. II have
been wounded in the battle. but not
killed"
I'VE had great meeting at the 7.
M. c. A. last Sunday afternoon. said
Mr. Townley. "and we vindicated you.
The Courier has dug its own grave"
1.-THE right is bound to win," SAID
Reginald, with little smile.
Mr.. Derwent drove in with his car