The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1915-06-24


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 feebl,
into her bedroom OF the living room
Rod was rs gentle NJ mother. and he
was familiar with all the little offices
that could he Of any comfort the
soapstone warmed again for her feet
the bringing Of her nIghtcown 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 Il
would not snap and throw out danger
Gus sparks in bis absence.
All the while he was doing this
Mrs. Boynton lay quietly In the bed
talking to herself ftfully In the faint
murmuring tone that was hab!tual TO
her He could distinguish scarcely
anything. only enough to guess that
her mind was still on the Bible story
that he was reading to her when sh,
tainted. THE rod Of Aaron was
among the other rods" he heard her
say, and moment later, Bring IA
ron's rod again before the testimony"
Was II his uncle's name that had so
affected herr wondered the boy. al
most sick with remorse, although he
had tried his best to evade her com
mand to read the chapter aloud What
would Ivory. his hero, his pattern and
example. sayf 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
fire without finching. he thought. II
Ivory told him TO, and he only prayed
that he might not be held responsible
for this new calamity.
81 want Ivoryr came In a feebl,
voice from the bedroom.
docs your side ache worser" Rod
asked. tiptoeing TO the door.
"No am quite free from pain"
would you be afraid to stay alone
and run to find Ivory and bring him
back?"
"No I will Sleep" she whispered.
closing her eyes. Bring him quickly
before forget what ] want to say to
him"
Rod sped down the lane and over
the fields to the brick store where
Ivory usually bought his groceries
His cousin was not there. but one Of
the men came out and offered TO take
see II he were at one OF the neighbors
on that sid. OF the river. Not word
aid Rod breathe OF his aunt's Illness;
be simply said that she was lonesome
for Ivory. and so be came to find him
In five minutes they saw the BoyntoL
horse mitchell to tree by the roadside.
and in a trice Rod called him and
thanking Mfr. Bixby. got into lvory's
wagon TO wait for him. He tried his
best to explain the situation as they
irove along. but finally concluded by
aging: Aunt really made me read the
chapter TO her. Ivory. tried not TO
when I saw uncle's name in most ev
Try verse. but / couldn't help IT,"
"Of course you couldn't! Now you
Jump out and hitch the horse while I
'un In and see that nothing has hap
,ened while she's been left alone
Perhaps you'll have to 60 for Or. Fer.
y"
Ivory went in with fear and trem.
licking OF the tall clock. The fire burn.
ID low upon the hearth. and the door
vas open into his mothers room. He
fitted candle that Rod had left ready
IN the table and stole softly 10 her bed
tide. She was sleeping IKE a child.
but exhaustion showed itself In every
line of her face. He felt her hands
md feet and found the soapstone In
he bed. saw the brandy bottle and
The remains Of a cup Of milk on the
light stand. noted the handkerchief.
till strong Of camphor. on the counter
>ene and the blanket spread carefully
,vsr her knees. and then turned ap-
10 meet Rod stealing into the
'oom on tiptoe. his eyes big with fear.
I'VE won't wake her. Rod I'll watch
while. then sleep on the sitting room
Let me watch. Ivory! I'd feel bet
.er II you'd let me. honest would"
The boys face was drawn with anx-
ety. Ivory's attention was attracted
BY the wistful eyes and the beauty Of
he forehead under the dark hair. He
,eemed something more than the child
II yesterday-a care and responsibility
and expense for all his loving obedi.
ence: he seemed all at once different
more dependable. more
fact positive comfort
md help In time OF trouble.
IL did the best knew how. Was
anything wrongr' asked the boy. as
ivory stood regarding him with a
smile.
Nothing wrong. Rodl DR.. Perry
couldn't have done any better with
What you had ON hand. l don't know
how ] should get along without you,
lovP Here Ivory Dattad Rods shout