The bee., 1916-12-08
I I.

Under huge beech tree on the edge
Of the bank above Rock creek, stood q
covered wagon, something after the or
der Of the old-time prairie schooner
but not 80 large Stu, It was large
enough for the family Of three that
made Il their home. A cot. under q
slight -bhelteF in the densest treo
shadow. held man whose face showed
suffering.
SarAh and Mildred were having q
picnic to cover an act Of friendliness,
for they had discovered upon their
first visit that the chlld's parents were
above charity, although their stress
was great. The woman was far from
wen, and anxiety about her husband
about sapped her strength. They had
lived In one Of the large cities, where
he held good position until an attack
Of pneumonia left him too weak and
wretched to resume II. They took
their savings, bought food and outfit
and started for somewhere.
"Just somewhere" the woman told
Mildred. "where we could have Gods
sunshine and pure air. he improved
at once, but a week ago he slipped
and broke his leg. Since then life
would be gray indeed If 1t were not
for Doctor Winthrop"
doctor Winthrop Sarah ex-
claimed sharply. 'Is he hereT" She
turned to Mildred, who had bent rath-
er hastily over the creek and was
washing her hands. ''You did not tell
me he was here"
Sarah said nothing further until
that evening when they we're alone
upon the porch. Then she said:
"When did he cOmef
"You mean Doctor Winthrop NIL
dred's voice held a note unusual to its
softness. 'He has been in practice
here for a year past"
Il have often wondered what be-
came Of him." Sarah said. "He dis
appeared suddenly, as suddenly as If
he had been swallowed up in some ca
tastrOphe. l don't know why 1 should
give a thought to him, for he passed
entirely from my life after our last
quarrel"
"Why did you quarrelT Mildred |
leaned forward but did not look at her |
friend. The other shrugged her shoul-
ders. 'IncOmpatibillty. Jealousy.
Fortunately we discovered 1t in time"
A sudden, sObbing cry caught and |
held their attention. Another, then
the sound Of mans voice. Together |
they ran to the gate, into the road. A
short distance away car was stand
ing. Near 1t a man with a child in
his arms. He was speaking quietly,
but with authority.
He put the child on her feet as the
two girls stopped beside him. "What
is IT," Sarah asked, drawing Mamie
toward her. "Can we help?"
'If you will be so good" He spoke
to Mildred. "Mrs. McCallum has had
a rather severe heart attack, and l
have brought her to you. / was sure
you would take her in. She needs care.
will take John to my rooms"
A week later the two girls were in
their usual lOunglng place. They had
been silent for some time when Sarah
1t last aroused herself from her
thoughts, yawned and said. with a
race Of amusement In her voice:
II did get story, Mildred, but not
he one you thought There were a
good many ends to be gathered to-
yether, yet they merely led to a situa-
ion. One Of the ends was held by a
little child. Another led from a bro
Ken engagement to a self-contained
nan whose sole thought, save in one
Instance. is absorbed in his profes-
ion."
"And that instancef' Mildred asked.
With a show OF interest. Sarah smiled.
my dear, saw him kiss you last
light"
cODynght isls, b The Mcclure NswsDA-