The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1917-01-11

of sadness in her life that made hud-
son believe she was under the stress
of trouble or sorrow He had, how
ever, never intruded on this, although
q mutual confidence and interest had
grown up between them. Then the
break in employment put an end to
their pleasant companionship.
| The sweet, patient face of Hazel
Ross, her gentle guiding ways, had
made a better man of him. They had
| inspired the hope that some day he
might reach the crest of fortune and
ask her to share life's experience with
him.
After a steady progress of over a
mile, the dog turned into an unfenced
| lot in a poe" neighborhood. In its CEN
ter stood the wreck of a once preten-
| tious mansion. The upper windows
We're protected by closed iron shutters.
Below, closed inside blinds shut out
the merest view beyond the old and
dismantled window frames. Every
thing suggested decay and disuse.
The dog led the way to doorless
entrance to the cellar. Its dimness
caused Hudson to cautiously grope his
way. Ills guide assembled n flight of
steps and passed down damp, dismal
hall, hating at a closed door. The
animal looked up into Hudsons face.
''He has done his part. Does mine
lead beyond that door?" Hudson ques-
toned himself.
The animal grew impatient, lifted
paw and noiselessly tapped at the
closed door. Hudson leaned forward
and listened intently.
"Help!"
The utterance was weak, but
freighted with agony. Hudson pushed
open the door. Upon a couch in a cor
ner of the room lay a helpless, cadav-
erous old man. His eyes lighted up
with relief and eagerness at the ap-
pearance of Hudson.
Water food, heat" he uttered
weakly. Three days unable to move!
And the terrible fever! 1 could not
move even to get to the window to call
for aid
Incoherently the old man babbled
forth the situation. Living alone had
brought the penalty of an almost fatal
isolation. Hudson explained his in
cidental appearance on the scene. The
old man feebly patted the head of his
loyal animal friend.
"Watcr, food, heat!" The old man
had pointed to rear room, and Hud-
son was soon busy about the little
kitchen. Within two hours he had
Gabriel Rushton comfortable. With
in sSyo more he had the confidence of
the recluse whom he had reached just
in time.
II was robbed, deserted by the false
hearted nephew who induced me to
send away the child of an old friend
whom had adopted" narrated Rush
ton. He led me to believe she was
not loyal, and hoped for my death to
inherit what | have. Alas! | trusted
the wretch. A week ago he disap-
peared with some money kept in the
AouSS' iiC lCIl me III anu eipltSS. l.
now know that he grossly deceived me
as to the girl whom | so cruelty turned
adrift-poor, dear Hazel Ross!"
Hazel Ross!" repeated Hudson in
profound Amusement, and well he
might, and then he told of his recent
acquaintance with his fellow office
worker.
In feverish eagerness Rushton i'm
plored Hudson to find her, to bring her
to his side. 1t was a pathetic reunion
and it terminated in Hazel regaining
the love and protection of old Gabriel
Rushton.
His bitter experience made him
cherish the three true friends now at
his side-for the humble collie it was
who had been the means of bringing
them together.
Norman Hudson found new employ
ment Gabriel Rushton began to lose
his misery instincts and, as wife of
the one and adopted daughter of the
other, Hazel made the rehabilitated
home rare nest of comfort and hap
piness.