Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-02-20

Madison accompanied Mr.. Higgin
outside and helped him to harness up
"Look here. Mr.. Madison" he said
as he made ready to so, would you al
low that the Patriarch's goin' blint
was goin' to interfere any with hi
power OF curin' folks? It'll be pow
erful blow to the town if 1t does"
why, Of course not" answered Mad
ison decisively. Certainly not! In
deed, I wouldn't be surprised II 1t en-
HANGED his power-it's purely mental
you know. They say that the loss o
any one or more of the senses gener
ally tends to make the others the NOR,
acute. It's the-er-law of compensa
ton
'Glad to hear you say so," and MI
Higgins heaved sigh Of relief, "caus,
I got another letter to write sides thi
one for the Patriarch. It come las
night. an was figurin' on speakin' t,
you about 1t. It was from fellow III
your way by the name of Michae
COogan, an was addressed to the post
master. Pears he read piece in th,
papers about the Patriarch, which III
sent along with the letter. Allows he's
been ailin' quite spell. though BIZ
don't say what's the matter with him
an he wants to know if what's in the
piece is all gospel truth. cause If til
he's comm down. That's why I'm
right glad to have heerd you say what
you just said. Bein' postmaster. an
writin' 'f11cially. got to be conscien
tious and pretty partic'lar."
Eyes. Of course-naturally." assented
Madison. "And what are you going to
say to him?''
why" returned Mr.. Higgins, there
amt no trouble about it now. Coin to
tell him that if the Patriarch can't help
him there amt nobody on earth can;
thought Of mentionin' your name too"
by all MEANS" agreed Madison cor
daily. II feel like new man since
I've come; here. only wish more PEG.
pie knew about the Patriarch. II
makes your heart ache to think Of the
suffering and sickness that people en-
dure SO hopelessly when there isn't any
need Of it,
Yes, so It do" said Mr.. Higgins.
picking up the reins.
Madison watched the democrat as It
started on; them, smiling, he walked
back into the cottage.
It was Hiram Higgins who intro
ducef1 Helena Vail to Madison two
days later.
Madison had led the Patriarch out.
side the door Of the cottage as the
sound of wheels announced the expect
ed arrival and was waiting for her as
Mr.. Higgins drove up in the democrat.
Helena, marvelously CARRIED in the ex-
IRENE Of fashion, was demurely sur
veying her surroundings. A huge trunk
and two smaller ones occupied the rear
Of the vehicle. with the dismantled
back seat dashed on top of them.
Madison, leaving the Patriarch. has.
tened forward politely.
'Mr Madison" said Hiram Higgins
Importantly. "this be the Patriarch's
grandniece come to stay with him."
From under picture hat Helena's
eyes smiled down at Madison.
"Oh, / am so glad to meet you, Mr..
Madison" she said cordially. "Mr.
Higgins has been telling me about you
and how good you have been to my
my granduncle."
"You are very kind to say so, Miss
VAIL" responded Madison modestly.
May I help you down"
She gave him g daintily gloved hand,
exposed daintily stockinged ankle as
she placed her foot q little hesitantly
on the wheel and jumped lightly to the
ground.
THAT" she said quickly and a little
anxiously for Mr.. Higgins ears, indi-
eating the Patriarch-"that is my
granduncle there, am sure"
YES" said Madison, leading her to
ward the Patriarch. "And he has been
looking forward very anxiously all day
to your arrival-it seemed as though
the afternoon would never come for
him."
"Gee!' murmured Helena under her
breath. II had the rubes in the village
on the run-you ought to have seen
them stare as the chariot drove along"
II don't wonder" said Madison soft
". ''The suns rather strong down
here. Helena, and II you're not careful
you'll scorch your neck with those
burning glasses you've got in Jour
ears
"Don't I look nice?" pouted the girl
You bet you do!' said Madison
earnestly. you've got the SWEETEST
thing on Broadway beaten from Forty
second street to the Battery. Now,
here you are.' rs they halted before
the Patriarch.
The venerable face was turned to-
ward them. as though by instinct the
Patriarch knew that they were there,
and his hands were held out In greet
ing. III
Helena clasped them firmly and sub
mitted sweetly rs the Patriarch drew
her into his arms.
He released her after an instant, and
his hands. In lieu Of eyes. reaching out
to search her face, came bewilderingiy
In contact with the picture hat.
Helena. a little uncertainty, locked at
Madison.
''Is he all blind?' she whispered.
"Quits Blind replied Madison sadly.
Helena's face clouded Z little. and
into the brown eyes crept strange.
sudden, sympathetic look.
aDOc." she said, "lt-it isn't fair. It's
I shame he can't iight back"
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