The Mena weekly star., 1918-01-31

Stella Caught Her Breath. She Hadn't
 Been Prepared For That. shoulder, saw her brothers tousled head on pillow. A nurse in uniform sat beside his bed Linda closed the door silently.
 Come into the kitchen, where we won't make a noise,- she whispered.
 A fire burned In the kitchen stove Linda sank into willow rocker.
 I'm weary as Atlas" she said. I've been fretting for so long. Then late yesterday afternoon they brought him home to me like that The doctor was probing for the bullet when wired you. I was in panic then, think. Half past 4l How did you get here so soon7 How could you7 There's no train"
 Stella told her.
 Why should Monohan shoot him7'' she broke out. For Gods sake. talk, Llndap'
 There was a curious impersonality in Lindas manner, as if she stood aloof from 1t all, as if the fire of her vitality had burned out. She lay back in her chair with eyelids dropping. speaking in dull, llfeless tones.
 "Monohan shot him because Charlie came on him in the woods setting & fresh fire. They've suspected him, or some one in his pay, of that, and they've been watching. There were two other men with Charlie, so there Is no mistake. Monohan got away. That's all l know. Oh, but I'm tired. I've been hanging on to myself for go long About daylight, after we knew for sure that Charlie was over the hill, something seemed to let go in me. I'm awful glad you came, Stella. Can you make q cup of tear
 Linda's head dropped over the tea cup. Her eyelids blinked
 Dear" Stella said tenderly, come and lie down. You're worn out"
 Perhaps I'd better" Linda mutter- ed. There's another room in there
 Stella tucked the weary girl into the bed and went back to the kitchen and sat down in the willow rocker. After another hour the nurse came out and prepared her own breakfast Benton was In no danger, the nurse told Stella. The bullet had driven cleanly through bis chest, missing as by a miracle any vital part, and lodged in the muscles of his back, whence the surgeon had removed 1t. Though weak from shock, loss of blood, excitement, he had ral- lied splendidly and fallen into normal sleep, from which he was just awak- ening.
 Benton lifted alert, recognizing eyes when Stella peeped in the bedroom door.
 Hello, sis !" he greeted in strangely subdued tones. When did you blow inf thought you'd deserted the sink ing ship completely. Come on in."
 She winced inwardly at his words, but made no outward sign as she came up to his bedside. The nurse went out.
 Perhaps you'd better not talkf' she said.
 "Oh, nonsense" he retorted feebly, I'm all right. Sore as the mischief and weak But 1 don't feel as bad as might. Linda still asleep?"
 T think so" Stella answered
 Poor kid" he breathed Its been tough on her. Well. guess It's been tough on everybody. He turned out to be some bad actor this Monohan party. I never did like the beggar. He was little too high handed in his smooth Kid glove way. But I didn't suppose he'd try to burn up million dollars worth of timber to satisfy grudge We'll, he put bis foot in 1t proper at last. He'll get good long jolt in the pen If the boys don't beat the consta- bles to him and take him to pieces"
 He did start the fire, then?' Stella muttered.
 "I guess SO" Benton replied. At any rate, he kept 1t going. Did 1t by his lonesome too. Jack suspected that We were watching for him as well as fighting fire. He'd come down from the head of the lake in that speed boat of his, and this time daylight caught him before he could get back to where he had her cached, after starting d string Of little fires in the edge of my north limit He had it in for me too, you know: baffed him over the head will plKe pole nere at the wharf one uay this spring, so he plunked me as soon as hollered at him. l wish he'd done 1t earlier In the game We might have saved a lot of good timber As 1t was, ws couldn't do much Every time the wind changed it would break out in a new place-too often to be accidental Hang him r
 How is it going to end, the firef" Stella forced herself to ask "Will you and Jack be able to save any timberf
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