The Elk Mountain pilot. [volume] (Irwin, (Ruby Camp), Gunnison County, Colo.) 1880-19??, 1921-07-21

out to him, and Tonnibel came nearer.
Her fingers let go their hold on the
picture, and it fell to the floor. And
there before the startled mans eyes.
she dropped down and began to sob.
long bitter sobs such as John Pendle-
haven had never heard from any of
his own women kind.
II want some one to help my mummy
SO bad" came to him from among the
curls.
Then he shook himself, deep sym
pathy striking at him.
Listen to me, my dear; you've done
my brother the greatest favor in the
world by bringing back this picture"
He stopped and picked it up. HE
loved 1t dearly; no money could have
bought It"
Tonnibers eyes, filled with tears
gazed up at him. and the red lips
trembled.
II don't want money" she faltered.
But my poor little mummys sick. So
l said to myself If the picture was
worth cash, then mebbe 1 could get
some medicine as a change off,"
"We'll go to her instantly" said
Pendlehaven. "Wait until get my
hat and coat, and I'll tell my brother
you brought this to him."
In few minutes he was back. find
ing her standing where he had left her.
Without a word they walked out in
to the night.
AS they passed the Salvation army
quarters the girl turned her head and
looked at 1t. But she made no remark,
and SO rapid did she walk that Pendle-
haven found himself taking long
strides to keep up with her.
To say he was surprised when they
turned from the boulevard road to a
path leading to the west shore Of the
lake would be putting 1t lightly. But
he didn't ask where they were going ;
somehow It made no difference to him.
His strong, warm hand held the small
brown one. and something in the touch
of the girls fingers made him thrill
with pleasure. He found himself VOW
ing that anything this strange child
should ask of him. he'd do. no matter
what 1t might be.
They passed over a culvert through
which water, in tumbling roars, took
Its way down the hill. Just ON the
north side the girl stopped.
Here we are to the ragged rocks"
she said. There's the boat where my
mummy Is. See that little light? Stand
here minute till come back and get
you."
1t had suddenly occurred to Tomb
bel that perhaps her father might
have ventured home. If so, then she
must prepare him for the doctors COM
ing.
and looked down upon her. The
swollen lids were still closed and the
wan white face brought rush of
tears to the girls eyes.
"Pve brung some one to help you,
darlin'," she whispered, but the wom-
an made no move. If by chance she
heard.
Clambering up the steps, Tonnibel
was back at the doctors side before
he scarcely realized 1t.
'AIummy's alone" she said. Come
on"
Pendlehaven stopped over Edith De
Won, gently taking her wrist in his
fingers. For some time he sat beside
her, then mixing a draught, succeeded
in pouring it down her throat. The
weary lids didn't lift, but one thin arm
came rigidly upward. then fell back
Imply.
Some one struck her, eh?" asked
the doctor.
"Yep," replied the girl, and that was
all.
Pendlehaven didn't ask anything
more. In accepting the picture he had
tacitly promised not to question her.
What did it matter to, him how the
woman had come into her present con-
dition? He would do his utmost, his
very best for the sake of the trembling
child who lad brought back the baby's
picture which might bring n new de-
sire to live in his brother, Paul.
Come outside" he said at length,
rising. II want to talk to you. She'll
sleep long time, perhaps until morn
Ing"
She'll get well, huhT demanded
Tonnibel, in whisper.
Surely" he responded. "Of course"
The thought of her father coming
home drunk flashed across the girls
mind. II don't want you to stay If