The Devils Lake world. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1920-1982, 1922-11-01
Danes Last
Jest
BY ELLA SAUNDERS

in the ward wants looking AFTER" said
the house surgeon to Nurse Ellice.
"Acute alcoholism and exposure
Picked UP by the ambulance an hour
ago. He'll want looking after"
They looked al each other ard
smiled, for they were the best friends
that it is possible for two people to be
who know that they can never be any
thing more chan friends.
1t had been almost case of love ut
first sight when they met at the hos
pital six months before. And when
silence became impossible Nurse I'll
lice had spoken the words that had
robbed Wesley Of his hopes forever.
He had learned of her unhappy mar
riage five years before to drunkard
and rogue who had ill-treated her and
finally left her, of her taking up
nursing, her admission to the hospital,
where she was generally loved by
nurses and patients alike.
She had thrown her whole life into
her work and was recognized as the
Most devoted and competent of the
staff.
'rll go and see him." Nurse Ellice
answered.
Five minutes later she was staring
into the face of the man on the bed
with terror that CONSTRUCTED her
heart ard left her numb, cold and
speechless.
And, as If conscious of her presence,
the man opened his eyes and looked
back at her. At first he looked without
recognition; then a malicious smile
began to spread over his features.
$50 it's you, Ellice, is it," he num-
bled. who'd have thought of meet
ing you here?'
you must lie quiet and not talk"
said Nurse Ellice in her quiet tones.
He obeyed, grumbling. And the next
day he was too i'll to talk at all, but
she was conscious that his eyes fol-
the thought of the past, and the awful
sense of being entrapped by it again
she moved as if in dream, not daring
to think, lest the old terror should
drive her mad.
He was not changed. When he grew
better he delighted in tormenting her.
well fix up little home, Ellice," he
would say. you've become stun
ming woman, and I'd do good deal
for you. I'm going to give up the
drink. I've learned my lesson. I've
Not little deal on that'll soon bring
in the shekels. I'm not down and out.
And if l was. you'd see me through,
wouldn't you. Ellice?'
"Yes, I'd see you through she an
swered mechanically.
He watched her wolfishly when Wes-
ley was at the bedside. He knew in
a moment, and he tainted her when
he was gone.
$50 that's how the land lies, Is it?'
he jeered.
Making up to the doc, Ell? Well,
there's nothing doing to that. D'you
understand? You're my wife, and
when I get out of here you're going
to be mine or I'll soon put the lid on
that doc friend of yours"
Wesley faced Ellice in the passage.
"Ellice. who is that MANI he asked
in fierce whisper.
my husband" she answered.
He said nothing more. After all,
| what could he said? 1t was fate that
had brought him there, the same fate
| that now suddenly produced relapse,
so that for days Dane lowered between
life and death. only again to improve
slowly. until he was sitting up once
more and watching Wesley and Ellice
with his hitter smile.
Il don't understand it, said Wes-
| ley, frankly puzzled. by all the rules
| he ought to have been dead or we'll
days ago. EIlice"-the cry in his voice
was almost Of despair-'tell me, do
you wish him to get well?'
Eyes, l do" she answered bravely.
"Then-"
| II shall leave the hospital. l cannot
see you again.
But you will not-you will not-7'
ooh, no, no, never!" she answered,
with strangled sob; and fed from
| him.
| DdHc WAS SIltlIS up III Ocu cFClJ
| day now. He was to he discharged
soon. He called Nurse Ellice to him
II guess you're pretty fond of that
| doctor chap, eh?' he asked, looking
curiously at her.
"Well?" she asked listlessly.
"Tve been rotten sort of husband
! to you, guess Did you mean what
you said about taking care Of met"
"Ill do everything in the world for
! YOU" she answered, "except-except-'
He grinred at her in his malicious
way "See you tomorrow, them" he
! teered. I'm kind Of sleepy now. Well
| talk things over, then
Nurse Ellice, you are wanted-youl
patient
Wesley and the senior surgeon were
| standing by the bed inside the screen
| One glance at Danes face told Ellice
the truth. She pulled herself together
J with mighty effort OF will.
I! "When-was it?' she faltered.
uIIalf an hour apO The man fooled