Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1922-12-21
CHAPTER v
A Desert Rose.

When Dick lay down that night he
was duly conscious of pain and head
ache-that he did not feel well. De
spite this, and a mind thrOnging with
memories and anticipations, he sue
rumhed to WEAKNESS and soon fell
asleep.
1t was light when he awoke, but
a strange brightness seen through
what seemed blurred eyes. A mo-
ment passed before his mind worked
clearly, and then he had to make an
effort to think. He was dizzy. When
he essayed to lift his right arm, an
excruciating pain made him desist.
Then he discovered that his arm was
badly swollen, and the hand had
burst its bandages. The injured mem
her was red, angry, infamed, and
twice it's normal size. He felt hot all
over and raging headache con-
sumed him.
Beding came stamping into the
room.
Hello, Dick. Do you know It's
ldlt' IION lIC loI ills
morningY"
Dick tried to sit up, but his effort
was failure. He got about half up,
then felt himself weakly sliding back.
II guess-I'm pretty sick" he said.
He saw Bedding lean over him, feel
his face, and speak. and then every
thing seemed to drift, not into dark
ness but into some region where he
had dim perceptions Of gray moving
things, and of voices that were re-
mote. Then there came an interval
when all was blank. When he again
Enclosed his eyes the room was sunny,
and cool with a fragrant breeze that
blew through the open door. Dick
felt better; but he had no particular
desire to move or talk or eat.
On the next day he was very much
improved.
We've been afraid of blood poi
soning," said Bedding. But my wife
thinks the dangers past. You'll have
to rest that arm for while"
Ladd and jim came peeping in at
the door.
"Come in, boys. He can have COM
pany-the more the better-if it'll
keep him content. He mustn't move,
that's ALL"
The cowboys entered, slow, easy,
rUoI. kind-voiced.
ashore it's tough" said Ladd, after
hn had ni,Iy
up"
Jim Lash wagged his half-bald,
sunburned head. "Musta been more'n
tough for ROjas."
Gale. Laddy tells me one of our
neighbOrs, fellow named Carter, Is
going to Casita" put in Belding
Here's a chance to get word to your
friend the soldier"
"Oh, that will be finer exclaimed
Dick. II declare I'd forgotten
Thorne. How is Miss Casta-
media? I hope"
"She's all right, Gale. Been up and
around the patio for two days. She
and Nell made friends at once. I'll
call them in"
Both girls came in, Mercedes lead
ing. Like Nell, she wore white, and
she had red rose in her hand. She
was swift, impulsive in her move
ments to reach Dicks side.
"Senor am so sorry you were
lll-sO happy you are better"
Dick greeted her, offering his left
hand, gravely apOloglzing for the fac
that, owing to late infrmity, he
could not offer the right. Her smile
exquisitely combined sympathy, graft
tude. admiration. Then Dick spoke
to Nell likewise Offering his hand
which she took shyly. Her reply wa'
murmured, unintelligible one bu
her eyes were glad, and the tint IL
her cheeks threatened to rival thu
hue of the rose she carried.
Presently Dick remembered Il
speak Of the matter Of getting new
to ThOrne.
"SenOr, may I write to him? VII
someone take letter?
shall hear from him !" she said; ant
her white hands emphasized he
words.