New Britain herald., 1922-10-19
The Way Mother Graham Met ,Iadec

The way Mother 6raham Met Nadec
 At Dr. Pettts announcement that Tom Chester must be brought to our home because the hospital was over crowded with accidents and opera tions," l gave an involuntary little gasp of dismay which I was thank ful, indeed, no one overheard. But though ! might conceal my discom- fort l could not hanish 1t, for I had q swift, vivid vision ot Diekys face should he come home and find Tom Chester hedrdden, helpless inmate of our guest room.
 There was no hint of any inward oualm in my manner, however, as l said promptly and heartily:
 Of course, doctor. we would not consent to his being taken anywhere else, His leg is broken, is it not ." l made the last question audible to Dr, Pettit's ears alone.
 Badly" The muttered monosyll- able confirmed my own impression ot the young mans injuries, and as I climbed into the tonneau beside the suffering lad tried to put from me every thought save that of considera- ton for him
 Dr. Pettit followed me in. indicated the position in which I was to sit, and lifting Tom Chester's shoulders with infinite caution, so as not to disturb his rigidly stretched -out leg, gave me swift succinct directions:
 Slip your arm around his shoul- ders. that's right. Put his head against your own shoulder, no-more to the right. Now brace your feet against the foot rail. Can you sit that way without moving or letting him be jolted until we get to your house? I'll drive as carefully as pos sible."
 "What Has Happened?"
 T can.'' 1 returned shortly, for there was something in his voice, or, so I fancied, which implied a doubt of my being able to carry out his di- rectons l wondered rebelliously why he had not detailed my father to this duty, and let me drive the rUnabout. Then, as a wave Of some thing closely resembling nervous hys teria swept me, l realized that I was in no condition mentally or physically to drive car and that the physicians coldly professional eyes had without doubt recognized that fact.
 That his doubt of my endurance of the task he had set me had been well-founded l realized long before the short drive home was ended Every muscle rebelled at the uncom- fortable posture which l was con- pelled to hold, and only by the grim nest will power was I enabled to keep rigid and shield the helpless youth resting against me from jolt
 Manage it I did, however, but when we finally drew up to the farmhouse side door my face was wet with cold precipitation, and when almost att once Dr. Petit released me, I stag gered in getting out of the car, and would have fallen to the ground but for Lillian. who had rushed out to the veranda when she heard us driving in
 What has happened to you?" Her voice echoed the question which Dr , Petit and my father had shot at me when they had first seen me.
 Never mind that now Dr. Pettit's voice was quick and crisp. Give her one of these Immediately His hand went to his pocket and he passed Lillian little vial. which l haZly surmised must contain some stimulating pellet which he carried for himself in time of need. Then help me get this boy upstairs. Are there any men around here now?"
 Mother Graham's Question
 Two of Mir. Chester's own men are waiting for him inside" Lillian re- piled.
 Then I shant need you. I can take him Up to the same room 2"
 No" I rallied and spoke swiftly. That is my fathers, But the guest room across the hall is all ready"
 Will you make hospital bed there at once?" Dr. Petit demanded of Lillian. 1T want it ready by the time we get him upstairs. Now, MT Spencer"
 He turned from us to my father, who had driven in behind us, and as Lillian with her arm around me. fair ly dragged me up the steps, I heard him giving quick, crisp directions for the improvisation of a stretcher.
 I clutched Lillian's arm frely.
 Give me that pellet, quickly--two of them" I said. I'm not going to play the baby I can help you with that bed.'
 You'll have to- Lillian replied in| matter of fact tones, and l realized