The log cabin Democrat., 1922-04-10
Danes Last Jest
By ELLA SAUNDERS

l tN'A ago. He'll want looking after" They looked at each other and smiled, for they were the best friends that 1t is possible for two people to be who know that they can never be any thing more than friends.
 It had been almost case of love at Arst sight when they met at the hos pital six months before. And when silence became impossible Nurse El- 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.
 "Tll go and see him." Nurse Ellice answered.
 Five minutes later she was staring into the face of the man on the bed with a terror that constricted her heart and left her numb cold and | speeches..
 And, as if conscious of her presence, the man opened his eyes and looked back at her. At first he looked without i recognition then a malicious smile began to spread over his features.
 "So 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 ill to talk at all but she was conscious that his eyes fol- lowed her every movement. And at the thought of the past, and the awful sense of being entrapped by 1t 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. "We'll fix up a little home, Ellice." he | would say You've become a stun ming woman, and I'd do good deal | drink. I've learned my lesson. I've got little deal on that'll soon bring in the shekels. I'm not down and out And, if I was, you'd see me through, wouldn't you, ElliceT'
 "Yes, I'd see you through she an- ] swered mechanically. He watched her wolflshly when Wes- ley was at the bedside He knew in moment, and he taunted her when he was gone
 "So that's how the land lies, Is it?' he jeered
 Making up to the doc, eh? We'll | 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 man?" he asked in fierce whisper.
 "My husband" she answered.
 He said nothing more After all, what could be said? It 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 bitter smile
 Il don't understand it, said Wes- ley, frankly puzzled. By all the rules he ought to have been dead or well days ago. Ellice'-the cry in his voice was almost of despair-"tell me, do you wish him to get well?'
 "Yes, 1 do," she answered bravely.
 "Then-"
 q shall leave the hospital. I cannot see you again.
 But you will not-you will not-?'
 "Oh, no, no, never." she answered. with a strangled sob; and fled from him.
 Dane was sitting up in bed every day now. He was to be discharged soon. He called Nurse Ellice to him.
 "I 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 me?'
 "Tll do everything in the world for you" she answered, "except-except-''
 He grinned at her In his malicious way. "See you tomorrow, then" he jeered. I'm kind of sleepy now. We'll talk things over, then"
 "Nurse Ellice, you are wanted-your 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 With a mighty effort of will.
 "When-was it?' she faltered. 1 Half an hour ago The man fooled