The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1926-03-31
CHAPTER Lv

CHAPTER Lv
Olga was tired. Too tired for the
sleep the nurse told her she needed.
And though she ached in every nerve
and muscle, still there was luxury in
the clean. cool sheets, in the trag-
rance of cut flowers that were on the
table.
She lay there thinking. And oc-
casionally the thought Of some one
Of the many experiences that had
been hers the last few days would
cause a shudder.
II wonder how it came out - she
said. And then. IF only could be
out Of herand know. Sam
Church. 1t seems impossible,
and yet. oh. | wouldn't put IL
his" n
She tossed restlcssly. "And with
him out Of the way, it means that
Jim and the girloh, Jim. no.. /.
And yet. why shouldn't he? Who
am /? What right. have l to expect
she's his kind, and I'm not, I guess.
guess anyone can see that. Z
Tears cOursed down her face and
dampcned the pillow. I'D never do,
! guess And then. with catchy
sob in her voice, she cried, "Oh, Jim,
! tried SO hard-tried so hard to
change" She lay there long time,
in the dark.
And Jimmy Rand downstairs was
breaking all the rules Of the hospital.
Really" insisted the night super
intendent, "it's against regulations.
It's after visiting hours, and besides
Miss Maynard is not to be disturbed
under any condition"
II don't care" he answered. I'm
going to see hcr-now. I've got to
see her."
"But can't you wait till morn
ing?r
mo. brought her here.
could have brought her to another
hospital if I'd wanted. I'm paying
the bill, and ! won't have you put
me off,
Really. Mr.. Rand. it isn't a ques-
ton Of who pays the bill. Rules are
rules, you know
"Then in this case there'll have to
be an exception. tell you she can't
rest until she hears from me. It's
important; she has to know. She'll
be just bundle Of nerves until she
hears from me that everything has
come out all right"
We'll. if you re really going to
insist, suppose .
THANK you. knew you'd under
stand"
Which was not so at all, for she
didn't
He walked up the hall and up the
stairs, in the wake Of young nurse.
His head was thrown back and his
lips formed soundless words.
The nurse stepped into a room,
and he heard low voices. saw light
Then she was out in the hall again.
"You may 60 in now"
| He had thought to enter on a
CHEEKY note of laughter, but the
sight of her lying there, pitifully
white, was unnerving, and his hand
was trembling violently as he laid it
on hers.
"Olga, are you all right"
ayes, Jim. I'll be out again in a
week. Rest is all need"
She smiled bravely. "Now tell me
JIM"
ooh, it was Church, all right. He's
confessed. Jensen's dead, and I'm
| not sorry" He stopped and regard.
| ed her graveiy. What he was about
to say was not going to be easy He
said to himself, Mustn't back down
now"
"Olga," and he squeezed her hand
! hard, to steady his own, "I"
But her eyes were searching his
face and, somehow, he couldn't gc
on with her looking at him like that
/ What they read there he did no,
know. but they seemed to be reach
ing to his very thoughts.
"Jim, you're hurting my hand
She drew it away and placed it or
his. "Don't talk, Jim. Just si
there
Long minutes passed, and a cheer,
little clock on the bedside tabl.
licked loudly. /. Her hand still
lay on his.
"I'm awful glad" she was sayin,
presently, that everything turnct
out AL right for you. For your SAX.
Jim, and for NINE"
! "Olga." he'll protested, 'you know
! very we'll ! never doubled
1 But she silenced him by placinl
her finger against his lips.
4 II know. you didn't, Jim. IT,
wonderful to know that you believe.
I IN me all through" Then she said
/ H:ye you told Nary YETI"
i "Why haven't your" Z
I Because ] came here first, Olga
49, tAlffu1n6as X ~ Si