New Britain herald., 1927-01-13

Instructions went along to the hos pital to sec that the message was delivered.
 At noon the next day they were rewarded by the receipt of the fol- lowing message:
 "JIM BADLY HURT TUESDAY NIGHT IN NEW YORK STOP SKULL FRACTURE STOP NOW IN BELLEVUE HOSPITAL STOP STILL UNCONSCIOUS AND LIT TILE HOPE FOR RECOVERY STOP WILL INFORM OF ANY CHANGE STOP MOLLIE PROSTRATED STOP HER CASE VERY SERIOUS STOP LETTER SOON.
 (SIGNED) F. C. ELWELL
 Martha Dalton sighed heavily and bowed her head in prayer. Both girls cried out in sudden agony of spirit and one of them crumpled and sank slowly to the floor.
 In New York things were just as they had been described in the telc- gram. The third day after the acci- dent Mollie Elwcll had fallen at Jim Elwelrs bedside. Brain fever, physi- clans said, was imminent.
 Dr. Lawson, instead of being call cd in to see what he could do for Jim Elwell. was summoned 10 take care of Mollic. He put her to bed at the hospital and issued orders that no one except Prof was to see her. Even Nellie Downing was barred
 The afternoon following the re- ceipt of their telegram. the girls went back to Indianapolis and Mar tha Dalton went with them. Grief and suspense now gripped the hearts of them and for days the home of John Clayton lay under a pail of dread.
 Twentyfour hours after they had received the first telegram they got another one, signed by Nellie Dow nlng. This stated that Jim was still alive, though unconscious, and in formed them of Mollie's danger of brain fever. Prof. the telegram said. was Keeping up through sheer force of will power.
 TWO days after Mollie Elwen had collapsed at her sons bedside and while Prof was sitting beside her. his eyes fixed anxiously on bor pale' drawn face, nurse tiptoed in to the room and said she had some thing to tell him.
 She lifted up warning finger,
 Now, be quiet. No noise, please. on account of her." and she indi- cated the bed where Mollie Elwel) lay.
 Prof stared at her out of tired eyes and nodded. His face was lined and haggard. through sleeplessness and worry. He had not shaved for two days.
 The nurse said, "Your son has re- gained consciousness"
 Prof slowly got 10 his meet. You mean he began eagerly you mean he will live?'
 That l can't say. II is something that he is conscious once more"
 Prof looked at his sleeping wife. ! Il want her to know as soon as she ' wakes" he said. Meanwhile. please send for Dr. Lawson at once. He i left instructions, you know. to be notified in case of new develop- | mont."
 The nurse tiptoed out. Prof fol- lowed her.
 Late that afternoon Dr. Lawson ! went into Molie Elwell's room and told her the news.
 Your son." he said, "has more than an even chance of living. Now be good lady and let's see how fast you can get well, so we can take you in to see him.
 Mollie's face was pitiful to see. It worked convuIsivcly for a while and then two large tears began to course down from her eyes.
 Cant l sec my boy now?" she asked.
 But Dr. Lawson was adamant No. Not until you prove to me that you'll behave yourself, We cant risk any sctbacks for him now. He's too nearly all in for that"
 But when the doctor left new hope was shining in the eyes of Mol lie Elwell and Prof came in to find her cheerful and eager.
 I'm going" she said to him. ito get well real soon now"
 Jim, Prof told her, was going to live. Hes sleeping soundly now and Dr. Lawson is watching him."
 wen never be able to thank Dr. Lawson enough, Prof.
 Her husband shook his head, I'm afraid not. Nor Nellie Downing. Everyone has been so kind to us Mollie. We've never known what |