The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1929-07-19
CHAPTER III-Continued

Poor old beSgar, l thought; i
wonder if cannot do anything foT
him" And while was thus debat
ing. a timid knock came 10 the door
i opened il, and there was tie girl.
Berna.
There was nervous anxiety in her
manner, and a mute Interrogation in
her gray eyes
I'm afraid he's a little sick to
day.. said gently; but come in
won't you and see him?'
Thank you" With some words OF
endearment. she fell on her knees he
side him, and her small white hand
sought his thin gnarled one As if
galvanized into life, the old man
turned gratefully TO her.
Maybe be would care for some
coffee" said Il think | could rustic
him some"
She gave me a queer. sad look OF
thanks.
IF you could" she answered
When | returned she had the old
man propped up with pillows She
took the coffee from me. and held the
cup to his lips; but after few sips
be turned away YEARLY.
I'm afraid be doesn't care for
that | said
No. I'm afraid be won't take II.
On, if only had some fruit"
Then il was bethUught me OF the
box Of grapes | had bought them
just before leaving. thinking they
would be a grateful surprise 10 my
companions. Obviously ] had been
inspired, and now produced them
in triumph, big, plump. glossy fell
lows, buried in the fragrant cedar
dust | shook clear a large bunch.
and once more we tried rhe old man.
II seemed as if we had hif Oh the one
thing needful, for he ate eagerly
When he had finished and was resting
quietly. she turned TO me
Il don't know how ] can thank you.
sir. for your kindness"
Very easily" said quickly. I'll
you will yourself accept some of the
fruit, I shall be more than repaid"
She gave me dubious look; then
such a bright merry lighr flashed in
TO her eyes that she was radiant in
nv sight
IF you viii share them with me-"
she said simply
So, for the lack OF chairs. we squat
ted on the narrow stateroom floor
under the old mans kindly eye She
ate daintily. and as we talked. stud
led her face as if ! would efch il Cd
my memory forever.
II must he remembered. lest I ap
pear 10 be taking a too eager inter
EST in the girl, thai up till now the
world of woman had been terra incog
nita 10 me: that 1 tad lived a singu-
larry clustered life. and that first an,:
last l was an idealist- This girl ha,f
distinction, mystery and charm and
II is not 70 be wondered al that .
found q Joy in her presence. Her
mind seemed nimhIy TO outrun mine
and she OWNED my words ere I had
them uttered. Yet she never spoke
of herself. and when ! left them to
Sether ] was full of uneasy question
ing
II was on the third day | found the
old man up and dressed, and Berna
with him She looked brighter and
happier than had YET seen her anc
she greeted me with smiling face
Then. after little. she said:
My grandfather plays the violin
Would you mind II ne played over
some of our old-country songs? Ii
would comfort him
NO, go ahead" | said: 4 wish be
would"
SO she got an ancient violin. and
the old man cuddIed il lovingly and
played soft, weird melodies, songs OF
the Czech race, thar made me think
of ropance. of love and hate. and pas
sion and despair.
The wild music throhbed with pas
sionare sweetness and despair. Un-
observed. the pale twilight stole into
the little cabin. The ruggedly fine
face of the old man was like one in
spired, and with clasped hands. the
girl sat. very white-faced and melton.
less. Then saw CLEAN On her
cheek. the soft falling of tears. | feI,
as If ! had been allowed TO share with
them a few moments consecrated 10
their sorrow, and that they knew |
understood.
That day as was leaving. ! said
TO her:
~Berna. this is our last night or
board"
YES"
Tomorrow our trails divide. mayb.
never again 10 cross. VIII you com.
up on deck for q little while tonight
I wanr 10 taih TO you"
"Talk 10 nlei'
She looked startled incredulous
She hesifaied
PLEASE Rerna. it's the last time
"All right She answered in low
tone.
She came 70 meet me- lily-whif,
and sweet She was hut thinl,
wrapped and shivered So that I pm
MY coat around her.
-Berna r.
-Yes"
You're not happy. Berna Your
In sore trouble, little girl don