Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1930-10-02

lief to think that he had taken charge
of the search. He would md Ernes-
tine II she were to be found
But the thought of her sister out In
these hot streets. lost, III and alone,
caused her such anguish that she could
scarcely breathe. What would mamma
say to herr Mamma loved Ernestine
the better-always had Mamma had
really left Ernestine to her.
The door was flung open and Loring
stood there. His eyes were kllttering
with fear or fever. He looked at her
as II he scarcely knew her.
Lillian" he exclaimed
Il drove she told him, -all the
way. I've been so worried"
You had cause to worry" he said
grlmly. "When we find Ernestlne she
IL going home with us-to stay. Don't
you agree7 She's got to have soms-
body to take care Of her"
"Of course, Loring."
i've news Of Sort be said slowly,
and they stared at him. Il don't know
what it's worth. There was woman
taken to the County hospital this
afternoon-from this neighborhood
She was young woman. and she was
to be confined. 1t might have been
Ernestine. I've sent Will out there,
and came by to see IL You were
hereto his wife-"and to wait here
for a phone CALL"
The telephone shrilled, and the
sound leaped through them all. Mrs..
Bennett picked up the receiver with a
trembling hand. while they all watched
her In straining silence.
"Yes-yes-this Is Mrs. Bennett. :.
Oh. he did. Oh, thank you.
Her sister IL here I'll tell
them"
She turned from the phone.
ITS the hospital Office. Will has
identified Ernestine, and he's there
with her. Oh. Mr.. Hamilton-you
found herI'
Get your hat said Loring. And
come with u.s. Never mind your keys,
Lillian. Well take the taxi"
AT the hospital an inferno was very
busInesslike.
Her husband has Identified her.
Yes. he Is with her now. No, you can't
come in-wel. only for a moment"
There lay Ernestine in the stir, long
sleeved, hospital shirt, her hair black
between her white face and the white
pillow. a nurse beside her counting
her respiration, Will cronchlng there,
his face against the covers. Her eyes
were opened. flushed with fever. She
was talking-pleadIng--in delirinm
Ernestine the darling slster--in this
dreadful placed
"You will all have to co. said the
nurse. swapping shut her old-fashiened
watch and darting resentful look at |
the inferno. 1--WE cannot have any
body In this ward after hours Mr..
Todd. you will have to 60
"Ernestine,' cried Lillian. and Ernes-
dne said quickly:
willis coming. tell you my name
Is Briceland B-r-i-c-e-l-a-n-d--I think
there's more The bus ran over me-
Il leaped at me-"
"She was crushedT' exclaimed LII
Ian, and the nurse said:
@No-she's just deliriouH Please CO."
"Can't we have her moved to prl-
rate room7 Can't we move herr 1t
was Loring now.
VIII had lifted his face, and he
stared at Ernestine and gently
her cheek, while her bright
ayes turned on him. T
"papa--you must find Will-heu
worry" she urged him.
II can't say about moving her.
You'll have to see the floor doctor.
She Is very Iii to be moved-pleass
cave the ward now"
The nurse was definite. Training
ind authority were behind her. and
hey withdrew. Even VIII had to
cave her, but Ernestine made such an
,utcry that the nurse permitted him
o come back until Loring should make
to move Ernestina.
Lillian found herself In tiny re-
eption room furnished barely. Loring
lad gone to the Office, Mrs. Bennett to
he phone booth downstairs For =
moment Lillian thought she was go
ng to be sick. She chung desperately
0 the arms Of the chair. She was
he only woman In the ROOM black
nan stood near her, twisting cloth
ap In his hands, his lips moving
oundIessly. There was another man,
habby, unclean, suffering Tn patient
Hence, and they were Joined by
bird and then fourth vague quiet
cure.
Lillian's feelings were not OF pity
ut revulslon. She could not bear It
1rnestine here with the scum OF the
arth--mamma's baby-their beauty
q this place that smelled OF lysol, that
7as as full OF the sounds Of sickness
nd suffering as purgatory Is full OF
roans. This place was hell. It was
ightmare- There came from the
treets the clang OF an ambulance
nd stretcher moved In the hall.
toring was beside her, reckoning.
I'VE are taking her to the Presby-