Year: 1874




Il did. Miss Dallas, and upon very Sc
rious matter. Pardon me if | appear TO
be mcddling with your secrets; | do it
only to save fellow-creature's life"


The young woman's face flushed during
the remarks. but paled when he spoke so
grayely. He continued:


Three weeks ago was called to the
bedside OF Harry Gilman, and | found
him prOstrated with brain fever. saw al
the outset that the case was desperate
one. but hoped that skill and care might
bring him through. From that day until
this | have been almost constant i'm my at
tendance upon him; have battled with
the disease inch by inch and have striven
with what skill | had at command TO save
him.


Early in my attendance | saw there
was some dreadful disappointment beneath
his malady. If not the cause of his pros
tration. In the hours that his mind wan
dered your name was constantly on his
tongue. His sister told me in answer 10
my questions. that Harry was deeply and
truly in love with you, but that an
estrangement has come between you late
ly: and think this blow has been the one
that brought him under my care. To-
night the crisis in his disease will be
reached. and tonight will answer our
questions a to whether he will live or die.
Without any help but such as can reader
him he may be saved; but mans life is
too great jewel 10 trifle with. and we
feel If You would but help us we could
surely save him. win you consent TO as
sist us."


"What could do?n she asked.


The plan have marked out in my
mind said he. is simply this. About
midnight he will arouse from his stupor.
and in the next ten minutes his fate will
be decided. The main point will be TO
have him make an effort for his own life.
Should he try to live. his chances will be
among the best: should he make no such
effort. We might with stimulants carry
him beyond danger; but fiat that moment
he recall, the past, and despondently sinks
under il. no power under heaven but you
can save him.


''And what would you have me dog"


"Just this. Miss Dallas; If, when he
awakens, he is hopeful and remembers
nothing OF his disappointment, we will
not need you at all. But should he begin
10 sink, the sight of you would save him."


But howyn


we could pretend you had recalled
your decision OF "A few weeks ago"


Oh. that would be too horrible. |
could never do that"


Not TO save mans life ~ he asked
solemnly.


ale would not thank me for saving his
life BY such mockery.'' she said. .'Why,
might have TO say that | loved him,
might noty'


.le<"


''Oh, could not do it,


mot even 10 save his lifeg''


'lou said that before. " she said. ssbut
hat I IL o.. 81
Harry and have ever been dear friends. |
never fancied that he could love me until
he surprised me by his avowal. and then
told him il could not be. How could
stand at his bedside now and say that
loved him. No, no, il cannot be. Think
Of some other PLAN"


IL have thought of all ways. Miss Dal-
las. may not have TO ask you to do this
thing that you dislike so much. unless in
the contingency spoke of. will not say
10 you what you ought to do, my dear
young lady. but promise you. if | am
compelled 10 ask your assistance, that
will explain the whole matter 10 Harry.
Just as II j.. and give him a correct report
and understanding OF your part in it,.


But how could ever meet him again -
at will be no harder then than il is now.
And have no doubt Harry will leave the
place II he recoyers."


IL would be glad to help you, Doctor.
but this would seem like profanity to me-


at j. TO save fellow-creature's life, and
BE- all the blame on me-


Il wish | could do il, but what an awful
Thing Il i for a girl TO do -


Il can appreciate your hesitation. and
yet, II you were my daughter | would say
II was your duty TO do it,"


"Thank YOU for saying that. Doctor ii
decides me. | will do what you ask


"Thanks ! will call for you this even
ing, and explain your part to you"


Later In the night there gathered around
the bed of the sick man his mother and
sisters. the doctor and Kate Dallas. The
doctor had explained To the others the part
hc had persuaded Kate To act ii il should
be necessary. and they had thanked her
over and over for consenting. They sat
near each other the mother and sisters
wondering in their own hearts that any
girl could know their Harry and not love
him, but yet, they are women enough to
know that love can not be forced or re:l-
soned.


"llow is he now, DoctorY' the mother
whispers, and his reply. "There is no
change" They await the slow turnings
of another hour, and then the sleeper
makes some movements with his lips. and
the doctor, bending over. catches the word.
skate" but he does not tell IL 10 the 9TH
ers. BY and by there Is another movement
and The doctor bcckons them out of the
room.


In quarter Of an hour more he will